Written by Caroline Pardilla
Published on June 1, 2022

Vodka is one of the most popular spirits in the world and a vital component of many classic cocktails. However, a Martini with vodka is one of the quickest ways to turn off many Martini drinkers. As more premium vodkas come from the artisan spirits industry, the vodka's Martini fortunes are shifting, and gone are the days when many bartenders tend to avoid using it.

SHAKE AND STIR THE KANGAROO 
According to "Vodka Distilled" author Tony Abou-Ganim, the original vodka Martini had an odd name. For some reason, it was called the "Kangaroo." It was described as a wet Martini with a 2:1 vodka to vermouth ratio, with a lemon peel garnish. 

With the help of professional industry experts, here’s a collection of brands they believe make the best vodka martinis.

AMASS VODKA
Described as “distilled with marigold, chamomile, and lemon,” Amass Vodka makes a delightful Martini as it features delicate and floral botanicals that complement a blend of blanc and dry vermouths perfectly, without being washed out.

KETEL ONE
This picture-perfect beverage is brightened by the lemon oil, while Ketel One adds black pepper flavors and a smooth, agreeable texture. Ketel One has been endorsed by saying that it “has enough brightness and acidity to work well in a Dirty Martini”. 

HAKU VODKA by Suntory
Beam Suntory, a Japanese distiller, creates this vodka made entirely of rice. It offers a fruity finish, delicate floral notes, and citrus and violet aromas. This vodka's crisp and delicate flavor profile makes it ideal for refreshing vodka sodas or dry Martinis garnished with a lemon twist.  

GREY GOOSE
Because it was designed from the bottom up to express the character of its ingredients rather than to mask them, Grey Goose has a richer flavor than other vodkas. This means the vermouth will not weaken it at all.

KÁSTRA ELIÓN
Kástra Elión is a premium sipping vodka distilled from Greek olives, giving it a nice salinity that complements the Martini.  

BELVEDERE ESTATE RYE SMOGORY FOREST
Offering something different to the traditional Belvedere vodka, Belvedere Single Estate Rye Smogóry Forest vodka is an expression designed for the real martini aficionado. 

POLISH VODKA
Tony Abou-Ganim says, “When it comes to a Vodka Martini (Kangaroo), I like a big, robust Polish vodka, such as Chopin rye or potato or Belvedere—a vodka that can stand up to and complement vermouth.”

BAR CONVENT GOES TO SINGAPORE

Drinks up! The Bar Convent Berlin has developed from a small get-together to one of the most significant bar and beverage trade shows in the world.

After branching out in Brooklyn and São Paulo, this targeted platform is set to make its Singapore debut in 2023. Located in Asia Pacific's most decorated nation for the cocktail bar scene, Bar Convent Singapore (BCB Singapore) will offer the ideal venue for networking with South-East Asian industry partners, influencers, and friends.

The ultimate gathering of like-minded people aims to show numerous touchpoints that will allow participants to seize new business opportunities, catch the attention of the industry, and spearhead the movement for spirits and cocktails in this region in the future.

Will you be there? Visit BCB Singapore’s homepage for more details!

Source: https://imbibemagazine.com/the-best-vodkas-for-martinis-according-to-the-pros/