Five O'clock Vodka – Affordable Spirit, Premium Experience

Updated → September 2025

Five O’Clock Vodka offers a smooth, neutral taste at an accessible price point. Produced by America’s oldest distiller, this vodka balances quality and affordability, making it a go-to choice for casual get-togethers and classic cocktails alike. Learn about its origins, how it compares to other vodkas, and tips for enjoying it to the fullest.

• Introduction
• Vodka in the Market Today
• History of Five O'Clock Vodka
• The Five O'Clock Spirits Line
• Crafting and Quality
• Comparing Five O'Clock with Other Vodkas
  • Tito’s Handmade Vodka
  • Grey Goose Vodka
  • Absolut Vodka
• Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes
• Cocktail Ideas and Serving Suggestions
• Five O'Clock Vodka at Seneca Wine & Liquor

Introduction

Five O'Clock Vodka stands out as a time-tested spirit that brings together reliability, smooth taste, and budget-friendly pricing. Whether you’re toasting to the end of a workday or mixing up a weekend cocktail, this vodka has earned its reputation as a go-to choice for countless enthusiasts. We’ll explore what makes Five O’Clock Vodka special – from its storied background and production by the famed Laird & Company, to how it compares with other well-known vodkas and the best ways to enjoy it.

Vodka in the Market Today

Vodka remains one of the world’s most popular spirits, with options ranging from luxury brands to everyday value bottles. In today’s market, consumers can choose ultra-premium labels boasting refined ingredients and meticulous distillation, or opt for affordable staples that deliver solid quality without breaking the bank. Five O'Clock Vodka firmly occupies the latter category as a reliable, budget-friendly choice that doesn’t compromise on a smooth drinking experience. This balance of quality and value has helped Five O’Clock maintain a loyal following even as craft distilleries and imported brands have surged in popularity. It proves that in a landscape filled with pricey contenders, an accessible spirit can still hold its own as a trusted favorite for parties, casual gatherings, and personal enjoyment.

History of Five O'Clock Vodka

The story of Five O'Clock Vodka is rooted in American distilling tradition. It is produced by Laird & Company, renowned as America’s oldest distillery with roots dating back to the 18th century. Over the decades, Laird & Company expanded beyond its famous apple brandy to craft a range of spirits, with Five O’Clock Vodka becoming one of its hallmark products. Introduced generations ago as an approachable, everyday vodka, Five O’Clock grew in popularity thanks to its consistent quality and affordable price. The name itself plays on the saying “It’s five o’clock somewhere,” evoking the idea that any time can be the right time for a relaxing drink. Through changing trends in the spirits world, Five O’Clock Vodka has retained its place as a dependable choice, appealing to both newcomers and seasoned vodka drinkers looking for value.

The Five O'Clock Spirits Line

While vodka is the flagship, the Five O’Clock brand has expanded into a broader line of spirits reflecting the same ethos of affordability and easy enjoyment. Laird & Company offers Five O'Clock Vodka alongside products like Five O’Clock Gin, Five O’Clock Spiced Rum, and Five O’Clock Rum. There’s even a ready-to-drink offering – Five O’Clock Vodka Orange Crush – which combines their vodka with natural orange flavor in a convenient canned cocktail. Each of these spirits follows the Five O’Clock philosophy of providing solid quality at a wallet-friendly price. For instance, the gin delivers a crisp, traditional juniper taste that’s ideal for a simple gin and tonic, and the spiced rum adds warm notes perfect for mixing into cola or festive punches. This diverse portfolio shows how the Five O’Clock name extends its value to multiple liquor categories, giving budget-conscious consumers a range of choices for their home bar.

Crafting and Quality

The production process of Five O'Clock Vodka emphasizes simplicity and purity, resulting in its notably smooth character. This vodka is distilled from 100% grain neutral spirits — a blend of high-quality grains distilled multiple times to remove impurities and yield a clean alcohol base. Laird & Company leverages generations of distilling expertise to ensure consistency in every batch. After distillation, the spirit is rigorously filtered (often through charcoal and other media) to achieve its crisp, neutral profile. It’s then bottled at 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume), the standard strength for vodka, providing enough warmth without excessive burn. Despite its accessible price, Five O’Clock benefits from careful quality control at each step. The result is a clear spirit with very little harshness or aftertaste – exactly what vodka drinkers look for in a smooth sipper or a reliable mixer.

