Listed here are all the most effective vodka cocktails! Choose from all of the traditional vodka combined drinks and distinctive cocktails for any event, from the Moscow mule to the Cosmo and every thing in between.
Acquired a bottle of vodka? After testing a whole lot of cocktail recipes as a mixologist and cookbook creator, I’ve found that vodka’s impartial taste is definitely its superpower: it’s the proper clean canvas. There are such a lot of nice vodka cocktails to strive, combined drinks which can be as diversified as you may think about!
Vodka makes fruity vodka cocktails just like the Bay Breeze, traditional drinks just like the Gimlet and Cosmo, brunch cocktails just like the Bloody Mary, and infinite sorts of martinis. These 25 recipes are the easiest of what vodka can provide!
My prime 25 vodka cocktails and combined drinks
What’s a extra traditional vodka cocktail than a Moscow mule? This straightforward cocktail recipe was invented within the 1940’s however it’s completely timeless. With solely 3 substances and three minutes, it’s excellent for entertaining or informal patio drinks.
For extra variations, strive my Mexican Mule, Kentucky Mule, or Gin Gin Mule.
Elements: Vodka, lime juice, ginger beer
One other within the checklist of finest vodka cocktails: the vodka gimlet! This refined retro cocktail has a tart, refreshing taste and an elegant vibe. A gimlet it historically made with gin, however this spinoff with vodka has an excellent smoother taste.
Elements: Vodka, lime juice, easy syrup
The vodka tonic is a simple two-ingredient highball cocktail with a vibrant, lemon lime taste! On this variation on the Gin & Tonic, vodka melds proper into the tonic water, making an easy-to-drink vodka cocktail that is mild and refreshing.
Elements: Vodka, tonic water, lime and lemon wedges
This is one other traditional vodka cocktail: the Cosmo! It’s bought an excellent pink shade and refreshing taste. This recipe is balanced and tangy, an improved model of the traditional utilizing 100% cranberry juice. It is a simple cocktail to make, prepared to boost your subsequent celebration.
Elements: Vodka, 100% cranberry juice, lemon juice, Cointreau, easy syrup
Espresso lovers, right here’s the vodka cocktail for you! The Espresso Martini is a perfect pick-me-up for a lazy afternoon or an after dinner drink: it even doubles as dessert! Bittersweet espresso pairs completely with the wealthy sweetness of Kahlua for one among my private favourite vodka drinks.
Elements: Vodka, Kahlua, espresso
Subsequent up: the vodka bitter! This one’s a traditional bitter cocktail that is refreshingly candy tart with a frothy egg white foam on prime. Utilizing a dry shake approach will get the proper fluffy foam.
Elements: Vodka, lemon juice, easy syrup, Angostura bitters, egg white
One other well-known vodka cocktail is the Bloody Mary! This traditional brunch drink is tangy, spicy, and completely seasoned, that includes tomatoes, horseradish, garlic, and lemon. I like mixing up a selfmade batch, which has unimaginable taste.
Elements: Vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, celery salt, black pepper
It’s tall, bubbly, and goes down straightforward: it’s the Vodka Collins! This spin on the Tom Collins is actually a glowing vodka lemonade. It’s straightforward to drink dates again again to the 1870’s: one among my favourite refreshing vodka drinks.
Elements: Vodka, lemon juice, easy syrup, soda water
Once I’m searching for candy vodka drinks, I flip to the Mudslide! The traditional model is shaken with espresso liqueur and Irish cream, served up in a cocktail glass. Or, make it as a milkshake and use vanilla ice cream!
Elements: Vodka, Kahlua, Irish cream, heavy cream (or ice cream)
Right here’s one of many best vodka cocktail recipes in existence: the vodka cranberry! Often known as a Cape Codder, it has solely a handful of substances and it tastes tart and refreshing.
