Tito's Handmade Vodka – Austin's Smooth Spirit Takes Chicago

Updated → August 2025

Experience the award-winning smoothness of America's original craft vodka, now available at UnCork It Chicago. This gluten-free, corn-based spirit delivers exceptional quality at a remarkable value, perfect for everything from martinis to mules.

Chicago's Vodka Renaissance

The Windy City's spirits scene has undergone a remarkable transformation, with craft vodka leading the charge. Tito's Handmade Vodka represents the perfect intersection of quality, craftsmanship, and accessibility that modern Chicago drinkers demand. From River North lounges to neighborhood taverns, this Texas-born spirit has become the go-to choice for discerning vodka enthusiasts.

What sets Tito's Handmade Vodka apart in Chicago's competitive market isn't just its smooth finish or reasonable price point. It's the story of American entrepreneurship, the commitment to traditional distillation methods, and the genuine quality that shines through in every pour. As Chicago's cocktail culture continues to evolve, Tito's Handmade Vodka remains a constant favorite among bartenders and home mixologists alike.

The Tito Beveridge Story

Behind every bottle of Tito's Handmade Vodka lies an extraordinary tale of persistence and passion. Bert "Tito" Beveridge, a former oil industry worker and mortgage broker, transformed a hobby of making flavored vodka infusions into Texas's first legal distillery. Armed with 19 maxed-out credit cards and unwavering determination, Tito built his first pot still using images from Prohibition-era photographs and knowledge gleaned from oil field workers.

The year 1997 marked the beginning of commercial production at the Mockingbird Distillery in Austin, with just 1,000 cases produced that first year. Today, Tito's Handmade Vodka produces millions of cases annually, yet maintains the same commitment to quality that defined those early batches. The brand's meteoric rise accelerated after winning the Double Gold Medal at the 2001 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, beating established international brands and proving that American craft vodka could compete on the world stage.

Why Corn Makes the Difference

Unlike traditional vodkas made from wheat or potatoes, Tito's Handmade Vodka uses 100% yellow corn as its base ingredient. This choice wasn't arbitrary – corn provides a naturally sweet foundation that translates into a smoother, more approachable spirit. The corn base also makes Tito's Handmade Vodka naturally gluten-free, an important consideration for health-conscious Chicago consumers.

The corn mash undergoes a meticulous fermentation process before entering the distillation phase. This grain choice contributes to the vodka's signature mouthfeel – slightly viscous and creamy, with none of the harsh burn associated with lower-quality spirits. The natural sweetness of corn also means that Tito's Handmade Vodka requires no additives or sweeteners to achieve its balanced flavor profile, resulting in a cleaner, more authentic taste experience.

Old-School Pot Still Magic

In an industry dominated by industrial column stills, Tito's Handmade Vodka stands apart with its traditional pot still distillation method. Inspired by the techniques used for fine single malt scotches and premium cognacs, this approach allows for greater control over the distillation process. Each batch is distilled six times, with careful attention paid to removing heads and tails – the portions of distillate that contain unwanted flavors and compounds.

The pot still method requires more time, skill, and attention than modern column distillation, but the results speak for themselves. By maintaining lower temperatures and slower distillation rates, Tito's Handmade Vodka preserves subtle flavor nuances while achieving exceptional purity. The expanded Austin facility now houses multiple floor-to-ceiling stills, but each one operates on the same principles Tito established in his original homemade still, ensuring consistency across every bottle.

Professional Tasting Notes

Upon first nosing, Tito's Handmade Vodka presents subtle traces of charcoal and roasted grain, followed by sweeter aromas of grain mash and a hint of pipe tobacco. The initial taste reveals a smooth, slightly oily texture that coats the palate without overwhelming it. Mid-palate brings notes of white pepper, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla sweetness derived naturally from the corn base.

The finish is where Tito's Handmade Vodka truly shines – impeccably clean and dry, with a subtle warmth that dissipates quickly. Professional reviewers have noted the vodka's remarkable neutrality combined with enough character to stand up in cocktails. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 95 points, praising its "delicious oily, bacon-like note" on the finish, while Spirit Journal consistently awards it four-star ratings for its exceptional smoothness and mixability.

Premium Vodka Comparison

Crafting the Perfect Tito's Martini

The true test of any premium vodka lies in its performance in a classic martini, and Tito's Handmade Vodka excels in this timeless cocktail. Start with a 2.5-ounce pour of Tito's Handmade Vodka, add a half-ounce of quality dry vermouth, and stir with ice for 30 seconds. The key is achieving proper dilution without over-chilling, which can mask the vodka's subtle flavors.

For the ultimate Chicago-style dirty martini, add a quarter-ounce of olive brine to the mix. The corn-based smoothness of Tito's Handmade Vodka provides the perfect counterpoint to the brine's salinity. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass and garnish with three olives – preferably blue cheese-stuffed for an indulgent twist. The result is a cocktail that showcases the vodka's quality while delivering the bold flavors Chicago drinkers love.

The Ultimate Moscow Mule

Few cocktails showcase Tito's Handmade Vodka better than a properly made Moscow Mule. The vodka's clean profile allows the spicy ginger beer and bright lime to shine while providing a smooth alcoholic backbone. In a copper mug filled with ice, combine 2 ounces of Tito's Handmade Vodka, half an ounce of fresh lime juice, and 4 ounces of premium ginger beer.

