The Ultimate Guide to Vanilla Vodka: Best Brands, DIY Recipe & Cocktail Ideas

If you’re seeking a delightful fusion of a robust, smooth spirit with a touch of sweet indulgence, then vanilla vodka is an absolute must-try! Whether you prefer the convenience of store-bought varieties crafted with natural essences or enjoy the rich flavor of a homemade infusion, there’s an undeniable allure to this aromatic spirit. It’s a fantastic departure from plain vodka, offering a creamy, sweet dimension that elevates countless cocktails and can even be savored on its own.

The inherent sweetness of vanilla creates a striking, harmonious contrast with the natural crispness of vodka. This unique flavor profile makes vanilla vodka incredibly versatile. Its warm, inviting notes can transform a simple mixed drink into a luxurious experience, making it a favorite for both casual sipping and sophisticated cocktail crafting. From creamy dessert-inspired drinks to bright, refreshing concoctions, vanilla vodka adds a layer of complexity and comfort that’s simply irresistible.

For those new to the world of vanilla-flavored vodka, the sheer number of options at the liquor store or the array of recipes online for homemade vanilla vodka can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through it!

This comprehensive guide will walk you through some of the finest commercially available vanilla vodka brands, each offering its own distinct character. Beyond that, we’ll share a fantastic recipe for crafting your own vanilla-infused spirit at home. While I may be a little biased, my homemade recipe yields an absolutely delicious result that’s perfect for gifts or personal enjoyment. So, if you’re ready to explore the best of vanilla vodka, keep reading!

Table of Contents

• Best Store-Bought Vanilla Vodka Brands
• Belvedere Heritage 176
• Absolut Vanilia
• Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka
• Ciroc French Vanilla
• Van Gogh Vanilla Vodka
• Veil Vanilla Vodka
• Grey Goose La Vanille
• How to Make Homemade Vanilla Vodka
• Ingredients
• Equipment
• Top Tip
• Which Vanilla Pods to Use?
• Which Vodka to Use?
• Instructions
• FAQs
• Delicious Recipes with Vanilla Vodka
• You Might Also Like
• Food Safety

Best Store-Bought Vanilla Vodka Brands

Finding the perfect vanilla vodka can depend on your preference for sweetness, a robust vanilla flavor, or the smoothness of the base spirit. Here are some top contenders that consistently deliver on taste and quality, perfect for any occasion from casual gatherings to elegant soirées.

Belvedere Heritage 176

Belvedere has long been a benchmark for premium vodka, known for its exceptional smoothness and refined character. The Heritage 176 takes this a step further, offering a uniquely smooth and complex vanilla bean-infused vodka. Unlike many flavored vodkas that rely on artificial additives, Belvedere Heritage 176 is crafted with natural ingredients, resulting in a flavor profile that is both authentic and luxurious.

This exquisite spirit boasts rich notes of vanilla, honey, and a hint of rye, creating a wonderfully balanced and elegant taste. If you’re someone who appreciates a top-shelf vodka, I highly recommend enjoying Belvedere Heritage 176 neat or on the rocks, perfectly chilled. Its sophisticated flavor makes it equally fantastic in high-end cocktails where its nuanced vanilla can truly shine. It’s truly an excellent choice for connoisseurs seeking quality and a genuine vanilla experience.

Absolut Vanilia

Absolut Vanilia is a classic in the flavored vodka category, celebrated for its rich, full-bodied vanilla flavor. It’s a versatile spirit that tastes great on its own, but its true potential often comes alive when mixed into creative concoctions. Personally, my top recommendation for enjoying this iconic vanilla vodka is to add a generous splash to your morning or brunch coffee. The combination of coffee and vanilla is a timeless classic, and the subtle kick from the vodka adds a delightful twist to your everyday brew.

For an extra indulgent brunch experience at home, I absolutely recommend topping your vanilla vodka-infused coffee with my delicious Irish whipped cream. This pairing creates a luxurious and spirited coffee drink that’s perfect for a weekend treat. Absolut Vanilia’s consistent quality and accessible flavor make it a staple for any home bar.

Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka

Back in my college days, when budgets were tight, Burnett’s Vanilla was my go-to for adding a sweet kick to my cocktails. As I graduated to more refined tastes (and a slightly bigger budget!), Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka became my next favorite. It perfectly bridges the gap between affordability and quality, offering a delightful vanilla flavor without breaking the bank.

Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka is still a fantastic, budget-friendly option for those who want to enjoy delicious vanilla cocktails without a hefty price tag. Despite its accessible price, it doesn’t skimp on flavor, delivering a clear, sweet vanilla note that mixes wonderfully in a wide range of drinks. It’s a reliable choice for everything from simple mixed drinks to more elaborate party cocktails, making it a staple for everyday enjoyment.

Ciroc French Vanilla

If you’re on the hunt for a premium French vodka with a distinctive vanilla twist, look no further than Ciroc French Vanilla. Ciroc vodkas are known for their unique distillation process, using fine French grapes, which contributes to their exceptionally smooth character. The French Vanilla variant stands out with its wonderful, intense aroma and a truly luxurious, creamy finish.

The rigorous distillation process ensures a clean, crisp base that perfectly carries the rich, authentic vanilla notes. This makes Ciroc French Vanilla an excellent choice for crafting sophisticated cocktails where you want a pronounced yet elegant vanilla presence. Its creamy texture and inviting fragrance make it a standout option for those who appreciate high-quality flavored spirits.

Van Gogh Vanilla Vodka

If your first thought when hearing “Van Gogh” is the vodka brand rather than the legendary painter, then we’re definitely on the same wavelength! While it might not have the same widespread name recognition as some other vodkas on this list, Van Gogh Vanilla Vodka is a hidden gem that deserves a spot in your home bar. This 70-proof spirit delivers a vibrant and authentic vanilla flavor that is both smooth and remarkably versatile.

Crafted in small batches, Van Gogh vodkas are known for their meticulous production process, ensuring a high-quality product. Its balanced vanilla profile makes it ideal for a variety of cocktails, from a simple vanilla soda to more intricate dessert martinis. Don’t let its lesser-known status fool you; this vanilla-infused vodka is a delightful surprise that offers excellent value and exceptional taste.

Veil Vanilla Vodka

Unlike many of the European-originated vodkas on this list, Veil Vanilla is proudly made at an American distilling institute. This particular vanilla vodka offers a distinctively sweet and straightforward vanilla simple syrup taste, making it an excellent base for rich, dessert-like cocktails. It’s designed to bring a wonderful sweetness that perfectly complements any chocolate-forward or creamy mixed drink.

Veil Vanilla Vodka shines in concoctions like a classic Mudslide, an Espresso Martini, or any cocktail that calls for a pronounced sweet vanilla note. Its unpretentious yet effective flavor profile makes it a popular choice for those looking to add a delightful, sweet dimension to their indulgent beverages. If you love a drink that tastes like a treat, Veil Vanilla will not disappoint.

Grey Goose La Vanille

Grey Goose is a wildly popular choice among vodka drinkers worldwide, and for very good reason – their commitment to quality is evident in every bottle. Grey Goose La Vanille takes this reputation to new heights by using only the finest fresh Madagascar vanilla beans to create one of the best vanilla-flavored vodkas on the market. This top-shelf option is distinguished by its deep, authentic vanilla flavor and an incredibly smooth, luxurious finish.

La Vanille can absolutely be enjoyed all on its own, allowing you to truly appreciate its complex layers. As you sip, try to pick out the subtle sweet notes of white chocolate and caramel that mingle with the prominent vanilla. It has a rich, almost creamy texture reminiscent of a gourmet cream soda, making it a decadent experience whether served neat, on the rocks, or as the star of a sophisticated cocktail. This is truly a vanilla vodka for those who appreciate premium craftsmanship and unparalleled flavor depth.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Vodka

If you find yourself overwhelmed by the vast array of commercial vanilla vodka brands, or if you simply prefer to take a DIY approach and craft your own infused spirits, I have fantastic news for you! Making your own vanilla vodka at home is incredibly easy, requires minimal ingredients, and yields a remarkably flavorful result that often surpasses store-bought options.