Comparing Five O'Clock with Other Vodkas

How does Five O'Clock Vodka measure up against some well-known counterparts? Below we compare it to a few popular vodkas in terms of production and flavor, highlighting what makes each unique. Five O’Clock’s strength lies in delivering a balanced, smooth vodka experience at a fraction of the cost of premium labels.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka

Tito’s Handmade Vodka, produced in Austin, Texas, has earned a strong following for its craft approach. Made from corn and distilled six times in pot stills, Tito’s offers a slightly sweet, smooth profile. It employs charcoal filtration to achieve a clean finish similar to Five O’Clock’s neutral character. While both vodkas pride themselves on smoothness, Tito’s corn base gives it a subtle sweetness whereas Five O’Clock’s grain blend remains more neutral. Tito’s carries a handcrafted, small-batch image at a mid-range price, whereas Five O’Clock focuses on classic neutrality at a budget price.

Grey Goose Vodka

Grey Goose represents the premium end of the vodka spectrum. Produced in France using fine winter wheat, it undergoes meticulous distillation and is blended with pure spring water. The result is an ultra-smooth vodka with delicate hints of almond and citrus—flavors that set it apart from the straightforward taste of Five O’Clock Vodka. Grey Goose’s luxury branding and higher price tag underscore its top-shelf status. By contrast, Five O’Clock Vodka offers a clean, no-frills vodka experience aimed at those seeking reliability without the premium cost. Both spirits are 40% ABV, but Grey Goose is often reserved for upscale sipping and cocktails, whereas Five O’Clock is a practical choice for everyday mixing and casual enjoyment.

Absolut Vodka

Originating from Sweden, Absolut Vodka is distilled from winter wheat and is known for its continuous distillation process, which yields a very pure spirit. Absolut has a subtle grain sweetness and a crisp finish, similar in neutrality to Five O'Clock Vodka. Absolut typically sits in a moderate price bracket above Five O’Clock but below the ultra-premium brands. In practice, both vodkas perform well as mixers due to their smooth, clean profiles. Five O’Clock can mimic much of what people appreciate about Absolut’s balanced character, but at a notably lower cost, making it an economical substitute in virtually any vodka cocktail.

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

Five O'Clock Vodka presents a classic vodka profile: clear, crisp, and almost flavorless (in the best way). On the nose, you might catch a faint hint of grain, but nothing overpowering. Sipping it neat reveals a light-bodied spirit with a gentle warmth but very little burn. The finish is quick and clean with no lingering aftertaste, a testament to the thorough distillation and filtration. While it doesn’t exhibit the subtle flavor notes that some premium vodkas intentionally retain, that neutrality is precisely its strong point.

This unobtrusive character makes Five O’Clock extremely versatile as a base for drinks. It won’t dominate or clash with other ingredients. Serve it well-chilled if you plan to drink it straight – chilling the vodka in your fridge or freezer further smooths out the edges and enhances its refreshing quality. Overall, the tasting experience is simple and smooth: a blank canvas spirit that plays nicely in any cocktail you choose.

Cocktail Ideas and Serving Suggestions

Thanks to its neutrality, Five O'Clock Vodka shines in a wide range of mixed drinks. For an easy refresher, try a classic vodka tonic: pour a measure of Five O’Clock over ice, top with tonic water, and add a lime wedge. The vodka’s clean profile lets the mixer’s flavors take center stage. Similarly, it’s perfect for simple highballs like a screwdriver (vodka and orange juice) or a Cape Codder (vodka, cranberry juice, and lime). Five O’Clock provides the kick without introducing harsh or distracting flavors.

Those who enjoy craft cocktails will find that Five O’Clock holds its own in classics like the Cosmopolitan, Bloody Mary, or Moscow Mule. Its smoothness blends seamlessly with liqueurs, spices, and fruit flavors. Whether you’re shaking up a tart Cosmo or spicing a tomato-rich Bloody Mary, this vodka serves as a dependable foundation that lets the cocktail’s intended flavors shine. And of course, keeping your vodka icy cold will yield the best, most smooth results – store the bottle in the freezer so it’s ready for action whenever you’re in the mood to mix a drink.

Five O'Clock Vodka at Seneca Wine & Liquor

If you’re in or near New Hartford, NY, you can easily find Five O'Clock Vodka at Seneca Wine & Liquor – either by visiting our store or through our online shop. We carry this vodka in multiple sizes, from small 375 mL bottles up to 1.75 L “handles,” so whether you need just a little or a lot for a gathering, we have you covered. Our pricing is always competitive, making Five O’Clock one of the best values in our vodka selection.

Visit us at 8630 Seneca Turnpike in New Hartford or browse our website to purchase Five O'Clock Vodka for pickup or local delivery. Our friendly staff is happy to assist with any questions – whether you’re trying Five O’Clock for the first time or stocking up for a party. At Seneca Wine & Liquor, we pride ourselves on a convenient shopping experience and a well-curated selection. With a bottle of Five O’Clock Vodka from our store, you’ll be ready to mix, share, and enjoy great drinks without straining your budget.