7 Best Vanilla Vodkas Of 2024

Vodka is one of the most popular spirits used for mixing cocktails around the world and the addition of the flavor vanilla increases its appeal in many different ways.

Not only is it sweeter and smoother overall, but it also adds a depth of flavor to martinis, blended cocktails, spritzers, and more. 

What is the best vanilla vodka? Choosing a vanilla vodka requires consideration of the the base vodka quality, the strength and purity of the vodka flavor, and the price for the value. The best vanilla vodka has a hint of mellow, earthy sweetness while still retaining the classic smooth, subtle vodka flavor.

We’ve curated a list of the 7 best vanilla vodkas that can be purchased online, based on each of the previously listed criteria. There’s a vanilla vodka on our list for everyone, no matter what your priorities are.

What is Vanilla Vodka?

Vanilla vodka is, not surprisingly, vodka that has been infused with the rich, luxurious flavor and aroma of vanilla. 

Every brand makes their flavored vodkas slightly differently, though there is one non-negotiable requirement according to liquor laws. Flavored vodka, including vanilla vodka, must be a minimum of 30% alcohol by volume (ABV). Traditional vodka must be at least 40% ABV.

Because plain vodka is made using a variety of different grains, depending on the manufacturer, so is vanilla vodka.

The base may be potato, corn, grains, or even fruit. Not all brands publicly share how their vodka is made, though if you have any food allergies or sensitivities you can usually contact the company for more information.

The flavoring is equally vague in most cases. Phrases like “essence of vanilla” and “natural flavorings” are common and hard to define.

What is undeniable, however, is the sweet scent and delicate flavor of vanilla that mellows out the burn of straight vodka.

Drinks with Vanilla Vodka

If you’re not sure what to mix with vanilla vodka, you can’t go wrong with a standard vanilla vodka and soda.

The earthy sweetness is as delicious with a lemon or lime clear soda as it is with cream soda, root beer, or the cola brand of your choice.

If you’re feeling more creative, however, there are several recipes and cocktails to make with vanilla vodka.

A few of our favorite cocktails that are perfect with vanilla vodka include:

• Orange creamsicle
• Summer sangria
• Christmas cocktails
• Coffee cocktails
• Vanilla mint mojitos

Just as in baked goods, vanilla pairs well with coffee, chocolate, and any creamy flavors. It also brings a lovely sweetness to citrus flavors and rounds out heavy spices like cinnamon or bright herbs like mint.

It’s truly one of the most versatile flavors you can experiment with so don’t hold yourself back.

Hot Drinks and Vanilla Vodka

Depending on the time of year and how you’re feeling, you may want to indulge in a warm beverage instead of something cold. Vanilla vodka excels in this arena.

Try pairing your spirit with the following:

• Hot chocolate – even better with marshmallows!
• Vanilla latte
• Warm spiced tea with honey
• Peppermint steamed milk
• Pumpkin spice latte or steamed milk

Warmed vanilla vodka also pairs well with Kahlua, Bailey’s, and hazelnut flavor liquors such as Frangelico.

Can You Drink Vanilla Vodka Straight?

You can drink vanilla vodka straight, but, as with any other type of spirit, the quality of the vodka will greatly impact your enjoyment of the beverage. It is best enjoyed chilled.

You may also want to add ice to have it on the rocks but it’s not generally a sipping beverage.

The flavor added to the vodka makes it immediately more appealing to many, especially when compared to drinking traditional vodka straight.

Good quality vodka has a pure flavor that is perfect to add to mixed drinks, but purchasing it pre-flavored with vanilla adds a mellow, earthy sweetness without any extras. 

If you are drinking your vanilla vodka straight, you may still want to have a chaser handy to compensate for the signature burn. A chaser can be juice, soda, or even a coffee or energy drink.

Nearly anything that you would mix vanilla vodka with will work well as a chaser, but naturally you will want it in smaller quantities.

7 Best Vanilla Vodkas 

Now that you understand what vanilla vodka is and how versatile it is, let’s take some time to review the 7 best vanilla vodkas that can be ordered online and shipped directly to your doorstep:

Rank	Product	Best Signature Cocktail
1.	Smirnoff Vanilla	Vanilla Vodka and Coke
2.	Absolut Vanilia	Vanilla Cold Brew
3.	Veil Vanilla Vodka	Chocolate Vanilla Martini
4.	Stolichnaya Vanil	Vanilla Stoli Creamsicle
5.	Burnett’s Vanilla Vodka	Vanilla Pina Colada
6.	Star Blu Vodka Vanilla	Vanilla Berry Spritzer
7.	Grey Goose Le Vanille	Classic Vodka Martini

We’ve included a full review of each, so let’s get going!