Ingredients: Vodka, cranberry juice
In the event you love Piña Coladas, then you definitely’ll love the Chi Chi! This Piña Colada with vodka is simply pretty much as good as the unique, for my part. It’s shocking how effectively it holds as much as the rum-based traditional.
Elements: Frozen pineapple, ice, vodka, cream of coconut, pineapple juice
This is a well-known vodka cocktail from the 1950’s that is creamy and candy: the White Russian! It takes simply 2 minutes to make and hits the spot in any season. I like utilizing milk as a substitute of cream for a extra refreshing model. Additionally strive it with out the cream as a Black Russian.
Elements: Vodka, Kahlua, cream
This vodka cocktail is very candy tart! Use citron vodka for essentially the most lemony taste: in any other case, common vodka works too. It’s festive and refreshing, with a lemon twist and sugar rim.
In the event you’re within the temper for a distinct martini, strive my French Martini, Raspberry Martini, Chocolate Martini, Cranberry Martini, Limoncello Martini, or Ginger Martini.
Elements: Vodka or citron vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice, easy syrup
The French 76 is a spin on the traditional French 75 utilizing vodka as a substitute of the standard gin. It’s bought a lightweight, vibrant taste and effervescent bubbles: very best for any time you want a festive celebration drink.
Elements: Vodka, lemon juice, easy syrup, Champagne or different glowing wine
Right here’s a simple vodka cocktail that’s mild, refreshing, and goes down straightforward: the Vodka Soda! Relative of the Vodka Tonic, this one is much more tart and refreshing. Lime juice, vodka and soda water make the most effective hydrating mixture.
Elements: Vodka, soda water, lime juice
Want a simple vodka cocktail that appears spectacular? Strive the Vodka Dawn! This layered cocktail appears to be like like a gradient of a summer season dawn, and it’s very best for brunch or a laid again afternoon drink. You will want simply 3 substances for this spin on the traditional Tequila Dawn.
Elements: Vodka, orange juice, grenadine syrup
Right here’s a complicated vodka cocktail: the French martini! It’s fruity and balanced, that includes a French black raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice. Every sip is deliciously intriguing and nuanced.
Elements: Vodka, pineapple juice, Chambord
The Sidecar is likely one of the nice traditional bitter cocktails. This drink is often made with brandy, however this model swaps it out with vodka! The vodka spin is refreshingly tangy and satisfying.
Elements: Vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice
This bubbly and fruity Vodka Spritzer is simply candy sufficient with a refined berry taste: tangy, refreshing and glowing suddenly. Cranberry juice makes the good crimson shade. It makes for a enjoyable and satisfying celebration drink!
Elements: Vodka, cranberry juice, strawberries, lemon, soda water
This vodka smash cocktail is all about fruit and ice! It’s tangy and refreshing, that includes muddled berries, mint, and lime. This vodka drink goes down straightforward!
Elements: Blueberries, lime juice, contemporary mint, vodka, easy syrup
This vodka cocktail is laid-back, tart and refreshing! The Sea Breeze cocktail tastes similar to its title: mild, breezy, and all about no-frills vibes. For drinks with a associated vibe, take a look at my Madras, Bay Breeze, or Transfusion recipes.
Elements: Vodka, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice
The Screwdriver is likely one of the best cocktails there’s, very best for afternoon drinks or brunch. I prefer it much more because the Harvey Wallbanger which provides Galliano, an natural Italian liqueur, for a cool end to every sip.
Elements: Orange juice, vodka, Galliano (elective)
Right here’s a tasty refreshing vodka cocktail that’s excellent for summer season, however works any time of 12 months: Vodka Lemonade! Make up a pitcher of selfmade contemporary lemonade, then spike it with just a little vodka. It comes out contemporary and candy tart, and very straightforward to drink.
Additionally strive: Blueberry Vodka Lemonade
Have you ever tried the traditional model of this widespread drink? Ditch the bitter combine and Triple Sec in favor of contemporary citrus, vodka, and Cointreau. It’s zingy, candy tart, nuanced and complex.
