Tito’s Handmade Vodka (375mL)

Here is a comprehensive article on Tito’s Handmade Vodka (375 mL) — covering its history, production, tasting profile, market impact, plus a detailed “People Also Ask”-style FAQ, and concluding thoughts.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. History and Origins
3. How Tito’s Handmade Vodka Is Made
4. Product Specifications (Including the 375 mL Bottle)
5. Tasting Profile
6. People Also Ask – FAQs
   • What is Tito’s Handmade Vodka made from?
   • Is Tito’s Vodka gluten-free?
   • What is the ABV / proof of Tito’s?
   • Where is Tito’s Vodka distilled?
   • Is Tito’s still “handmade”?
   • How many times is Tito’s Vodka distilled?
   • How many calories in Tito’s?
   • Does Tito’s make flavored vodka?
   • How to serve Tito’s Vodka?
   • Is Tito’s Vodka kosher?
   • Is Tito’s Vodka carb-free or sugar-free?
7. Market Position, Branding, and Impact
8. Pros, Criticisms, and Considerations
9. Serving & Cocktail Suggestions
10. Conclusion

1. Introduction

Tito’s Handmade Vodka is one of the most recognizable and widely consumed vodka brands in the United States. What started as a craft distillery in Austin, Texas, has grown to become a major player in the vodka market. The 375 mL bottle is one of many sizes offered by Tito’s, making it a popular “mid-size” option for personal use, travel, or sampling.

This article dives deep into its origins, how it’s made, what’s “in the bottle,” its sensory profile, and answers common consumer questions — especially those you might find on Google under “people also ask.” We will also assess its positioning in the spirits market, strengths and drawbacks, and how to best enjoy it.

2. History and Origins

• Founder: Tito’s Handmade Vodka was founded by Bert “Tito” Beveridge. (Beverage Industry)
• Early Years: Beveridge began by making infusions of inexpensive vodka as gifts for friends. (liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com) In 1995, he applied for and received a distillery license, making Tito’s the first legal distillery in Texas. (Tito’s Handmade Vodka)
• Distillery: The facility, known as Mockingbird Distillery, sits on 12 acres in Southeast Austin. (Tito’s Handmade Vodka)
• Growth: From an initial production of about 1,000 cases in 1997, Tito’s has scaled massively. (liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com)
• Recognition: Tito’s won a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2001, its first time in the competition, beating well-known brands. (SPEAKSPIRITS)
• Philanthropy: The brand is known for community engagement and giving back. Through its Love, Tito’s program, it supports charities such as disaster relief, veterans’ services, the arts, healthcare, and more. (The Tasting Panel)

3. How Tito’s Handmade Vodka Is Made

To understand what makes Tito’s unique (or not), it’s important to look at its production process:

1. Base Ingredient
   • Tito’s is made from 100% yellow corn (not wheat, potatoes, or rye). (SPEAKSPIRITS)
   • The use of corn gives it a slightly sweet, rounded character. (Beverage Industry)
2. Distillation
   • Tito’s uses old-fashioned copper pot stills. (Tito’s Handmade Vodka)
   • The vodka is distilled six times. (SPEAKSPIRITS)
   • This batch-style, pot still distillation is more labor-intensive than large-scale column distillation, but is credited with giving the spirit more character. (Giannone Wine & Liquor – West New York)
3. Filtration
   • After distillation, Tito’s is filtered (activated charcoal filtration is referenced) to smooth out the spirit. (Flavor365)
   • Every batch is taste-tested, which ties into their “hands-on” distillation philosophy. (Flavor365)
4. Packaging
   • Tito’s uses a simple, no-frills bottle. According to the brand, they deliberately avoided expensive custom bottles so that more of the cost goes into what’s inside the bottle, not on packaging. (Tito’s Handmade Vodka)
   • The distinctive copper-colored cap is part of their bottle design. (Tito’s Handmade Vodka)
5. Certifications and Attributes
   • Tito’s is gluten-free certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). (Tito’s Handmade Vodka)
   • It is also kosher, according to Tito’s “What’s in the Bottle” page. (Tito’s Handmade Vodka)

4. Product Specifications (Including the 375 mL Bottle)

Here are key specifications for Tito’s Handmade Vodka, focusing also on the 375 mL volume:

• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 40% (80 proof) (Tito’s Handmade Vodka)
• Base Ingredient: 100% corn (Flavor365)
• Distillation: 6 times in copper pot stills (SPEAKSPIRITS)
• Calories: About 98 calories per 1.5 oz serving. (Tito’s Handmade Vodka)
• Gluten: Certified gluten-free. (Tito’s Handmade Vodka)
• Sizes Available: Among others, Tito’s offers 375 mL, 50 mL, 200 mL, 750 mL, 1 L, and 1.75 L bottles. (Target)
• Origin: Made in Austin, Texas, at the Mockingbird Distillery. (Tito’s Handmade Vodka)
• Kosher: Yes, kosher-certified. (Tito’s Handmade Vodka)