1. Smirnoff Vanilla

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Smirnoff is one of the most well-recognized brands of vodka around the world. It has a flavor smooth enough to be comfortable for new cocktail drinkers while appealing to more experienced palettes as well. The vanilla flavor isn’t overwhelming but it is obvious and has the perfect delicate fragrance.

Key Features:

• 35% ABV
• Pure, natural vanilla bean flavor with a beautiful aroma and well-balanced sweetness
• Triple distilled vodka base made from corn, filtered 10 times for purity

Signature Cocktail: Vanilla Vodka and Cola

Pour a glass of chilled cola of your choice and spike it with 2 ounces (60 mL) of Smirnoff vanilla. Give it a stir and enjoy a fuss-free party favorite.

2. Absolut Vanilia

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Next to Smirnoff, Absolut is the most common brand of vodka, especially within the USA. They’re one of the only brands that openly declare the use of the entire vanilla pod, rather than using “flavoring” and the natural flavor shines.

It is 40% ABV and you won’t forget you are drinking vodka, but the notes of butterscotch and dark chocolate make it a rich experience. 

Key Features:

• 40% ABV
• Mildly sweet, rich toffee/butterscotch flavor with classic vanilla bean fragrance
• Winter wheat vodka base, made using continuous distillation for “absolut” smoothness

Signature Cocktail: Vanilla Cold Brew

Fill a cocktail glass with ice. Add 2 ounces (60 mL) of Absolut Vanilla and 1 ounce (30 mL) each of cold brew coffee and Kahlua. Stir and add cream or milk to taste.

3. Veil Vanilla Vodka

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Veil vodka may not be as well known as some of the other brands on our list, but it is incredibly smooth and refreshing. The vanilla-flavored version has a rich, sweet syrup flavor that is easy to enjoy straight or with a splash of citrus.

Key Features:

• 35% ABV
• Sweet vanilla flavor with pure notes and smooth finish
• Premium grain vodka base, distilled 5 times, and charcoal filtered for purity

Signature Cocktail: Chocolate Vanilla Martini

Combine 1 ounce (30 mL) each of Veil Vanilla vodka, crème de cocoa, and a chocolate liqueur of your choice with ½ ounce (15 mL) of cream in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Garnish with a twist of grated dark chocolate.

4. Stolichnaya Vanil

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Stoli did not just add some natural flavoring and call it a day. This vanilla vodka is carefully crafted and balanced with cocoa powder and white pepper to enhance the vanilla bean aroma and build a sweet, spicy body of flavors that isn’t cloyingly sweet, despite its obvious presence.

Key Features:

• 37.5% ABV
• Creamy vanilla flavor balanced with cocoa powder and white pepper
• Wheat and glacier water vodka base

Signature Cocktail: Vanilla Stoli Creamsicle

Combine 2 ounces (60 mL) of Stoli Vanil with 4 ounces (120 mL) of fresh orange juice with ice in a blender. Serve garnished with a fresh orange round in a chilled glass.

5. Burnett’s Vanilla Vodka

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Burnett’s takes their vodka game seriously. The vodka base undergoes a proprietary process to establish a super smooth, pure vodka that is gluten-free, for those needing this option.

The vanilla flavor is well balanced and creamy, making it a perfect choice for blended beverages. It is by far the highest alcohol percentage, but you wouldn’t know it to taste thanks to the smooth quality.

Key Features:

• 59.8% ABV
• Well balanced, creamy natural vanilla flavor with a mild sweetness
• Quadruple distilled, triple charcoal filtered gluten-free vodka base

Signature Cocktail: Vanilla Pina Colada

To a blender add 1 ounce (30 ml) each of Burnett’s Vanilla Vodka and Coconut Rum, as well as 3 ounces (90 mL) each of Pina Colada Mix and pineapple juice. Top with ice and blend until creamy and smooth. Serve with a tiny pineapple wedge.

6. Star Blu Vodka Vanilla

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The scoop of vanilla ice cream featured on the label of this brand’s vanilla vodka is a good indication of the classically sweet vanilla flavor. This is one of the more intense vanilla flavors on our list, and it is also one of the sweetest.

