The options are endless when you’re looking for the best bottle of Russian Vodka.
You’ll find plenty of top-shelf options, one more expensive than the next. But what you won’t find a guide to really help you break down and understand which brand of Russian Vodka you never knew you wanted.
This is that guide.
Russian Vodka might not be your first choice for an on-the-rocks sipper.
But on this list, you’ll find absolutely divine flavors, and you will learn to enjoy Russian Vodka like you never have before.
And of course, if you prefer a nice cocktail instead, our recommendations will work brilliantly with all your favorite mixes.
Below, you’ll find our list for the top brands in the world and a buyer’s guide to Russian Vodka, as well as answers to how it’s made and what types are there.
Finally, we’ll round off this article with tips on how to drink and really enjoy Russian Vodka, as well as the key tasting notes and vocabulary you’ll need to become a true aficionado.
The 32 Best Russian Vodka Brands to Drink
Here’s a list of the top 5 Russian Vodka brands you can buy. We have also explained in detail the other brands that offer Russian vodkas.
| Rank | Brand | Best for: |
| 1 | Russian Standard | Best Overall |
| 2 | Beluga | Best High-End Option |
| 3 | Zyr | Best Value |
| 4 | Green Mark | Best for Brand Prestige |
| 5 | Kauffmann | Most Easy To Drink |
This is an in-depth explanation of the top Russian vodka brands, including a list of 30+ different brands and a brief description of their company, products, and popularity.
Jewel of Russia
Jewel of Russia is a classic Russian brand that makes vodka using a blend of rye and wheat grains. They distill the vodka five times using water drawn from deep artesian wells. This is then filtered five times using paper and sand and specially-modified charcoal made from the stones of peaches and apricots. It is a special Russian method that is used at the Chernogolovka distillery. Jewel of Russia is one of the best vodka brands in Russia.
Beluga
Beluga is the largest Russian vodka brand and a family-owned business. It was introduced in 2002 by the Mariinsk Distillery. They made this vodka with malt and purest artisan water, with a noble flavor and taste using unique natural ingredients. The spirit is rested for a minimum of 30 days, which gives it a unique flavor profile.
They have introduced plenty of standard and limited series of vodkas that genuinely appreciate the luxury and Marine aesthetics. Their lineup includes a range of Beluga Noble, Celebration, Transatlantic, Goldline, and Allure vodkas. The company has also introduced special bottles such as Beluga Epicure, designed by the famous crystal brand Lalique, and Beluga Night, a special edition that depicts nightlife.
Russian Standard
Russian Standard is a premium Russian vodka brand created with the inspiration of the world-renowned scientist Dimitrov Mendeleev. His passion for inventing the first periodic table has motivated the brand to dedicate itself to curating the best tasting pure vodkas.
The St. Petersburg company distills clean vodka using winter wheat and pure glacier spring waters, which undergo over 200 times of distillation for a smoother taste. The standard Russian Vodka combines purity and taste by following the Mendeleev standard principles from 1894.
Stolichnaya
Stoli is a well-known soviet brand that was introduced in Russia in 1901. The brand is operated by SPI group, which is a private company founded and owned by Russian billionaire Yuri Shefler. However, the company produces its own vodkas using Latvian water at a distillery in Latvia.
They make premium vodkas using a blend of wheat and rye grain. The lineup includes plenty of premium vodkas such as Stoli Gold and flavored ones like Stoli cucumber, lime, and many others.
Zyr
Zyr Vodka is one of the smoothest spirits in the world. It is a Russian grain-based vodka that was released in 2003. The vodka is made using winter wheat and rye grown near Moscow, and they undergo a production process based on a formula 9-5-3. The fermented grains undergo nine filtrations, five distillations, and three testing processes to ensure the quality of the Russian vodka.
Polugar
Polugar is a traditional grain spirit originally known as bread wine. In Russian, Polugar means half-burnt, wherein spirits were half reduced in the olden days when alcohol meters were not invented to test the strength and quality of the spirit. The Rodionov family & Sons have produced vodka since 2010.
