But other Eastern European countries like Ukraine also produce excellent vodkas. These high quality brands can spruce up not only your Mules but your Martinis, Cosmopolitans, and Bloody Marys.
Ukraine has a long history of vodka production, so it's no surprise that some excellent examples of the spirit are still made in Ukraine. Take a browse of our selection of Ukrainian vodkas, including well-known brands like Staritsky Levitsky and Nemiroff.
Horilka (Ukrainian: горілка, Belarusian: гарэлка, Romanian: horincă) is a Ukrainian alcoholic beverage.
Smirnoff was mistakenly targeted for boycotts during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine; however, despite its Russian origin, the brand is owned by British company Diageo and for the US market is manufactured in Illinois.
Nemiroff Delikat
The famous Ukrainian vodka Nemiroff is produced since the 18th century in Nemyriv town, Western Ukraine. Nemiroff Delikat is softened with a water from artesian wells and with ginger extracts for a smooth and nice result.
GREY GOOSE vodka is distilled in the gastronomy capital of the world, France, using the traditions of the Maître de Chai with only two ingredients – single-origin Picardie winter wheat and natural spring water.
Grey Goose is a brand of vodka produced in France. It was created in the 1990s by American businessman Sidney Frank, who sold it to the multinational company Bacardi in 2004. The Maître de Chai for Grey Goose is François Thibault, who developed the original recipe for the vodka in Cognac, France.
One source is our production philosophy, meaning that the majority of our production journey takes place in and around the small village of Åhus, Sweden. All ingredients for Absolut Vodka are sourced from Southern Sweden.
beer – 29%; vodka – 20%; cognac – 17%; home-made wine and tinctures – 14%;
Today Ukraine is considered one of the countries of the so-called "vodka belt" and is known for its classic wheat horilka infused on pepper.
We can't talk about drinks in Ukraine without mentioning vodka, which there is called gorilka (horilka/Горілка), one of the most consumed drinks in the country, never with less than 40% of alcohol.
They are made in Sweden, France, the U.K. and the U.S. Many vodka brands do have Russian-sounding names, said Bump Williams, founder and president of BWC consulting company, which works with hundreds of U.S. alcohol distributors and retailers.
Two popular brands of vodka are: Stoli (Stolichnaya) and Smirnoff. Both are not made in Russia.
Which Other Vodkas Are Produced in Russia? In addition to Russian Standard and Beluga Noble, Russian brands include Husky Vodka, Jewel of Russia, Moskovskaya, Polugar, Ustianochka, and Zyr Russian Vodka.
Absolut Vodka is a brand of vodka, produced near Åhus, in southern Sweden. Absolut is a part of the French group Pernod Ricard.
While Smirnoff had its beginnings in Russia, Vladimir Smirnoff fled the country during the Revolution and re-established the brand in Europe more than a century ago.
Smirnoff in the U.S. is distilled in Plainfield, Illinois. Vodka brands that are less identified with Russia also are not made there. SKYY vodka is produced in the U.S. by Campari America, while Absolut traces its origins to Sweden.
A Russian name doesn't mean a vodka is Russian-made. Smirnoff is named after Vladimir Smirnoff who fled from Russia during the country's revolution, but it's owned by British company Diageo (ticker: DEO) and is made in the U.S., Canada, and many other countries—but not Russia.
Smirnoff Vodka is distilled from corn, making it gluten-free. Smirnoff offers over 35 different flavored vodkas.
Belvedere is created by a collective - a family of employees who distill Belvedere in its hometown of Zyrardów in Poland. Belvedere only sources its Polska rye locally, working closely with eight agricultural partners allowing 100% traceability of the grains.
In fact, Poland is now regarded as the world's leading producer of vodka – thanks to the roaring success of brands like Zubrowka, which holds a steady place in the heart of many people who appreciate this drink and its many possibilities.