Elements: Vodka, tequila, white rum, gin, Cointreau, lemon juice, Cola
On the lookout for a vodka cocktail to please a chocoholic? Strive the chocolate martini! This drink is wealthy and creamy, mainly a dessert in a glass. It stars Irish cream and creme de cacao because the liquid model of your favourite chocolate bar.
Elements: Irish cream (like Baileys), creme de cacao, vodka
Vodka cocktails by sort
Selecting the best vodka
The most effective vodka for vodka cocktails? In contrast to liquors with robust personalities like whiskey or rum, vodka for combined drinks needs to be easy and clear. It shouldn’t overpower the opposite substances in a cocktail however act as a impartial base that lets different flavors shine.
I like to recommend a mid-priced vodka. Keep away from very cheap or high-end vodka. Manufacturers like Tito’s, Ketel One, Absolut and Smirnoff are good choices, in addition to mid-range manufacturers like Gray Goose vodka. Your best option will depend on your price range and your private opinion: don’t be afraid to experiment with completely different manufacturers!
Serving ideas
These vodka cocktails work superbly for any event. For brunch, I like serving Bloody Marys alongside my excellent scrambled eggs or a contemporary arugula salad.
For night entertaining, arrange a DIY Moscow Mule bar with varied flavored ginger beers and contemporary garnishes. You could possibly use varied liquors for all of the Moscow Mule variations.
For summer season events, batch up some Vodka Lemonades or Sea Breezes in pitchers for straightforward serving! Or make a batch of Frozen Espresso Martinis.
Often requested questions
Completely not! Vodka’s impartial taste profile makes it an ideal base for numerous artistic and scrumptious cocktails. From refreshing summer season drinks to classy classics, vodka shines in an unlimited array of recipes.
Listed here are a number of iconic vodka cocktails to get you began:
Moscow Mule: A refreshing mixture of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice.
Cosmopolitan: A complicated mix of vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau, and lime juice.
White Russian: A creamy and decadent mixture of vodka, espresso liqueur, and cream.
Bloody Mary: A savory and tangy brunch favourite with vodka, tomato juice, and spices.
Whereas particular substances range by recipe, some widespread staples embrace:
Citrus juices: Lemon, lime, and grapefruit juice add a refreshing tartness.
Sweeteners: Easy syrup, honey, or fruit liqueurs present sweetness and stability the tartness.
Bitters: A couple of dashes of bitters like Angostura or orange bitters improve complexity and depth.
Soda water and tonic water: These add fizz and lightness.
Fruits and herbs: Contemporary or muddled fruits and herbs like mint, basil, or berries add vibrant flavors and visible enchantment.
Listed here are some useful suggestions:
Use high-quality vodka: Whereas top-shelf isn’t at all times obligatory, an honest vodka will make a noticeable distinction.
Chill your substances: Chilly substances guarantee a refreshing remaining drink.
Measure precisely: Balanced flavors are key, so following recipe measurements is vital.
Get artistic! Don’t be afraid to experiment with completely different substances and taste mixtures, like including muddled fruits or herbs.
25 Greatest Vodka Cocktails
Essentially the most traditional vodka cocktail of all of them is the Moscow mule! This recipe pairs easy substances for large affect: vodka, ginger beer and lime make one traditional drink.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Prepare dinner Time: 0 minutes
- Whole Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Class: Drink
- Technique: Shaken
- Delicacies: Cocktails
- Weight loss plan: Vegan
- 2 ounces vodka
- ½ ounce contemporary lime juice
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- For the garnish: lime wheel or wedge, contemporary mint (if desired)
- Pour the vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer right into a copper mug.
- Add ice and garnish with a lime slice. Serve instantly.
Different cocktail recipes to strive
Outdoors of those vodka cocktails, there are such a lot of extra nice cocktail recipes! Listed here are a few of my finest combined drink collections: