While vodka isn't necessarily part of everyone's Christmas repertoire, it is almost a perfect winter spirit. It's pure, clean flavor doesn't get in the way of other tastes, and can be quite refreshing; this, by the way, is the reason that so many traditional vodka accompaniments are more intricate and savory.

However, regardless of whether or not you want to have herring and caviar on your holiday table, you'll probably benefit from keeping a bottle or two of vodka handy. It mixes well with a variety of juices, is cool and refreshing, and tends to have a few hard-core devotees.

Unfortunately, however, as with almost any liquor, vodka has fallen victim to the premium spirit trend. Most of the top vodkas on the market cost upwards of $30. This is not to say, however, that your holiday liquor cabinet must go vodka-less; luckily, there are a few classic and lesser-known vodkas that offer premium quality and (lack of) flavor for very reasonable prices.


Svedka, for example, is a first-rate, mild-flavored vodka from Sweden. Like Absolut, the vodka-that-must-not-be-named, it has an outstanding ad campaign; the Svedka girl is, basically a hot-looking crash-test dummy. Unlike Absolut, however, it is a very tasty, very reasonably priced vodka.

At $14 for a fifth, Smirnoff is quite cheap, yet it has a clean, pleasant flavor and is a first-rate mixer. Best of all, it was James Bond's tipple of choice. Of course, he also used to shake his martinis, but the guy knew his booze ...

While vodka snobs aren't all that common, they do exist, which means that it's sometimes nice to have a premium vodka lying around the house. Luksusowa is a smooth, triple-distilled Polish potato vodka with a great flavor and a proud heritage. Best of all, it costs about $10 a fifth and, while not as nice as Chopin, is a credible vodka that you should feel perfectly comfortable serving. If one of your guests asks for Absolut, throw him out!

Not a vodka drinker? Check out our recommendations for cheap(er) whiskeys!