House parties are where memories are made. Laughter echoes through rooms, music sets the vibe, and the bar becomes the heart of the celebration. It’s where new friendships spark over shared drinks, dance floors appear in living rooms, and the spirit of the night lives long after the last song fades. If you’re hosting, you’ll want spirits that please a crowd, work well in cocktails, and impress even the most discerning guests. And when it comes to versatility, few spirits shine brighter than vodkas for a house party.
Vodka isn’t just the blank canvas it’s often made out to be. Modern vodkas bring character, unique flavours, and exceptional purity that elevate cocktails and make even a simple pour over ice a delight. From traditional Russian styles to innovative Indian expressions, vodka is the secret weapon in your house-party arsenal. Whether your guests want shots that go down smooth, vibrant cocktails that bring flair to the party, or to savour a nuanced spirit slowly, vodka can do it all.
Vodka’s clean profile means it pairs effortlessly with sweet, savoury, spicy, or tangy mixers. It’s equally at home in a simple vodka soda, a fruit-forward martini, or a bold, spicy Bloody Mary. And thanks to innovations in distilling and infusion, vodkas today offer everything from classic grain smoothness to dazzling flavours like citrus, herbs, spices, and tropical fruit.
So if you’re gearing up for your next gathering, make sure your bar is stocked with bottles that promise not only versatility but also exciting flavours your guests will talk about long after the night is over. Here are three award-winning vodkas from the IWS Award 2024 Ultimate Drinking Guide that will ensure your house party is one to remember.
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AMG VODKA FROZEN
Let’s start with something that takes coolness literally. AMG VODKA FROZEN is crafted to be served straight from the freezer. Its crisp texture and pristine clarity make it a crowd-pleaser for shots, chilled pours, and ice-cold cocktails.
On the nose, it’s clean and neutral with just a whisper of cereal grain. The palate is silky, pure, and slightly sweet, finishing with a refreshing chill that lingers. There’s no harshness here, just smooth, icy elegance. AMG Vodka Frozen is perfect for minimalist cocktails like vodka sodas or as the base for vibrant fruit martinis.
Pro Tip: Keep a bottle frosted and pull it out mid-party for an instant ice-bar vibe that guests won’t forget. Try serving shots in frozen shot glasses for a theatrical touch that elevates the experience and keeps everyone talking.
Importer: Beyond Water Trading
Price: ₹3,750
Smoke Lab Green Chilli Mango Vodka
For a house party with a twist, bring out the bottle that combines Indian innovation with playful flavours. Smoke Lab Green Chilli Mango Vodka takes premium Indian rice-based vodka and infuses it with the sweet heat of ripe mangoes and green chillies.
The aroma bursts with tropical fruit, balanced by a gentle spice that hints at what’s to come. On the palate, it’s luscious and slightly creamy, with mango sweetness upfront and a subtle chilli warmth on the finish. It’s vibrant, unique, and an absolute conversation starter.
Serve it over ice with a splash of soda for a spicy spritz, or shake it into a spicy mango martini. It’s also delicious in Bloody Marys, adding depth and a hint of exotic heat. For a fun twist, create a Mango Mule with ginger beer and lime; it’s spicy, zesty, and perfect for keeping the energy high.
This is the vodka for hosts who love bold flavours and want their party drinks to stand out. Guests will keep coming back to the bar for another glass of this lively, intriguing spirit.
Producer: NV Group
Price: ₹2,400
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St. Petersburg 1831 Onegin Vodka
If you’re looking for classic sophistication, reach for the Russian elegance of St. Petersburg 1831 Onegin Vodka. This vodka is a nod to Russian traditions, triple distilled for exceptional purity and smoothness.
The nose is fresh and delicate, with light hints of grain and vanilla. On the palate, it’s soft and refined, with a creamy texture that glides effortlessly into a clean, crisp finish. It’s vodka that’s versatile yet complex enough to be sipped neat, and it brings an elevated touch to any cocktail.
Onegin Vodka is perfect for classic vodka martinis, Moscow Mules, or even served simply chilled with a twist of lemon peel. It’s the ideal pour when you want your guests to experience vodka in its purest, most elegant form. Impress your crowd with martinis made tableside, stirred gently over ice and strained into frosty glasses, an instant showstopper.
Importer: Monika Alcobev Ltd.
Price: ₹5,400
If you are looking for more such spirits recommendations, click here to check out the winners in the spirits category at the India Wines And Spirits Award 2024.