You’ll only need two incredibly simple ingredients: pure, unflavored vodka and whole vanilla pods. Beyond that, the most crucial ingredient is a little bit of patience. Your homemade concoction will need to infuse in a cool, dark place for about two weeks, but the resulting rich, natural vanilla flavor will be absolutely heavenly and well worth the wait.

This simple vanilla vodka recipe is not only delicious for enjoying at home but also makes for a thoughtful and unique gift for family and friends, especially during the holiday season. If your loved ones aren’t keen on alcoholic beverages, you can easily tweak this recipe to create vanilla extract instead! The process is very similar; simply swap out the vodka for bourbon to make a classic homemade vanilla extract.

For my fellow vanilla enthusiasts who appreciate a strong glass of spirits or love to mix up delicious cocktails, keep reading for the full homemade vanilla vodka recipe!

🥘 Ingredients

• Vodka – pure, unflavored (ensure it’s a brand you enjoy drinking neat, as its quality will affect the final product).
• Vanilla pods – whole (the quality and type of vanilla pods significantly impact the flavor).

See the recipe card for specific quantities.

🍽 Equipment

• Funnel or small jug – to make filling the bottles easier and prevent spills.
• Liqueur bottle for filling, with a well-sealing lid. Airtight is key for proper infusion and storage.
• Large pot for sterilization (if boiling).
• Sieve (for removing vanilla pods later).

Interested in learning how to make Mamajuana, spiced Dominican rum? It is another tremendous alcoholic beverage you can make at home as well.

🪴 Which vanilla pods to use?

The quality of your vanilla pods is paramount to the success of your homemade vanilla vodka. Vanilla pods are generally classified into two main grades: A and B. Understanding the difference will help you choose the best option for your infusion.

Grade A Vanilla Pods (Gourmet or Prime)

• Appearance: They typically have a dark brown or black color, indicating rich flavor and moisture.
• Condition: The ends of these pods are usually not split. They are plump, supple, and bend without breaking.
• Texture: Juicy, oily, and slightly sticky to the touch due to their high vanillin content.
• Flavor: Intense and complex, often preferred for culinary uses where the beans are scraped out.

Grade B Vanilla Pods (Extract Grade)

• Appearance: They are often reddish-brown in color, a bit less dark than Grade A.
• Condition: Drier and thinner than Grade A vanilla pods, and they may be split.
• Flavor: While the flavor might seem less intense immediately, their drier nature means the aroma and flavor compounds are more easily extracted into liquids, like alcohol. This makes them ideal for infusions and extracts.
• Cost: Typically more affordable than Grade A.

Due to the superior transferability of the vanilla flavor from Grade B vanilla pods into alcohol, they are actually preferable to Grade A pods for making vanilla vodka. Their drier nature allows the alcohol to penetrate more easily and extract those delicious vanillin compounds, resulting in a robustly flavored infusion.

🍸 Which vodka to use?

When crafting your homemade vanilla vodka, the choice of the base spirit is crucial. We highly recommend selecting a brand of pure, unflavored vodka that you genuinely enjoy drinking on its own. There’s little benefit in using the cheapest vodka you can find for flavoring, as a poor-quality base spirit will likely result in a less pleasant taste, even after infusion.

Conversely, while a very expensive, top-shelf vodka might seem appealing, its subtle nuances could be overshadowed by the strong vanilla flavor. The key here is balance: choose a vodka that you find smooth and palatable when consumed neat. If a particular vodka brand doesn’t taste good to you plain, it’s best to avoid it for your vanilla infusion. A mid-range, good-quality vodka will provide an excellent foundation for your delicious homemade vanilla vodka.

If you are looking for more recipes using vodka, then try out these wonderful key lime pie shots!

