FIVE OF THE BEST Vodkas for a Martini

The Martini is one of the best-known cocktails in the world, but should it be made with vodka or gin? The earliest Martinis were made with gin, with the very first recipe – a mix of gin and sweet vermouth – appearing in Harry Johnson’s Bartender’s Manual of 1888. In contrast, the Vodka Martini, or Vodkatini, is a much more modern invention, first appearing in the cocktail guide Bottoms Up, published in 1951 and written by Ted Saucier, publicist for the glamorous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York. But fictional British Secret Service agent James Bond really put the drink on the map, with his ‘ Vodka Martini, shaken, not stirred’.

Belvedere Single Estate Rye Smogóry Forest, Poland

£39.89-£52.50 Amazon UK, Drink Supermarket, Clos19, Fortnum & Mason, Robbie’s, The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky World

The classic Belvedere vodka works beautifully in a Vodka Martini, but this expression is a connoisseur’s choice. It’s made from Diamond Dankowskie rye – a rare baker’s grade rye that’s lower in starch – grown on a single estate in the village of Smogóry in western Poland. Rich and full-bodied, with a salty savouriness, it’s very smooth, with peppery spice on the finish, balanced by a touch of caramel sweetness. Alcohol 40%

Grey Goose, France

£39.50 Widely available

Launched in 1997, Grey Goose comes from the Cognac region in France and was co-created by François Thibault, son of a wine-grower and a master Cognac blender. It’s a versatile, super-creamy wheat vodka that works well in a whole range of cocktails, including a Vodka Martini. Alc 40%

Haku, Japan

£29.70-£39.99 Amazon UK, Distillers Direct, Gerry’s, Loch Fyne, Master of Malt, Selfridges, The Bottle Club, The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky World, Waitrose Cellar

Produced by Suntory, which is better known for its whiskies, this vodka from Japan is made from Japanese white rice (the word ‘haku’ means ‘white’ in Japanese). Double-distilled with bamboo charcoal filtration, the palate is pure, soft and rounded, with an edge of sweetness on the soft, lingering finish that marries well with the dry vermouth in a Vodka Martini. Alc 40%

Reyka Vodka, Iceland

£26.50-£32.95 Amazon UK, Distillers Direct, Drambusters, Gerry’s, House of Malt, Master of Malt, Royal Mile Whiskies, Sainsbury’s, Tesco

Wheat and barley vodka distilled in Iceland using glacial spring water and sustainable energy from geothermal heat – earning it the label of ‘world’s first green vodka’ when it launched in 2005. Full and rounded, with a creamy vanilla note against peppery spice and fresh citrus. Delivers a classic Vodka Martini. Alc 40%

Stolichnaya Elit, Russia

£39.89-£49.95 Amazon UK, Distillers Direct, Gerry’s, Master of Malt, Prestige Drinks, Royal Mile Whiskies, The Drink Shop, The Whisky Exchange, Tipples of Manchester, Ultimate Drinks

This ultra-premium expression of historic Russian brand Stolichnaya is made using an innovative -18°C freeze-filtration technique. The end result is a supremely smooth, single-estate vodka, made from winter wheat grown on the Kerchinskoye estate in Tambov, southeast of Moscow. Subtle flavours of creamy aniseed and a light spiciness will shine out in your Vodka Martini. Alc 40%