OT: now be honest! Does a premium vodka REALLY make a difference in a Bloody Mary/Bull? :OT

blasting

RRP said:

blasting said:

Ron, you want next level bloody marys?  Next time you cold smoke cheese, empty a couple ice cube trays into a cookie sheet.  When you're done, freeze them back into ice cubes for your bloody marys (also good with bourbon.)

I hear you, but seems to me like a lot of unnecessary work when a drop or two liquid smoke would achieve the same or even better results.

That could work, but liquid smoke to me is like tofu bacon - I just don't.  Another thing that works to get the smoke flavor in is smoke salt on the rim.

da87

+1 on no, and that goes for just about any mixed drink for me. I think mixer quality more important than vodka at that point considering the ratio between them...  Chopin on the rocks though!

SmokingPiney

For mixed drinks, Smirnoff will do.

For Martinis to where I can actually taste the vodka, Tito, Chopin, Ketel One or Belvedere are my preferences. 

Webass

My local sprits store gal put me onto Dripping Springs Vodka.  It's a Texas distilled small batch vodka that I think is as good, if not better, than Tito's.  Here in Knoxville it's about $25 a bottle.

http://www.drippingspringsvodka.com/

fishlessman

new amsterdam is a good choice on the cheap end. have never had a hangover in my life which has pissed a few off come morning it comes in 100 proof which just makes a bloody better

Legume

Webass said:

My local sprits store gal put me onto Dripping Springs Vodka.  It's a Texas distilled small batch vodka that I think is as good, if not better, than Tito's.  Here in Knoxville it's about $25 a bottle.

http://www.drippingspringsvodka.com/

This is what we drink, over Titos.

SmokeyPitt

I agree it doesn't have to be expensive but I like my vodka to taste good because I want to use it in something besides Bloody Marys as well. Depending on how my day went, sometimes that is just a vodka rocks. I guess I could buy two bottles but I find a big handle of Titos is pretty reasonable and can serve all the purposes. 

I have been experimenting with different Tequila for margaritas and I have found that the Total Wine brand "best value for Margarita" tequila that was around $12 for a .750 ml was just fine. Until a certain statute of limitations is up I am not allowed to drink tequila straight. 

The_Stache

Ludsusowa (Polish Potato Vodka) or Sobievski (Russian Rye Vodka (way less expensive than Grey Goose or the other premium vodkas) will make a difference in Bloody Mary #1.  Depending upon your mixology probably won't make a difference for #2, #3, etc.

DoubleEgger

The worlds only @The_Buffalo approved vodka 

poster

DoubleEgger said:

The worlds only @The_Buffalo approved vodka 

Have you tried this? ive seen it, but always go for the bottle seen on the right which is great stuff by the way. As for cocktails, it doesn't have to be grey goose, but it also shouldn't be Smirnoff, that stuff is just plain terrible and I would switch drinks if that was the only vodka available.

RRP

Thanks all for your input - it had been insightful.  I used to drink gin straight, but have never had vodka straight. Since I only use one jigger of vodka to a 12 oz bloody bull I think I will stick with the cheap stuff. 

DoubleEgger

poster said:

DoubleEgger said:

The worlds only @The_Buffalo approved vodka 

Have you tried this? ive seen it, but always go for the bottle seen on the right which is great stuff by the way. As for cocktails, it doesn't have to be grey goose, but it also shouldn't be Smirnoff, that stuff is just plain terrible and I would switch drinks if that was the only vodka available.

Yes. I had some in Krakow last fall. Not too shabby. It's illegal in the States because of the Bison grass.  The right is good too. 

fishlessman

RRP said:

Thanks all for your input - it had been insightful.  I used to drink gin straight, but have never had vodka straight. Since I only use one jigger of vodka to a 12 oz bloody bull I think I will stick with the cheap stuff. 

with the bloody bull mix you make it would need 50/50 mix to taste the vodka i do like that recipe

northGAcock

Mixed drinks yes.....jello shots....not at all.

Kent8621

Try some bacon vodka in your bloody Mary's you wont go back after you do.

Jellyworm

I too am a Vodka snob; Kettle One being my favorite, with Sky, Tito's and Smirnoff for Blood Mary's.  For those that live in a state where Costco can sell liquor try their Kirkland brand vodka from France.  I am told it is made and bottled by Grey Goose and sell for less that half what GG cost.  It is very good and with the big bottle being under twenty bucks hard to pass up.  I bring a case home every time I get to Baton Rouge!