Flavored spirits like Burnett’s Vodka have been in and out of vogue for the last few decades. But many vodka purists look down on this trend, seeing flavored vodka as a cheap drink for the masses as opposed to a non-flavored vodka, filtered for a discerning audience.
But, we aren’t that stuffy!
Vodka comes in all shapes and sizes, and, like any spirit, flavored vodkas have their strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Burnett’s vodka offerings in terms of price and alternatives, to help you decide whether Burnett’s vodka is worth trying, worth buying, or simply horrifying.
Where is Burnett's Vodka Made?
Burnett's Vodka is produced by Heaven Hill Distilleries in Kentucky. The brand was created in 1991.
Burnett’s Vodka: Variety is the Spice of Life
Heaven Hill is more famous for their bourbons. But, like many distilleries, they’ve moved along with the times and complemented their classic range of drinks with newer, some might say “party drinks”, often for an early 20s audience - but if you’re older, you might like them too. After all, we’re all young at heart, aren’t we?
In the age-old search for a spirit that doesn’t taste like alcohol, Burnett’s has released 37 flavors. Some of them are relatively common vodka flavors such as raspberry, while others have a unique place on the market. We’re looking at you, Sweet Tea Vodka.
Burnett’s Vodka has won many awards, including:
Is Burnett's Vodka Good?
For a budget vodka, Burnett's is not a bad choice. Burnett's is quadruple distilled and triple charcoal filtered for superior smoothness. They claim their vodka is one of the smoothest on the market. However, we must remember the price point when comparing to other brands.
Burnett's Vodka Tasting Notes
There is a strong alcohol flavor that hits first followed by a a sharp bite at the end. Most people don't enjoy sipping Burnett's, but it is a good cheap option for mixed drinks. Their flavored vodkas are better for shots or drinking chilled as the added flavors and sugar helps disguise the bite. All in all it's a great option for those on a budget. (And the non flavored makes a good house cleaner if nothing else!)
But where does Burnett’s Vodka rank among its competitors, and can you get a better bang for your buck elsewhere?
Price Guide
Burnett’s is absolutely a budget vodka. It’s even a budget entry among flavored vodkas, and that’s saying something considering many flavored vodka brands cater to those on a lower price scale.
Type | Size | Price | Proof |
---|---|---|---|
Burnett's Vodka | 750ml | $6.99 - $8.99 | 80 |
1L | $7.99 - $9.99 | 80 | |
1.75L | $11.99 - $14.99 | 80 | |
Burnett's Pink Lemonade | 750ml | $6.99 - $7.99 | 70 |
Burnett's Raspberry | 750ml | $6.99 - $7.99 | 70 |
Burnett's Cherry | 750ml | $6.99 - $7.99 | 70 |
Burnett's Mango | 750ml | $6.99 - $7.99 | 70 |
Burnett's Whipped Cream | 750ml | $6.99 - $7.99 | 70 |
Burnett's Peach | 750ml | $6.99 - $7.99 | 70 |
Burnett's Vanilla | 750ml | $6.99 - $7.99 | 70 |
Burnett's Orange | 750ml | $6.99 - $7.99 | 70 |
Burnett's Citrus | 750ml | $6.99 - $7.99 | 70 |
Burnett's Gin | 1.75L | $14.99 - $15.99 | 80 |
There are currently 37 flavors of Burnett’s vodka for sale. Most of these flavors are available as:
- 750ml Bottles.
- 60 - 70 Proof, depending on the flavor.
- Costing $6.99 - $9.99 per bottle.
50ml bottles selling for about $1
375ml bottles available for around $5.
The exception to this is Burnett’s Original Vodka. This non-flavored spirit is 80 proof and can be bought for:
- $6.99 - $7.99 for a 750ml bottle.
- $7.99 - $8.99 for a 1L bottle.
- $11.99 - 13.99 for a 1.75L bottle.
A 100 proof version can also be found for $17.99 - $19.99 for a 1.75ml bottle and around $10 for a 750ml bottle.
Most of Burnett’s 37 flavors of vodka are widely available and can be grouped into Fruit, Sweet, and Spiced Flavors:
Burnett’s Flavors
Fruit
Sweet
Spiced
Alternatives: Variety is the Spice of Life
Even with a large selection of flavors, Burnett’s Vodka has a number of competitors in the same price range.
