There’s no absolutes in life – only vodka – Mick Jagger 

Vodka continues to be the best selling spirit in the US, but in the advent of craft cocktail culture exploding into the mainstream, globalization and the proliferation of top shelf whiskies, gins, liqueurs, tequilas and rums becoming more accessible, in our opinion, it isn’t always appreciated as it should be. This National Vodka Day, we are here to give vodka a new name and bring this hard-working spirit back into the spotlight with a list of recommendations to transform your humble Vodka Cran or Dirty Martini into something worth gramming about. Cheers! 

Pea Pod Vodka 

• Who said vodka had to be neutral? (Don’t @ me). Pod Pea Vodka is made from peas and tastes like peas – and is as characterful as it is moreish. I personally can’t get enough of it in a Pickle-tini with pickle juice and fennel bitters – their off-piste take on a dirty martini. P-e-a-licious. (Lauren Webster, Professional Martini Stan)

Dirty Martini x Vermouth Ice Cubes 

• Another variation of the Dirty Martini involves little planning and even less prep! To start, begin with an ice cube tray, a bottle of vermouth, and a jar of olives. Pour the vermouth into the tray about ⅔ to the brim and add one olive per cube. Set the tray in the freezer for about 3-4 hours, depending on the size and take it out once solid. Next, fill a cocktail shaker with lots of ice, vodka, olive juice, and vermouth. Shake it well, add your cubes to the glass, pour the martini over your cubes, and voila! (Christie Owen, Influencer Relations Supervisor)

The Met x Anthropologie Martini Glasses 

• A crisp, frothy Dirty Martini deserves a glass worthy of the cocktail and this martini glass collaboration with The Met and Anthropologie is the perfect match. I love the honey color and that they are made of hand-blown glass, but knowing that this was an exclusive partnership with The Metropolitan Museum of Art makes this feel like exquisite cocktail art. (Alee Wise, Digital Account Manager)

Hanson of Sonoma 

• This one’s for the wine lovers. Hanson of Sonoma produces a variety of vodka flavors along with a standard varietal, all made with organic grapes grown in one of California’s most prominent wine regions. It’s incredibly smooth, high quality, and has won a ton of awards as a result. Plus, if you’re ever in the area, they’ve got an adorable tasting room that feels right at home in wine country. (Connor Howlett, Digital Account Supervisor)

Vodka Y Soda at SUPERBUENO 

• I confess, I am no vodka drinker, but I am not being dramatic when I say that this cocktail changed my life. Made with vodka, guava, Pasilla, and soda, it tasted like I was drinking juice. It is such a smooth, refreshing drink that is delicious for any season. If you find yourself walking by SUPERBUENO, I recommend you give it a try. I will absolutely be going back to get this drink (and telling all my friends to as well!). (Jess Lieberman, Social Media Associate)

Vesper Martinis

• Originally invented by James Bond himself, the Vesper Martini combines gin, vodka, Lillet Blanc, and a twist of lemon. This creates a crisp, refreshing cocktail that’s a bit smoother and easier to sip on than a traditional martini. When making a Vesper Martini at home, I’ll reach for Ketel One Vodka and skip the gin entirely, or when I’m feeling fancy, I’ll use the Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit and Rose and Barr Hill Gin for a more floral take on Bond’s favorite drink. (Lauren Von Holten, Senior Publicist)

Cosmopolitans 

• Cosmopolitans, often referred to as “cosmos,” are the quintessential New York City cocktail, famously known as the “Sex and the City” drink. Sweet and simple, this cocktail is best made with vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, all topped with an Orange twist to garnish! Where to get the best one? Milady’s has my favorite twist on the  classic cocktail – Hey Little Hollywood. (Katie Klaff, Account Manager)

Grapefruit Crush 

• As the cold weather creeps in, I’m already mourning the end of summer by clinging to my all-time favorite drink: the Grapefruit Crush. It’s a Maryland staple—bright, zesty, and full of sunshine. But finding a place in New York that can perfect it? Still on my to-do list. Made with vodka, fresh grapefruit juice, and a splash of lemon-lime soda (or soda water if you like it skinny), it’s the ultimate refresher that feels just a bit out of place in the fall. National Vodka Day might just be my excuse to order one, even if I’m the only one still pretending it’s summer! (Kennedy Lynch, Senior Publicist) 

We hope that these RHC recs bring inspiration for your future vodka experiences and be sure to let us know if you give any of our tips a try!