Clear, smooth and perfect as it is as well as when blended with other flavours, vodka is one of the most popular alcohols in the world. Originating in Poland, Ukraine and most prominently, Russia, vodka is made from potatoes and has been around for centuries now. Perfectly suited to all alcohol consumers, vodka is also made with grains like wheat and has a huge market not only in Europe but also in India. In fact, primarily promoted as an alcohol for women because of its sweet flavour, vodka has surely and steadily become popular among all Indians.
This popularity has led to the crafting of many Indian, homegrown vodka brands that have also gained immense fame not only among Indian vodka lovers but those around the world. On International Vodka Day, observed every year on October 4, here are top 10 Indian vodka brands that you should know more about.
Video Credit: YouTube/Alcohowl
White Mischief
Created by Shaw Wallace Distilleries under the aegis of the United Breweries Group, White Mischief Vodka gained immense popularity due to its association with the Indian Premeire League. Reputed to be the largest selling vodka in India with a market share of 46 percent, this brand has delicious Strawberry-Ginseng, Mango-Mint and Green Apple-Cinnamon flavoured vodkas. The company has also ventured into making brandy.
Skull X Vodka
After working with distilleries in Slovakia, Indian entrepreneur Aman Chopra created this award-winning Indian vodka brand to deliver unparalleled smoothness and taste to Indian vodka lovers. Made with the finest wheat, Skull X Platinum Vodka is distilled five times to create the purest possible vodka. Skull X has also recently launched Skull X Edition 2 in Punjab with three flavours, Cranberry, Glaze Ice and Green Apple, to woo connoisseurs in the region.
Short Story Vodka
Launched in 2022 by Pankaj Balachandran, the co-founder of Goa’s reputed Tesouro bar, Short Story is produced by Third Eye Distillery. The charcoal-filtered wheat grain vodka is one of the clearest vodkas available in India, especially Goa, Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore. Apart from their vodka, the distillery is also known for its distilled rum and gin.
Rahasya
Created by Blisswater Industries founder Varna Bhat, Rahasya is a Goa-based craft vodka that is very popular for its pure essence and vibrant aftertaste. Literally meaning mystery or secret in Sanskrit, is the white blend of tradition and innovation that vodka lovers in India will love. Bhat recommends that Rahasya should be enjoyed with ice or coconut water.
Kiev Vodka
Launched by Punjab-based Alcostar Distilleries, Kiev Vodka promises to deliver the flavours of Ukrainian vodka in India’s heartland. The triple-distilled vodka by this brand is supplied out of Chandigarh and has a smooth, balanced and refreshing taste with a hint of sweetness. This vodka is available in Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab and Uttarakhand.
Lucid Vodka
An exquisitely crafted artisanal vodka made in Goa, Lucid Vodka is a homegrown liqueur by Gradient Beverages founded by Mirat Rajguru. With its meticulous distillation process, Lucid Vodka is a clear and pure one with an exceptional flavour profile that reflects the vibrancy of Goa. The bottle design too is elegant and well-crafted, making it a great choice for mixologists and enthusiasts alike.
Smoke Lab Vodka
The brainchild of Varun Jain of the NV Group, Smoke Lab Vodka is craft vodka brand made with Indian basmati rice. The distilleries, based out of Rajpura, Punjab, make the vodka base go through a charcoal-filtered five-step distillation, making this one of the purest vodkas brewed in India. Smooth, clear with a hint of fennel flavour, this vodka is perfect for urban and young Indians.
Billion Air Vodka
Launched entrepreneur Vrun Murpana’s Sonaar Beverages, this light vodka is made with 98 percent American corn and 2 percent wheat. Distilled in the US and bottled in Palghar, Maharashtra, Billion Air Vidka is known for its mild floral taste and smoothness. Bliion Air Vodka is also popular in the global vodka market for being 100 percent gluten-free.
Magic Moments
One of the most popular vodka brands in India, Magic Moments has made a mark among the nation’s vodka lovers for decades now. Created by Radico Khaitan under the leadership of Abhishek Khaitan, this vodka brand is made with high-quality Indian wheta grains and is distilled thrice for clarity. With 40 percent alcohol content, this is one of the stronger vodkas in the Indian market.
Romanov
One of the cheapest and hence one of the most popular vodka brands in India, Romanov is named after the Russian Romanov or Romanoff dynasty. Manufactured by United Spirits under the United Breweries Group, Romanov has been a leader in India’s vodka market for decades now. With a sharp flavour and strong aftertaste, thanks to 42.8 percent alcohol volume, Romanov is a great pocket-friendly option for Indian vodka lovers.