Out of all the things that could go vegan, it is surprising to believe that spirits can also be vegan. And what’s that one spirit that almost everyone loves without any questions asked? Hands down, it has to be vodka! If you follow a vegan lifestyle to the T and want to know more about vegan spirits like vodka, you’re at the right place. Here’s all you need to know about vegan vodka and the different brands selling it in India.
Vegan Vodka: All That You Need To Know
Vodka: What Is It And How Is It Made
Let’s start with the basics and understand what vodka is and how it is made. Vodka is a spirit traditionally distilled from fermented grains or potatoes. It is a colorless, odorless, and flavorless spirit and the flavorings you get while having vodka are additives. When it is fermented and distilled, it contains mostly water and ethanol and has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40 to 55%. Some vodka brands might even take ABV higher!
Even with an ABV ranging between 40 to 55%, it is one of the most potent kinds of spirits. This is why the spirit is best served in cocktails where additives, mixers, and other ingredients mellow down the potency of pure vodka. However, many also insist that vodka is best served neat or on the rocks.
Whatever may be your preference, vodka has emerged as one of the most beloved and well-known spirits in the world and partly because of Russians. If you’re keen to know more about the intriguing connection between Russians and vodka, you must check out Unsobered’s article: Why Russians Are Associated With Drinking Vodka: Origin, Consequences, And More.
Also Read: Dry In The Sky: 7 Airlines That Don’t Serve Alcohol
Is All Vodka Vegan?
With plant-based ingredients at its core, most vodka is vegan. However, the distillation process is where there are chances of animal-derived products being used. These products help achieve maximum clarity, ultimately making the vodka more refined and distinct. These include products like:
- Potassium caseinate or casein: Derived from dairy
- Gelatin: Made from ground bones and hooves
- Egg albumin or egg whites
- Isinglass: Derived from fish bladders
- Bone char: Derived from ground bones
Unfortunately, these products are not a part of the final product which is why labels are not required to mention them on the labels. If you wish to know more about what goes into your vodka, you might have to directly contact the manufacturer directly to verify if your bottle is vegan friendly.
Vegan Vodka In India
Absolut Vodka
Absolut vodka has been the global pioneer in the world of vodka production for decades. But did you know that it is also vegan and gluten-free? It is known for its distinct smoothness and velvety texture that glides on your taste buds. This liquor is perfect on its own as well as in decadent cocktails like a classic Moscow Mule, Cosmopolitan, or a Vodka Lemonade. The brand has pushed for sustainable production ways to ensure that the product isn’t just of high quality, it’s also kinder to the planet.
Currently, the brand offers its vodka in different flavors like Citron, Lime, Mandrin, Raspberri, Grapefruit, Vanilla, and Mango in India. So, whether you’re craving for the original vodka experience or a fruity twist, Absolut has got you covered!
Price: INR 2200 for a 1000 ml bottle in retail outlets across India
Also Read: India-made Jin Jiji Becomes The Spirit Of The Year At The London Spirits Competition 2025
Smoke Lab
Smoke Lab is a homegrown vodka brand that is grabbing headlines for all the right reasons! The brand has three distinct variants – the Classic, Aniseed, and Saffron. While the Classic variant has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40%, the Aniseed variant has an ABV of 37.5%, and the Saffron variant has an ABV of 37.5%.
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What makes Smoke Lab Vodka unique is that it is distilled not once, not twice, but five times! This 5x distillation makes the vodka super smooth, distinct and strong. Smoke Lab is distinctly Indian in its flavors, consisting of bold liquorice, fennel, aniseed, and saffron among others. Have it neat, on the rocks, or craft a delicious cocktail – this 5x distilled craft vodka is here to change the game while also being vegan!
Price: INR 3000 for a 1000 ml bottle in retail outlets across India
Summing Up
As more people embrace veganism, it is heartening to see how the spirits industry is evolving to align with this shift. Vodka has been one of the most renowned spirits, particularly known for its smooth, crisp taste. While most vodkas are inherently vegan, it is always better to know what you’re looking for. Luckily, there are a couple of vodkas that you can buy in India that are completely vegan. So, here’s to drinking responsibly all while being kinder to the planet, one sip at a time!
