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? Frankly, the choice is yours. 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 more modern invention, first appearing in the cocktail guide Bottoms Up, published in 1951 and written by Ted Saucier, publicist for the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. While purists may argue that a Vodka Martini isn’t a true Martini, it’s still a great drink – particularly if you’re looking to showcase the pure, clean flavours of a premium vodka.

1 Belvedere Lake Bartezek Single Estate Rye, Poland

£39.85-£56/70cl

Clos19, Fortnum & Mason, Harvey Nichols, Laithwaite’s, Master of Malt, The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky World While the classic Belvedere vodka works beautifully in a

Vodka Martini, 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 Bartęźek village in northern Poland’s lake district. Rich and silky-textured, with lifted floral, peach and citrus aromas, this is very smooth, with clean grassy notes and peppery spice kicking in right at the end. Alcohol 40%

2 Grey Goose, France

£32.99-£45/70cl

Widely available

The world’s first premium vodka brand, launched in 1997. From the Cognac region in France, Grey Goose was created by François Thibault, son of a wine-grower and a master Cognac blender. It’s a versatile, super-creamy wheat vodka that works in a whole range of cocktails, including a Vodka Martini. Clean, grainy, spicy nose with green chilli and hints of almond. Appealing floral notes on the palate; smooth and creamy finish with a hit of black pepper. Alc 40%

Haku, Japan

£29.70-£37.50/70cl

31 Dover, Amazon UK, Distillers Direct, Gerry’s, Harvey Nichols, Loch Fyne Whiskies, Master of Malt, Ocado,

The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky World, Waitrose

Produced by Suntory, which is better known for its range of whiskeys, this Japanese vodka 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 particularly well with the dry vermouth in a Vodka Martini. Alc 40%

4 Ketel One, Holland

£20-£26.88/70cl

Amazon UK, Asda, Harvey Nichols, Master of Malt, Ocado, Robbie’s, Royal Mile Whiskies, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, The Whisky Exchange, Waitrose

Made by 10th-generation distillers with more than 300 years of expertise, this Dutch vodka is distilled in small batches and made from 100% GMO-free European wheat. One of the smoothest and cleanest vodkas out there, it has fresh citrus notes on the nose and palate. There’s a sweetness to the palate, too, with notes of honey and fresh herbs, plus a long and lively finish. Alc 40%

5 Reyka, Iceland

£26.50-£35/70cl

23 Wine & Whiskey, 31 Dover, Distillers Direct, Fortnum & Mason, House of Malt, Master of Malt, Royal Mile Whiskies, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose, The Whisky Exchange

This wheat and barley vodka is distilled in Iceland using pure 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 lovely creamy vanilla note that plays against peppery spice and fresh citrus, Reyka delivers a classic Vodka Martini. Alc 40% D