They produced the historic vodka following the traditional recipe of Boris Rodionov, which is a range of single grain drinks. The lineup includes single malt, rye, classic rye, barley, buckwheat, and wheat vodkas. It also produces wonderful flavors of vodka, including horseradish, pepper, honey and allspice, caraway, cherry, garlic, and pepper.
Husky
Husky is the true Northern Russian vodka that is produced using cold filter technology. Because of the cold weather and lower temperatures, the filters absorb higher quantities that produce high-quality pure products.
The prime vodka comes in an elegant bottle with a dog paw logo, which symbolizes the Northern hemisphere. The company pays tributes to a 1925 epidemic that broke out in Alaska where a team of 18 huskies carried a sled towards the polar night, weathering the extreme weather. This company satisfies many sophisticated consumers in Russia. Their lineup includes husky original husky berry mix and husky cranberry.
Mamont
Mamont vodka pays tribute to Siberia and its symbol, the mammoth. The company encourages passion and adventure in polar exploration and expeditions. They produce their vodka at the foot of the Altai mountains. They have created one of the oldest distilleries of Siberia in this region.
The company started producing vodka and created it after getting inspired by 12 polar explorers who made an emergency landing in the center of Antarctica, where they warmed up with vodka until they were rescued. This is a single estate vodka that is distilled at the Itkul distillery. Their portfolio includes Mamont original, Mamont Blood, and limited editions.
Moskovskaya
This is a traditional vodka for a modern soul. It is an early Russian brand of vodka which was introduced in 1894 but restored in 1925 in the Soviet Union. The company is recognized by its green color label and is produced in Russia and Latvia by the SPI group.
The brand has 125 years of a rich heritage in producing good quality Russian vodka. The company has received plenty of awards for its signature osobaya vodka for its exceptional quality. It also produces several vodka flavors, including pink vodka and silver vodka.
Baikal
Made with crystal clear waters of the ancient Lake Baikal, this vodka personifies the purity and rarity of this fantastic place. The Baikal water is oxygenated, so the water is of the highest quality. The vodka is distilled using water from the Baikal lake, delivered to the Ulyanovsk distillery. This distillery has a history of over a hundred years, which specializes in producing the best tasting vodka in the region.
The company produces an amazing range of vodkas including Baikal Ice, Baikal vodka, Baikal Cranberry, Baikal Pine Nut, and Baikal Honey with Pepper. It also takes pride in producing the first organic vodka in Russia, which is thrice distilled and made using the country’s best traditions.
Drova
Drova is a popular Russian vodka brand that is produced at the crystal distillery in Moscow. The brand uses the best ingredients to deliver light and sweet vodka using natural ingredients. They also used real birch, oak, or nut coal to purify the spirits.
This ecological Russian vodka brand was established in 2014 and is operated by the Silverfox trading limited company.
Tsarskaya (Czar’s)
This high-quality vodka is traditionally made using Russian durum wheat and pure water. It is a favorite brand of the Romanov dynasty and Peter I. The company operates from Saint Petersburg and uses a multi-step purification formula to produce good-quality Russian vodka.
Along with the original Vodka, Czar’s vodka comes in different flavor profiles like redberry, currant, citron, raspberry, grapefruit, cranberry, and vanilla.
Green Mark
Green mark is one of the best-selling Russian vodka brands in the world. It produces vodka from a Russian blend along with crystal clear artesian water from well and spirit. The company is one of the highest-ranked competitors in Russia’s competitive alcohol industry. They launched it in the year 2003 and sells its products to over 30 countries worldwide.
The company has the green mark label, which the Glavspirttrest used in the 19th century to signify excellence and approval. They bottle the vodkas at the Topaz distillery. In addition, the brand produces green mark original vodka and green mark natural cedar nut flavor vodka.
Karkov
Karkov is one of the best-tasting and smoothest vodkas in Russia. They distilled the vodka four times from corn. The prestige beverage group produces it. This brand has original vodka and different flavors such as citron, raspberry, and peach.
Nemiroff
It is one of the oldest Russian vodka brands in the country, with a rich history dating back to over 150 years. The brand was started in 1992 in Nemyriv town, Ukraine. This town is known for its largest Podillia distillery, where the current company follows high-quality standards based on ancient recipes and production processes.