The magic happens when these ingredients meld together – the slight sweetness from the corn-based vodka harmonizes with the ginger's heat, while the lime adds necessary acidity. Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh mint sprig for aromatic appeal. Pro tip: use Fever-Tree or Q Mixers ginger beer for the best results, as their natural ginger content complements Tito's Handmade Vodka exceptionally well.

Chicago-Style Cocktail Innovations

Chicago's innovative cocktail scene has embraced Tito's Handmade Vodka as a versatile base for creative libations. The "Windy City Lemonade" combines 2 ounces of Tito's Handmade Vodka with fresh lemonade, a splash of blue curaçao, and topped with soda water for a refreshing summer sipper that pays homage to Lake Michigan's azure waters.

For coffee lovers, the "Loop Espresso Martini" showcases how well Tito's Handmade Vodka pairs with bold flavors. Combine 2 ounces of vodka with 1 ounce of fresh espresso, half an ounce of coffee liqueur, and a quarter-ounce of simple syrup. Shake vigorously with ice and strain into a chilled coupe. The corn-based vodka's subtle sweetness enhances the coffee's natural flavors without overwhelming them, creating a perfectly balanced after-dinner drink.

Bottle Sizes and Pricing

Tito's Handmade Vodka offers exceptional value across its range of bottle sizes. The standard 750ml bottle typically ranges from $19-26, making it competitively priced against other premium vodkas. For entertaining, the 1.75L bottle provides the best value per ounce, while the 375ml size is perfect for trying the vodka or gifting.

UnCork It Chicago maintains competitive pricing on all sizes of Tito's Handmade Vodka, with regular promotions and case discounts available. The 50ml miniature bottles are ideal for sampling or creating custom gift sets, while the 1L bottle strikes the perfect balance between value and storage convenience. With Chicago's only one-hour delivery service, getting your preferred size has never been easier.

Storage and Serving Tips

Proper storage ensures your Tito's Handmade Vodka maintains its quality indefinitely. Store bottles upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. While refrigeration isn't necessary, many prefer to keep their vodka chilled for immediate serving. The freezer is also an option – Tito's Handmade Vodka won't freeze due to its alcohol content and will maintain a syrupy consistency perfect for neat sipping.

For optimal serving, chill Tito's Handmade Vodka to between 32-39°F for cocktails, or serve at room temperature for tasting to fully appreciate its subtle flavors. When making cocktails, always use fresh ingredients and quality mixers – the vodka's clean profile means that inferior ingredients will be immediately noticeable. Remember that once opened, vodka maintains its quality best when the cap is tightly sealed after each use.

Home Bar Essentials

Building a home bar around Tito's Handmade Vodka requires just a few key ingredients and tools. Essential mixers include fresh citrus juices (lemon, lime, grapefruit), quality tonic water, ginger beer, and cranberry juice. For vermouth, keep both dry and sweet varieties on hand, storing them in the refrigerator after opening. Simple syrup is easy to make at home and ensures consistent sweetness in your cocktails.

Tool-wise, invest in a quality shaker set, jigger for accurate measurements, strainer, and bar spoon. A muddler opens up possibilities for fresh herb and fruit cocktails, while a channel knife creates professional-looking citrus twists. With Tito's Handmade Vodka as your foundation and these basics on hand, you can create virtually any classic or contemporary vodka cocktail at home.

Vodka for Dog People

Beyond crafting exceptional vodka, Tito's Handmade Vodka has earned a reputation for its philanthropic efforts, particularly through the "Vodka for Dog People" program. This initiative, inspired by the stray dogs that wandered up to the original distillery, has donated millions to animal welfare organizations across the country. Chicago-area rescues and shelters have benefited significantly from these contributions.

The company's Love, Tito's program extends beyond animal welfare, supporting nonprofits in disaster relief, environmental conservation, and community development. In the past five years alone, Tito's Handmade Vodka has donated over $150 million to various causes. When you purchase a bottle, you're not just getting premium vodka – you're supporting a company that gives back to communities nationwide.

Why Buy at UnCork It Chicago

UnCork It Chicago stands as the premier destination for Tito's Handmade Vodka in downtown Chicago. As the city's only liquor store offering one-hour delivery, we make it convenient to stock your bar without leaving home. Our knowledgeable staff can recommend the perfect mixers and accessories to complement your vodka purchase, ensuring you have everything needed for exceptional cocktails.

Located at 353 East Illinois Street in the heart of Chicago, UnCork It has served the community since transforming from a full-service supermarket into a specialized liquor destination. Our temperature-controlled storage ensures every bottle of Tito's Handmade Vodka maintains optimal quality from our shelves to your glass. With extended hours and a commitment to exceptional service, we're here whenever inspiration strikes.

Order Your Bottle Today

Experience the smooth, clean taste that's made Tito's Handmade Vodka America's best-selling premium vodka. Whether you're crafting classic cocktails, exploring new recipes, or simply enjoying it neat, this award-winning spirit delivers exceptional quality at an unbeatable value. Order online for Chicago's fastest delivery or visit our Illinois Street location to browse our complete selection.

Join the millions who've discovered why Tito's Handmade Vodka has become a staple in bars and homes across America. From its humble beginnings in a small Austin shed to its current status as a spirits industry leader, every bottle represents the American dream distilled to perfection. Place your order today and taste the difference that traditional pot still distillation and genuine craftsmanship make.