Let’s take a look at some of them:
Pinnacle Vodka: With 30 unique flavors as well as a couple of non-flavored options, Pinnacle hits many of the same tasting notes in its flavored vodka range, including watermelon, whipped cream, and several similar fruit flavors. For around $9.99 - $12.99 for a 750ml bottle, Pinnacle Vodka isn’t much more expensive.
UV Vodka: This vodka only has 13 flavor options when compared to Burnett’s 37, but similar flavors including Apple, Cherry, and Grape can be found. UV Vodka also has some unique flavors like Sriracha Chili. You’ll also find pre-made cocktail options like Very Cherry Lemonade. All of them are sport bright, near-neon coloring. UV can be had for just $10 for a 750ml bottle.
Denaka Vodka: Denaka is a Danish vodka with an earthy flavor. It’s often used in cocktails but offers its own variety of flavored vodkas including, orange, black cherry, and vanilla. It’s available for around $12 for a 750ml bottle.
Would You Like a Mixer With That?
While budget, and especially flavored vodkas, can be savored straight up, they’re often best enjoyed with a mixer or in a cocktail. They’re rarely at their best when sipped and enjoyed alone like a premium distilled vodka.
So, what goes best with Burnett’s?
For original vodka, you’re going to be able to take your pick. The usual options of mixers will work, but things get more complicated with the array of flavors found in Burnett’s flavored drinks.
But, we’re here to help with some suggestions.
Mixers
Remember we split Burnett’s vodka into three flavor profiles? Sweet, Fruit, and Spiced? Each group will work with different mixers.
Sweet
Rich liquors and spirits tend to work well with a dark mixer like cola or a dark fruit juice. Cherry, candy cane and whipped cream will be smoothed out by cola or cranberry. While pink lemonade, whipped cream again, and limeade will go well with a lighter mixer like lemonade. Go easy on the measures. With vodka this sweet, you don’t want the drink to become too sickly.
Fruit
You have many more options with Burnett’s fruit-flavored vodkas. Tropical fruits including orange, pineapple, mango, and… Er… Tropical fruits flavor, will all add zest to lighter mixers like lemonade and sparkling water. Berry flavors will work well with cola. Fruit juices like orange can be transformed into a cocktail tasting drink just by adding cranberry or fruit punch flavored vodkas.
Spiced
Coconut will add a light flavor to cola, as will Vanilla. But vanilla will work with almost any drink, so you could pair this with lemonade easily. Hot Cinnamon is going to work with a darker mixer like cola, but we’d recommend trying it in a coffee (iced or hot). A great twist on an Irish coffee.
Anyone for a Cocktail?
If you find budget flavored vodkas like Burnett’s too harsh or sweet, they can make a great addition to any cocktail. You’re essentially adding a rich taste profile and a spirit in one zesty kick.
You could use any of Burnett’s offerings, and experiment, but some safe bets include:
Vodka Lime Martini: Two parts vermouth, one part Lime flavored Vodka. Great with an olive. Gives a bit of zest to a classic cocktail. Also you get to pretend you’re James Bond.
Strawberry Vodka Daiquiri: A classic daiquiri usually comes with a teaspoon of sugar for sweetness. Try substituting it for a shot of fruit flavored vodka. Really compliments the light rum and freshly squeezed lime juice.
Screwdriver with a Twist: A simple, crowd pleaser. Orange juice, but instead of plain old vodka, try a combination of Burnett’s mango vodka and pineapple vodka. A tropical feast!
Appletini: Another popular cocktail which is too easy to drink. Usually served with apple juice, lemon juice and maple syrup. Substitute the maple syrup for maple syrup flavored vodka. No lemon juice? Add in Burnett’s citrus vodka.
Cosmo: Use a plain vodka as a base, but substitute the orange liqueur with a citrus or orange flavored vodka, and why not add some cranberry vodka to the cranberry juice?
Burnett’s Vodka: A Cheap and Fun Date?
Burnett’s Vodka offers a large variety of flavors for a very low price. It opens up a bunch of cocktail and mixer options. There are alternatives out there as well, but few at this price point.
What we really want to know is: Do you enjoy a glass of Burnett’s? If so, what’s your favorite mixer to dowse that good old fashioned vodka burn?
Can I buy Burnett Vodka online? I can’t find it in my area.