Podillia is a rich place with plenty of lakes and artesian springs, making this vodka one of Russia’s natural and purest spirits. The company uses natural ingredients and a natural mineral filtration process. This is one of the top 3 Vodka suppliers to over 80 countries in the last two decades. Their collection includes Original, Deluxe, Wild Cranberry, Bold Orange, Burning Pear, Delikat, and Ultra-Premium vodkas.
Neft
Neft is one of the best portable and unbreakable small-batch vodka, which comes in a solid barrel that has the potential to keep the drink cold for up to 6 hours. The brand has a rich Russian Heritage while it imports its ingredients from the Austrian Alps.
They use four ancient grains of rye and filtered water to produce high-quality vodka. The slow distillation process helps in creating softness, flavor, and richness to the drinks. The drinks are available in black and white barrels.
Belenkaya
Belenkaya is one of the largest Vodka brands in the world, which was started in 2016 in Russia. This is one of the purest bottles, which was bottled at the factories of Beluga group using modern technology. In addition, they use a unique filtration technology to raise vodka quality standards.
The vodka is made using artesian water with the perfect electrolyte balance and soft taste. The water is taken from a 200 m deep well drilled into Siberian quartz layers, giving plenty of mineral properties. It also goes through a charcoal filtration process to remove the impurities and produce high-quality products. Their portfolio includes Belenkaya Silver, Gold, and limited editions.
Hammer+Sickle
Hammer+Sickle vodka are among the best luxurious Russian brand workers in the world. It is made from one of the most refined winter wheat that is produced in the black earth region of Southern Russia, along with a meticulous distillation and filtration process. The vodka is distilled six times to create the smooth ultra-premium spirit worthy of Russian heritage.
The original hammer+sickle vodka has a rich taste of vanilla along with a smooth and round mouthfeel that gives a crisp finish. It is considered being one of the best cocktail foundations.
Imperial
Imperial is one of the best clean-tasting and purest Russian vodka produced in the country. It is crafted to the highest standards using the most advanced distillation process and layer filtration technology. The company was launched in 2004, and it distributes the spirits to over 80 global markets.
The spirits are filtered using quartz crystal from the Ural Mountains, which gives it exceptional purity and smoothness. The best part of this vodka is that they rest it in tanks for 72 hours before bottling.
Tovaritch
As the world’s most awarded vodka, this is one of the best Russian vodka brands in the world. It comes in different-sized bottles to cater to the needs of every bartender and consumer.
This premium Russian vodka has superior taste and quality. It is also available in the fruity aromas of red berries, raspberries, and ripe cherry. The vodka is made from 100% pure grain and water, making it one of the best-in-class Russian vodkas.
Poliakov
Poliakov is one of the finest Russian vodkas, which is made using the best grains and distilled three times for unique flavor and characteristics. The soft wheat grains undergo fermentation and triple distillation process, which gives a crystal-clear liquid with an aroma of fruits and subtle spiciness.
The brand also produces flavored vodkas in 7 varieties blended using natural flavorings such as green apple, cranberry, strawberry, Mandarin, peach, lemon, and caramel.
Putinka
Named after the most famous Russian President Vladimir Putin, Putinka is the Classic Russian vodka made by the state-owned distillery in Moscow; Crystal company. Vinexem brand manager Stanislav Kaufman launched the brand in 2003.
The company produces excellent Russian vodkas, which are known for their purity of sensations. Therefore, it is awarded the most honorary title of the National Vodka.
Kauffman
Kaufman is one of the famous Russian vodka brands which was launched in the year 2000. The meticulous distillation and filtration process of the brand, patented by the Russian federation, guarantee a high-quality product that comes in a drop-shaped bottle made of elite French glass. It was introduced by Dr. Mark Kaufmann, which produces vodka in limited quantities, along with a specific vintage bottle.
The vodka is produced from the wheat of a single harvest that comes as hard selected and soft selected categories. The brand also produces vintage, non-vintage, and luxury collection vodkas along with desired flavors, including lemon, grapefruit, pepper, and caraway.
Parliament
Parliament is a traditional Russian vodka that was launched in 1999. They use a unique milk purification process which makes this vodka exceptionally soft. The vodka is produced using exquisite wheat, which is cultivated in the great soils of Russia. It is filtered and distilled five times using deep spring water, which is enriched with selected salts and minerals.
Zhuravli
Zhuravli Vodka is one of the most sophisticated in Russia. It is produced using the unique oxygen enrichment technology, which gives a perfectly refined drink. This company was launched in 2006.
Vodka is deluxe alcohol that is made using water from artesian wells that pass a multi-stage purification process. This gives it a mild taste with a depth of clarity and freshness.
Kremlin Award
Kremlin Award is a premium Russian vodka that has become famous in many countries worldwide. First, it undergoes a three-level quality control where highly qualified distillers have captured and restored the classic recipe of Russian vodka to create a similar product that attracts both ancient and modern alcohol lovers. Then, they keep the finished product in tanks for two weeks and re-taste it to ensure quality before bottling them.
The brand produces excellent products, including Kremlin Grand Premium vodka, Kremlin Award-Winning Classic Vodka, Kremlin Award Organic Limited-Edition Vodka, Kremlin Award Vintage 2019 Vodka, and Kremlin Award President Vodka.
Marusya
Marusya is one of the most sought-after high-quality Russian vodkas in the world. It is distilled six times, which makes it one of the cleanest vodkas produced in Russia.
Yuri Dolgoruki
Named after the founder of Moscow, Duke Yuri Dolgoruki, this is one of the famous Russian vodka brands. It is distilled at Moscow’s oldest distillery, Cristall. The vodka is made from a secret recipe where the spirit is distilled four times by mixing with natural glacier water and then filtered using Russian birch charcoal.
The vodka comes in a frosted glass bottle with impressions of Saint Basil cathedral printed in 6 colors and the duke’s name them. This Vodka bottle was released in 1997 for the 850th anniversary of Moscow, which was first founded in the 12th century.
Earl Ledoff
Earl Ledoff is premium Russian Vodka that is made from fifth-generation alcohol that contains less residual methanol. Earl Ledoff was a noble Russian sailor who used crystal clear freshwater from the frosty polar climate region to produce this extraordinary vodka.
Talka
Talka is one of the classic Russian vodka brands which produces drinks of exceptional clarity. The brand owned by the Roust Group was started in 2011.
It is produced in Siberia using natural resources along with fresh waters derived from the melting snows of Siberian mountains. It is then passed through a natural limestone filter to remove the impurities, making it exceptional in taste and purity. In addition, the drink has a particular taste of Siberian herbs. The collection includes Classic, Osobaya, Siberian Cider, and Lux.
Pyat Ozer (Five Lakes)
Five Lakes vodka is crafted in the magnificent place in Siberia, where the five cleanest cold lakes come in harmony with unique, lively water and mineral content. The water in these lakes is rich in oxygen and contains natural silver, making it one of the world’s purest and cleanest vodkas.
They create their vodkas in the heart of Siberia using their original recipe and a hundred percent Russian grain spirit. The fermented spirit is distilled with pure natural water from the lakes, which gives a balanced taste and smooth finish to the drinks. The brand produces three types of vodkas, namely Five Lakes Classic, Special, and Premium.
Morosha
Morosha is the sixth best-selling vodka in the world. The brand makes high-quality vodka using mineral-rich water from the mountain springs of the Carpathians, which are at an altitude of 470 meters above sea level. It also has a balanced flavor and smooth texture because of the high-quality Lux used by the brand to make their vodkas flavorful. Their collection includes Carpathian Gold, Carpathian Spring, Carpathian Might, Carpathian Nature, and Carpathian Berries.
Where does “Vodka” Come From?
Vodka comes from the Slavic word, ‘voda,’ which means water. It is speculated that the earliest commercial distillers of vodka were Russian aristocrats. The famous Russian chemist Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev coined Vodka, a Russian word in the late 19th century by, who formulated the periodic table according to their atomic numbers.
The popularity of vodka in Russia
Russia is one of the early adopters of crystal-clear distillate vodka. The earliest versions of vodka were produced from potatoes and were typically used for medicinal purposes. This was one of the most common remedies used against cold weather.
