In the early 2000s, the liquor aisle was a playground of weird and wild vodka flavors. Notes of birthday cake, PB&J, glazed donut, waffle, fresh-cut grass, dill pickle, and even tobacco lined the shelves. While many dismissed these flavors as mere novelties, industry experts asserted their necessity.

"Throughout the 80s and 90s, cocktails weren't as layered. The introduction of unique vodka flavors by brands such as Absolut and Stolichnaya empowered bartenders to design more versatile cocktails minus extensive prep," explains Mitchel Bauer, a bartender at Vecinos in Miami Beach and owner of Drinkable.

Today, the quirky vodka scene is making a comeback. In 2021, Frito-Lay ventured into vodka-making in collaboration with Eastside Distilling in Portland. Meanwhile, Absolut launched a Tabasco-branded vodka, and Arby's even presented a curly-fry iteration. To navigate this curious scene, we asked bartenders which unusual vodka flavors warrant a try.

Duckworth Distillery's small-batch, cane-sugar vodka infused with French black winter truffle distils seven times to create a cocoa-forward, earthy, and highly aromatic spirit. Nicole Cooke, an Austin-based vodka expert, was surprised to find herself enjoying its rich, full-bodied flavor that enriches both a Bloody Mary and a Martini.

Echoing its original chaser, The Original Pickle Shot exemplifies that pickle-flavored vodka craze. "The balanced dill and spice flavors were unexpected, making a successful low ABV pickle back shot," says Lucinda Sterling of Brooklyn's Seaborne.

Bam Bam Vodka, from Tennessee’s Junction 35 Spirits, indulges in nostalgic sweet flavors with a zest reminiscent of the milk at the bottom of a cereal bowl. Sweetness is also present in Pinnacle's Marshmallow vodka, a nostalgic hit that "elevates an Espresso Martini," according to Misty Exley of Broudy’s Rickhouse in Florida.

Hot Monkey Vodka is Bridget Fahey at The Wander Bar's go-to recommendation for those seeking a smoky, spicy heat, making it a perfect brunch drink to add a rich layer to Bloody Marys.

An unlikely favorite in Nashville bars run by Alex Howard is the sour-pickle Texacraft Vodka. He appreciates its sharp and briny flavor as an ideal fusion for a pickleback shot.

Yet, what really stands out amongst creative bartenders is St. George Spirits' Green Chile-spiked vodka. Made with responsibly sourced fresh peppers, this versatile vodka "complements a cocktail, rather than overpowering it,” says Jim McCourt, partner-bar director at Charleston’s Prohibition and Repeal 33.

Meanwhile, 360 Buttered Popcorn Vodka is a novelty, yet surprisingly flexible choice for Sebastian Estes, beverage director at Charleston’s Katsubō.

For a special winter flavor, try Breckenridge Distillery's candy cane vodka for a blend of peppermint and white chocolate hues, suggested for mixology by Michael Beseda, owner of the high-elevation Tiki bar, Castaways Cove.

Absolut’s Tabasco collaboration is another surprise hit providing a playful option with a bold, savory flavor that makes an excellent Bloody Mary, according to experts like Lisa Kozloff of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill.

While not considered a traditional vodka, a noteworthy contender is the hoppy concoction from Anchor Brewing, Hophead Vodka. Michael Jensen of 430 PKWY in Honolulu describes its taste as having bright citrus, floral, and resinous hop aromas with hints of grapefruit peel, and fresh pine.

For truly adventurous palates, Copenhagen distillery Empirical Spirits’ collaboration with Doritos is an option. The umami-flavored distillate is made from Belgian Saison beer yeast, malted barley, and Doritos nacho cheese. Sergio Sellares, bartender at La Terraza Nicabanos in Miami, vouches that it really tastes like nacho cheese Doritos with sour cream.

Lastly, for those seeking spice, Absolut’s Peppar, launched in 1986, creates the perfect base for a Bloody Mary according to Sébastien Taffara of The Wicked Oyster in Massachusetts.

Whether enjoyed as part of a trendy cocktail or savored on its own, there are no rules in this arena of flavored vodkas. The only real challenge is in selecting which one to try next!