Key Features:

• 35% ABV
• Smooth, classic vanilla sweetness
• American grain vodka base, distilled 5 times for crisp, pure flavor

Signature Cocktail: Vanilla Berry Spritzer

Measure 1 ounce (30 mL) of Star Blu Vodka Vanilla into a cocktail glass filled with ice. Top with 2 ounces (60 mL) of club soda and 3 ounces (90 mL) of cranberry juice. Garnish with fresh blueberries.

7. Grey Goose Le Vanille

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Grey Goose is one of the most well-known premium brands of vodka, and after seeing the rise in popularity of flavored vodkas, they brought one to market as well.

The vodka shines through most strongly in this brand with the vanilla being more of a background flavor. It isn’t as sweet as the others either and has one of the highest alcohol percentages.

Key Features:

• 40% ABV
• Delicate floral vanilla flavor with a bold toffee finish
• Premium winter wheat vodka base

Signature Cocktail: Classic Vodka Martini

Combine 2 ounces (60 mL) of Grey Goose Le Vanille with 1/3 ounce (10 mL) of extra dry vermouth and a dash of orange bitters in a shaker with ice. Shake or stir and strain into a chilled martini glass, garnished with a twist of lemon.

How to Make Vanilla Vodka

If you don’t have vanilla vodka but you do have a drink recipe you’re dying to try that calls for vanilla vodka, you can make your own version. It likely won’t be as potent as a commercially produced flavored vodka, but it will at least be flavor-enhanced.

Vanilla Infused Vodka

If you have time before you need your vanilla vodka and are the type of person who loves the challenge of home brewing and crafting, you can infuse any brand of traditional vodka with vanilla beans.

Easy Home Recipe for Vanilla Vodka 

You will need 1 vanilla bean, approximately 6 inches long is ideal, for every 750 mL bottle of vodka. 

1. Slice the bean lengthwise to allow the flavor better access to the vodka.
2. Place both halves of the pod directly into the bottle.
3. Seal the lid and find a safe place to allow the vanilla to infuse over a minimum of 1 week. Every few days give the bottle a shake to help disperse the flavor. 

After about 5 days you should notice the color of the vodka deepening to an amber color and, if you open the bottle, you should smell the heavenly fragrance of vanilla.

If you’re happy with the infusion, strain the vodka into another container without the bean and label it clearly for future use.

Vanilla Vodka – Quick Fix

If your vanilla vodka need is more urgent, you can try using vanilla extract with conventional vodka.

Using vanilla extract will not be as potent or well-blended as one of the vanilla vodkas on our list would be, but the fragrance will be there and that is half the experience at least. 

Pure, real vanilla extract will give you the best results.

We wouldn’t recommend trying to flavor an ounce of vodka with vanilla, but mixing 1 teaspoon of vanilla into a full cocktail with conventional vodka will add a hint of vanilla flavor and aroma in a pinch.

Related Questions

Is Vanilla Vodka Gluten-Free?

Vodka is traditionally made with potatoes, but modern vodka and flavored vodkas can be made with a wide variety of different grains.

If you’re highly sensitive or allergic to gluten, we recommend researching each producer individually because it isn’t usually indicated on the bottles.

If you can’t find the information you’re looking for on the brand’s website, it may be a good idea to phone or email their support for safety’s sake.

Does Vanilla Vodka Have Sugar in it?

Some flavored vodkas do have sugar because they’re flavored with natural ingredients, such as vanilla beans, which have sugar.

Some brands may even add sugar specifically to further enhance the flavor. This is especially common in sweet flavorings such as vanilla; however, every brand is unique and not all of them have added sugar.

Similar to our recommendation for gluten-free status, if you’re highly concerned with sugar intake, it’s best to contact the company directly to request information that may not be freely advertised on the bottle or website.

Is Whipped Cream Vodka the Same as Vanilla Vodka?

Whipped vodka, or whipped cream vodka, is not the same as vanilla vodka though they’re quite similar and will work well as a substitute for each other.

As the name implies, whipped cream vodka is inspired by the flavor of whipped cream. Whipped cream gets the majority of its flavor from vanilla, but there is more sweetness and creaminess to it.

Whipped cream vodka, though containing no dairy products, somehow manages to have a surprisingly creamy flavor filling out the vanilla notes. 

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