🔪 Instructions for Homemade Vanilla Vodka

If you’re new to making your own homemade liqueurs, preserving jams, or flavoring vodka, one of the most crucial initial steps is learning how to properly sterilize your containers. Ensuring that the bottle you’ll be using is impeccably cleaned and sterilized should always be your very first step to prevent any unwanted contaminants from affecting your delicious infusion.

How to sterilize the liquor bottles?

For effective sterilization, place your liquor bottles and their lids (or any airtight containers you plan to use) into a large pot. Fill the pot with enough water to completely submerge all items. Bring the water to a rolling boil and let them simmer for at least 30 minutes, ensuring thorough sterilization. Carefully remove the bottles and lids using tongs, placing them upside down on clean paper towels or a drying rack to air dry completely. Avoid touching the inside surfaces with your bare hands after sterilization.

After your bottles are prepared and completely dry, it’s time to add the star ingredient: the vanilla bean. You can add the whole bean for a slower, more subtle infusion, or for a quicker and more intense flavor, split the vanilla bean lengthwise or cut it into smaller parts before adding it to the bottle. Splitting allows more surface area for the alcohol to extract the flavor compounds.

Once you’ve carefully placed the whole or sliced vanilla beans into your sterilized bottle, fill the bottle with your chosen pure vodka, leaving a small headspace. Close the bottle tightly with its well-sealing lid to ensure an airtight environment for the infusion process. This prevents evaporation and keeps your vodka pure.

Store the sealed bottle in a cool, dark place – a pantry, an upper kitchen cabinet that isn’t frequently opened, or even under the sink are ideal spots. Crucially, do not store it in the refrigerator during the infusion period, as cooler temperatures can slow down the flavor extraction. The vanilla vodka will need to sit and infuse for 10-14 days. To ensure the vanilla flavor permeates the entire bottle evenly, remember to swirl the bottle gently every third day. This simple action helps to distribute the vanilla’s natural oils and flavor compounds throughout the vodka, yielding a more consistent and delicious result. For the best and most robust flavor, allow the vodka to infuse for the full two weeks. Keep in mind that the longer the vanilla pod remains in the vodka, the more intense and profound the subsequent aroma and taste will be.

A delightful bonus of making your own vanilla vodka is the visual transformation. Compared to many store-bought varieties, your homemade vanilla vodka will develop a beautiful amber hue as it infuses. This rich color is a testament to the natural vanilla extraction and adds to the overall appeal of your handcrafted spirit. It’s absolutely gorgeous!

After your homemade vanilla vodka has steeped for 10-14 days, it’s finally ready to enjoy! The final step is to remove the vanilla pod. The easiest and cleanest way to do this is to pour your infused vodka through a fine-mesh sieve or a cheesecloth-lined funnel into a new, clean container or back into its original bottle. This ensures a smooth, clear vanilla vodka without any residual vanilla bean particles.

Voilà! Your exquisite, homemade vanilla-infused vodka is now ready to be enjoyed in your favorite cocktails or simply savored on its own. Enjoy the fruits of your patience!

📖 Recipe

Homemade Vanilla Vodka Recipe

Nora

It is super easy to make vanilla vodka yourself at home. With two ingredients and a little bit of time, you will have a yummy homemade vanilla vodka for mixing drinks and flavoring food at home!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Infusing time 10 days d

Total Time 10 days d 15 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Condiment

Cuisine European

Servings 1 Bottle

Calories 536 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Funnel or small jug
• 1 Liqueur Bottle

Ingredients

 

• 8 oz Vodka pure, unflavored
• 1 Vanilla pod Grade B recommended

Instructions

 

• Sterilize the liquor bottle and its lid in a hot water bath (boil for 30 minutes), then air dry completely.
• Carefully add 1 Vanilla pod (whole or split) to the sterilized liquor bottle.
• Fill the bottle up with 8 oz Vodka, ensuring the vanilla pod is submerged.
• Close the bottle tightly and let it infuse for 10-14 days in a cool and dark place (not the refrigerator).
• Shake or swirl the bottle gently every third day so that the vanilla pod releases its aroma better and does not stick to the glass.
• After 10-14 days, remove the vanilla pod by straining the vodka through a sieve into a new clean container or back into the bottle. Your homemade vanilla vodka is ready to enjoy!