5. Tasting Profile

While Tito’s markets itself as a “clean” and “smooth” vodka, there are some nuances to its taste:

• Texture and Mouthfeel: Due to its pot-still distillation and corn base, Tito’s has a round, slightly soft mouthfeel. (leadersmag.com)
• Aroma: It tends to be fairly neutral — not strongly aromatic — which is common for many vodkas.
• Taste:
  • Slight sweetness from the corn. (Beverage Industry)
  • Clean, unflavored finish. Tito’s does not have strong fruity or floral notes; its character is more about purity and smoothness.
• Finish: Crisp and straightforward; because it’s not heavily flavored or modified, the finish is clean and unpretentious.

6. People Also Ask – FAQs

Here are common questions people ask about Tito’s Handmade Vodka, along with well-sourced answers.

Q1. What is Tito’s Handmade Vodka made from?

Answer:
Tito’s is made from 100% yellow corn. (Flavor365) This is a deliberate choice — using corn rather than wheat or potatoes gives Tito’s its slightly sweet, smooth character, and contributes to its gluten-free status. (Beverage Industry)

Q2. Is Tito’s Vodka gluten-free?

Answer:
Yes. Tito’s Handmade Vodka is certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). (Tito’s Handmade Vodka) The company clearly states this on its website. (Tito’s Handmade Vodka) Because it’s made from corn — which doesn’t contain gluten — and because of its distillation process, it naturally doesn’t have gluten proteins. (Flavor365)

Q3. What is the ABV / proof of Tito’s?

Answer:
Tito’s is 40% alcohol by volume, which corresponds to 80 proof. (Tito’s Handmade Vodka)

Q4. Where is Tito’s Vodka distilled?

Answer:
Tito’s is distilled in Austin, Texas, at the Mockingbird Distillery on a 12-acre site in southeast Austin. (Tito’s Handmade Vodka) The distillery uses pot stills and maintains a “hands-on” craft spirit production, in line with its origins. (Flavor365)

Q5. Is Tito’s still “handmade”?

Answer:
This is a nuanced question. While the brand is called Tito’s Handmade Vodka, the company has grown significantly, and some processes are now mechanized (e.g., bottling). (Flavor365) However, they maintain that the “handmade” descriptor reflects their commitment to their original craft methods — notably, distillation in copper pot stills, and taste-testing each batch. (Flavor365)

Q6. How many times is Tito’s Vodka distilled?

Answer:
Tito’s is distilled six times. (SPEAKSPIRITS) This multiple distillation (in pot stills) is part of their process to ensure smoothness and quality. (liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com)

Q7. How many calories are in Tito’s?

Answer:
According to Tito’s own FAQ, there are 98 calories in a 1.5 oz (standard) serving of Tito’s Handmade Vodka. (Tito’s Handmade Vodka)

Q8. Does Tito’s make flavored vodka?

Answer:
No. Tito’s does not produce flavored vodka. According to their FAQ, they focus on their core vodka and suggest that, if someone wants flavor, they can infuse Tito’s at home with fresh ingredients. (Tito’s Handmade Vodka)

Q9. How should you serve Tito’s Vodka?

Answer:
Tito’s is very versatile:

• Neat, if you appreciate a clean, smooth vodka expression.
• On the rocks, for a chilled but unmixed experience.
• In cocktails: It’s widely used in mixed drinks like Bloody Marys, Moscow Mules, and simple vodka-sodas. Because it’s neutral and clean, it pairs well with many mixers. (Target)
• Infusions: Since Tito’s doesn’t make flavored variants, you can infuse it yourself at home (e.g., with citrus peels, herbs, berries).

Q10. Is Tito’s Vodka kosher?

Answer:
Yes, Tito’s Handmade Vodka is kosher-certified. (Tito’s Handmade Vodka)

Q11. Is Tito’s Vodka carb-free or sugar-free?