A monk inside the Moscow Kremlin made the first Russian recipe in the 14th century. It was initially known as the bread vine, which was made using plenty of spices and herbs and was quite expensive.
During the Russian revolution, Vodka became extremely popular in Europe, where many of them tried to escape from the country. In the second World War, the drink finally reached North America.
The most common term in English, “Cheers” is a phrase adapted from the Russian language, where the Russians used to toast “Na Zdorovie” before taking a shot of vodka.
Things you didn’t know about Russian vodka
- How Much Do Russians Drink Vodka
An average Russian drinks 180 bottles/year, at least one in 2 days. Russians are ardent drinkers of vodka who will always opt for vodka over any other alcohol. Many people prefer this drink because they consider it healthier than other spirits, and it pairs well with their Russian cuisine.
- The vodka Manufacturing process in Russia
Vodka is typically made from fermented grains like rye, corn, wheat, barley, potatoes, and rice. This is then distilled and filtered using pure artesian water. The whole of Russian culture and history is tied to vodka. Contrary to many countries, the Russian vodka has a fixed alcohol content of 40%, where the amount of water and alcohol used is based on volume rather than weight.
- Do People in Russia Mix their Vodka
Russians prefer drinking their odorless and tasteless vodka in its raw and elegant form. They like to consume it straight. It is also served chilled in the freezer. It is rare for Russians to mix their vodka, which became popular only in the West. Nowadays, you can find clubs and bars that serve cocktails using Russian vodka too.
The Russian Etiquette of drinking Vodka
Russian’s dislike sipping their vodka and rather swallow it in one gulp. They like to drink three glasses in a row, for starters. Vodka must be drunk neatly and as a shot, which is one of the complex and fast rules.
They love to pair vodka with plenty of food such as dumplings, meat patties, potato stews, pickled meats, horseradish, salads, and boiled vegetables.
Although it has become luxurious for people to pair caviar and vodka on occasions, Russians love to eat caviar with vodka only on New Year’s Eve.
You make the toast and pour your glass last if you pour the shots. Always drink with a friend or company. Make a toast before drinking.
How to best drink Russian Vodka
You can drink Russian vodka in the traditional Vodka glasses available in Russia. Here are some of the ways to enjoy it,
Neat
Gulp down Russian vodka from a traditional Russian vodka shot glass.
Shot
Pour Russian vodka into a shot glass and enjoy it at room temperature in one shot.
Frozen
You can enjoy Ice cold vodka shots by serving chilled drinks directly from the freezer.
Flavored Vodkas
There are plenty of flavored Russian vodkas which you can drink at room temperature or serve them chilled.
Snacks
You can pair a glass of Russian vodka with sandwiches and finger foods.
Pickled Vegetables
Russian vodka tastes great with pickled vegetables, like cucumber, cabbage, and mushrooms.
The Popular Cocktails to try with Russian Vodka
Even though Russians dislike mixing their vodkas with soda, fruit juices, or other liquors, it has become common in western countries to make delicious cocktails using Russian Vodkas. Some of these include,
White Russian
Mix Russian vodka with coffee liquor, ice cubes and top it with cream.
Black Russian
A classic black Russian cocktail is made by mixing Russian vodka with coffee liqueur and Cola and serving Russian drinks a few ice cubes and maraschino cherries.
From Russia with Love
Mix Russian standard vodka with Ginger beer, lime, elderflower cordial, and crushed ice to make this fantastic cocktail.
Kvasya
The most popular classic Russian cocktail, kvasya is made by mixing the oldest Russian drink kvass, with vodka. Then, add a dash of cinnamon syrup to enhance its flavor.
Tolstoy Tang
Mix Russian original vodka with lemon juice, simple sugar syrup, and ice cubes. Pour in a shot glass and garnish with a slice of lemon.
Moscow Mule
This is one of the most popular Russian cocktails made by mixing Ginger ale with Russian vodka. Garnish with a slice of lime.
Mango Siberian Sunrise
Mix Russian original vodka with lime juice, sugar, and mango. Blend these ingredients with crushed ice and pour them into a cocktail glass.