Notes

The amount given in this recipe is for a small bottle (8 oz // 237 ml). If you fancy making a large quantity (¾ US liq. qt // 750 ml), we recommend using 2-3 vanilla pods for optimal flavor.

Keyword homemade vanilla vodka, vanilla infused vodka, vanilla vodka, vanilla vodka recipe, vanilla-flavored vodka, DIY vanilla vodka

Like this recipe?Mention @combinegoodflavors or tag #combinegoodflavors!

Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

Serving: 1Bottle | Calories: 536kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 2mg | Iron: 0.02mg

🙋🏻 FAQ about Vanilla Vodka

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📚 Delicious Recipes with Vanilla Vodka

Vanilla vodka’s sweet and creamy notes make it an incredibly versatile spirit, perfect for enhancing a wide array of cocktails and even some culinary delights. Here are some fantastic recipes where vanilla vodka truly shines:

Vanilla Vodka Tonic

Shake up your usual vodka tonic with the irresistible combination of vanilla and tonic water. This delightful cocktail offers a refreshing twist with a hint of sweet warmth, perfect for any time of day.

Get The Recipe

Strawberry Moscow Mule with Vanilla Vodka

Refreshing Strawberry Moscow Mule with Vanilla Vodka and frozen Strawberries. A delightful twist on a classic recipe! The vanilla adds an unexpected layer of sweetness that perfectly complements the tart lime and spicy ginger beer.

Get The Recipe

Vanilla Vodka Sidecar

Impress your guests with this delicious homemade vodka sidecar cocktail. Made with vanilla vodka, Cointreau, and fresh lemon, it’s a refreshing, citrusy drink with a beautiful vanilla backbone, perfect for any occasion.

Get The Recipe

Red Spider Cocktail

The combination of vanilla vodka, Cointreau, and cranberry juice, refined with lemon, makes this cocktail a tangy and sweet companion for your next Halloween party! Prepared in just a few minutes, it will delight and refresh you and your guests. The beautiful blood-red color highlights it perfectly for a spooky theme.

Get The Recipe

Homemade Advocaat Egg Liqueur

Learn how to make advocaat egg liqueur at home yourself, explained step by step. This rich and creamy liqueur is a delightful treat and also ideal for using up leftover egg yolks, a perfect indulgent companion to vanilla vodka cocktails.

Get The Recipe

Vanilla Vodka-flavored Whipped Cream

Impress your guests with this simple yet delicious vanilla vodka flavored whipped cream. Made with only three ingredients – vanilla vodka, confectioners’ sugar, and heavy cream – it’s the perfect boozy addition to any dessert or coffee beverage.

Get The Recipe

Other Popular Vanilla Vodka Cocktails

Beyond the featured recipes, vanilla vodka is a star in many other popular cocktails:

• Espresso Martini: A classic with a sweet vanilla twist.
• Pornstar Martini: Vanilla vodka, passion fruit liqueur, and prosecco make for an exotic and indulgent drink.
• White Russian: Replace regular vodka with vanilla vodka for a creamier, sweeter version of this coffee liqueur classic.
• Vanilla Vodka Cranberry: A simple, sweet, and tart highball.
• Vanilla Cosmo: A delightful twist on the traditional Cosmopolitan, adding a hint of warmth.

⛑️ Food Safety Guidelines

While making vanilla vodka primarily involves alcohol, which is a preservative, general food safety practices are always important, especially when sterilizing bottles or handling ingredients for consumption. For any related culinary activities:

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) for dishes involving other ingredients.
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that previously touched raw meat.
• Wash hands thoroughly after touching raw meat or other raw ingredients.
• Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
• Never leave cooking food unattended.
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds when cooking.
• Always ensure good ventilation when using a gas stove.

For further information on general safe food handling practices, check Safe Food Handling – FDA.