From an ultra-chilled round of shots to start the party to the classic Belvedere vodka cocktail you can find at a gala event or opening, this is a great vodka with an interesting tale to tell for cocktail party guests or during an intimate dinner.

10. Effen Vodka

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The word Effen means “smooth” in Dutch. Rapper and actor 50 Cent struck up a partnership with Effen Vodka in 2014 and is laughing all the way to the bank. The popular tipple is a super-premium vodka made from French wheat, continuously distilled with a smooth, clean and crisp flavor.

Effen comes in original, black cherry, raspberry, cucumber, blood orange, and green apple flavors, which makes it a popular brand for different styles of mixed drinks and cocktail flavors.

Bonus: Noilly Prat Sweet Vermouth

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Almost an afterthought in many a gin martini or vodka cocktail, Noilly Prat is the first and most famous of all Vermouth expressions. It’s a straw-colored fortified wine created by French herbalist Joseph Noilly in 1813 and fundamental to many martinis. If sweet vermouth it’s not quite your style of mixer then there is an original and dry vermouth variation available to jazz up your cocktail mix.

See more about – 11 examples of what to mix with vodka

The Best Vodka Cocktail Recipes

The Classic Vodka Martini Recipe

There is more than one interpretation of this vodka cocktail, but it’s best to start with the simple version

Ingredients

• 1 oz vodka
• 1/3 oz vermouth
• Ice

Garnish: Lemon peel, olives

Optional: Dill pickle

Instructions

Add vodka, vermouth, and ice to a tall mixing glass or cocktail shaker and stir or shake thoroughly. I’m not interested in the continuing arguments between the value of using a martini shaker or stirring alcohol-only cocktails (it seems to get punchy), I’m just happy to drink them.