‘Dreamy in a dirty martini’: the best vodkas, tested

From zero-waste spirits to hot honey twists, here are the nine tipples that came out on top from our taste test of 30

• The best gins for G&Ts, martinis and negronis

It’s the basis of countless cocktails, a party punch favourite and inexplicably added to creamy tomato penne pasta, yet vodka rarely seems to be given its due. While it may not have enjoyed a “ginaissance” like its juniper-based cousin – or seen the same trend-led uplift of rum and tequila – Wine and Spirit Trade Association data shows vodka is the UK’s biggest-selling spirit by volume.

“Too often people just buy the cheapest vodka as they believe it doesn’t have flavour,” says Dawn Davies, buying director at the Whisky Exchange. “Vodka has plenty of flavours, especially if you don’t choose one that has been distilled 100 times over. If you like a cream texture, then a potato-based one is good; for a bit more spice, try rye; and for fruitier notes, apple or grape.”