Answer:
Yes — in its pure form, Tito’s is a distilled spirit with 0 grams of sugar and 0 grams of carbohydrates. For example, the 375 mL bottle’s product description on Target lists carbohydrates and sugars as zero. (Target)

7. Market Position, Branding, and Impact

• Craft Origins: Tito’s owes a lot of its brand identity to its humble, craft origins. Tito Beveridge’s story — funding the distillery with credit cards, using pot stills — resonates strongly with consumers who value authenticity. (Tito’s Handmade Vodka)
• Scaling Up: While Tito’s started as a microdistillery, it has grown massively. Despite this, it retains the narrative of a “handmade” spirit. (Flavor365)
• Transparency & Pricing Philosophy: Tito’s emphasizes minimal packaging, keeping costs down so consumers pay for the vodka, not expensive bottles. (Tito’s Handmade Vodka)
• Social Impact: Through Love, Tito’s, the brand is significantly philanthropic: donations, disaster relief, support for veterans, etc. (The Tasting Panel)
• Recognition: It has received industry accolades, reinforcing its reputation for quality in addition to its grassroots story. (leadersmag.com)

8. Pros, Criticisms, and Considerations

Pros:

1. Smooth & Neutral: Because of its six-times pot distillation and corn base, many find Tito’s very smooth and easy to mix.
2. Gluten-Free Certified: Gives confidence to those with gluten sensitivities.
3. Good Price: Relative to premium vodkas, Tito’s offers a strong value.
4. Authentic Brand Story: Tito’s origins and narrative are compelling and genuine, appealing to craft spirit consumers.
5. Philanthropy: The brand’s social mission adds to its positive image.

Criticisms / Considerations:

1. “Handmade” Marketing: Some critics question whether “handmade” still applies at current production volumes. (Flavor365)
2. Pot Still vs Column Still Tradeoffs: While pot stills give character, they can be less efficient and more variable than modern column stills.
3. Flavor: For drinkers wanting flavored vodka or a very distinctive “vodka-forward” aroma, Tito’s may feel too neutral.
4. Health Claims: While gluten-free certified, some argue that all distilled spirits are gluten-free by nature of distillation, making the branding less meaningful in a technical sense. (This is a recurring debate in consumer communities.) (Reddit)
5. Growth vs Craft: As the brand scales, it may alienate some consumers who strongly associate “craft” with small-scale production.

9. Serving & Cocktail Suggestions

Here are some popular ways to enjoy Tito’s Handmade Vodka — especially relevant for the 375 mL bottle, which is great for personal use or small gatherings.

1. Classic Vodka Soda
   • 2 oz Tito’s
   • 4–6 oz soda water
   • Lime wedge garnish
   • Why it works: Tito’s clean profile lets the soda shine, and the lime adds a refreshing citrus note.
2. Moscow Mule
   • 2 oz Tito’s
   • ½ oz lime juice
   • 4–5 oz ginger beer
   • Lime wheel for garnish
   • Why it works: The ginger beer pairs with Tito’s smoothness; the copper mug is a fun throwback to cocktail tradition.
3. Bloody Mary
   • 1.5 oz Tito’s
   • Tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, salt & pepper, celery salt
   • Celery stalk or lemon wedge garnish
   • Why it works: Because Tito’s doesn’t overpower, it lets the savory, spicy Bloody Mary mix be the star.
4. Vodka Martini
   • 2 oz Tito’s
   • ½ oz dry vermouth (or less, to taste)
   • Lemon twist or olive garnish
   • Why it works: Tito’s neutral but smooth character makes it ideal for a clean martini.
5. Infused Tito’s at Home
   • Use a 375 mL bottle as your infusion base.
   • Add fruit peels (like lemon or orange), herbs (basil, rosemary), or berries. Let steep for a few days, then strain.
   • Why it works: Since Tito’s itself is unflavored, it’s an excellent “blank slate” for infusions.

10. Conclusion

Tito’s Handmade Vodka (375 mL) represents more than just a mid-size bottle in a well-known lineup — it embodies a story of craft, authenticity, and growth. Founded by Bert “Tito” Beveridge in Austin, Texas, Tito’s began in a modest setting but scaled rapidly, while retaining certain foundational values: pot-still distillation, attention to quality, and a “no-frills” packaging approach that keeps the focus on the liquid inside.

Made from 100% yellow corn, distilled six times in pot stills, and filtered carefully, Tito’s delivers a smooth and clean vodka experience. Its gluten-free certification and kosher status further enhance its appeal across diverse consumer bases. The brand’s philanthropic initiatives and genuine roots have helped it build a strong, positive identity.

On the flip side, there are debates about whether “handmade” still meaningfully applies at Tito’s scale, and some purists may prefer more character or flavor than Tito’s ultra-neutral profile provides. Nonetheless, its balance of quality, accessibility, and brand story has made Tito’s a staple in both home bars and commercial settings.

If you’re looking for a reliable, smooth, gluten-free vodka that doesn’t break the bank and works well in a wide variety of cocktails — or even neat — Tito’s Handmade Vodka is a very solid choice. The 375 mL bottle size is particularly useful for sampling, gifting, traveling, or just keeping a moderate volume at home.

If you like, I can turn this into a full 3,000-word deep-dive (with tasting notes from experts, consumer reviews, global comparisons, and more). Do you want me to expand it?