Best inexpensive vodka to buy for reception?

I agree with VM. Smirnoff is the best you're going to get for an inexpensive vodka.

Anyone who says they can tell the difference between "cheap" vodka and nice vodka is a liar. Choose any vodka you'd like, I only know one person in my life who drinks it straight.

Anyone who also says they get a worse hangover on cheap vodka is incorrect.

From years as a server in an upscale vodka bar.

I like Skyy too - it's a bit more expensive that Smirnoff but not as expensive as many, many others - and it's delicious.

Try Costco. They have "Kirkland" brand vodka. It's cheap for the size and it's good!! Plus you could always buy a small bottle yourself, invite some friends over and try it! That's what I did

Ugh, I can't do Burnett's or Pinnacle. Maybe it's psychological from my college days.

Smirnoff. New Amsterdam's not bad either.

Smirnoff is nasty. Super gross. Seagrams is both cheaper and better tasting. I tend to agree with @mm about vodkas, but Smirnoff is the exception. I can pick it it off a lineup because it's so foul.

As a vodka drinker - I prefer Skyy over Smirnoff and it's still considered "middle shelf". Pinnacle (I was reaching for this name) is also very decent.

Like VM - I say don't go lower than Smirnoff.

My friend who is Russian and seems to know vodka says 'Finlandia' is a good brand.

@m I have to disagree with you - I can tell the difference between the good stuff, the mediocre stuff and the cheap/bad vodka (I even did a blindfolded test to prove it a couple of years ago cuz DH didn't believe me - I distinguished 5 different types and got em all right - I might have a problem). I'm Polish, so I definitely drink a lot of it, but in general even in a mixed drink, bad vodka is terrible. And I include Smirnoff in the "terrible" category. Silent Sam and Sobieski are similarly priced to Smirnoff (at least in Canada) but taste WAYYY better - I'd go with one of those. I like Stoli the best out of the mid-range vodkas.

I don't do Smirnoff because of college. I just can't bring myself to drink it anymore. But I'm ok with Pinnacle or Absolute.

The only time I can tell the difference is if its Smirnoff. My body just knows to vomit. ICK!

I did Absolute. I'm not sure where that falls on the scale of price for vodka. But it didn't seem expensive compared to the other liquor I purchase. I think people was happy to have free booze.

I came across a brand called 3 Vodka when I was living in GA that is ridiculously smooth and delicious. It's distilled from soy, so it's also good for celiacs who react to grain-based vodka. In my humble opinion, 3 tastes better than most top shelf vodkas but is cheaper than mids because they are a small operation and only do grass roots marketing.

ETA: It seems the only real solution is to turn your next free Friday night into a vodka tasting party with your bridal party!

I bought Amsterdam for ours....never heard a complaint! They drank the shit out of it too!

No Smirnoff -- the burn is bad (unless it's being heavily mixed with fruity additions). For anyone looking for a more straightforward vodka based cocktail, Pearl or Amsterdam might do the trick.

I agree with Brittany, Kirkland Vodka from Costco is good. I would do that or smirnoff.

Kirkland Vodka from Costco is a great deal for quite a bit of vodka that is good quality. I'd go for that or Absolut Vodka which you can find at most liquor stores.

I'm also a fan of Kirkland Vodka at Costco, it's really good and a good price.

I have always heard that the Kirkland brand is really Grey Goose that they bottle for them under their brand. Its super cheap for a big bottle and really good too. If you dont go with that I would say Skyy.

Imo, Svedka was one of the best bang for your buck when it comes to vodka. I can't drink it anymore (college), but I think it's better than Smirnoff. However, it's distinctive. Otherwise, Absolut or Skyy. I don't think Grey Goose is worth the money.

Not all Costco's sell liquor? What else do you go to Costco for besides giant handles for half the price?