Vodka is arguably the most versatile spirit around - it perfectly complements all sorts of ingredients and flavors, making it an ever-popular choice for tasty and refreshing cocktails. While experimenting with your favorite vodka cocktails, it’s essential to know the best vodka mixers to elevate your drink to the pinnacle of its potential. So, whether you're an at-home mixologist or a vodka connoisseur, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll delve into some of the tastiest and most popular vodka mixers, along with tips and realistic examples to inspire your next cocktail creation. Cheers to that!
Best Budget Vodkas Ranked
Smirnoff
A global vodka giant with Russian origins, Smirnoff delivers consistent quality and versatility for any mixer.
Alcohol Percentage: 40%
Taste Profile: Crisp, mild sweetness with a clean finish
Best Cocktail Pairing: Classic Cosmopolitan
Best Food Paring: Grilled chicken skewers
Brand Breakdown: Find out more here
Absolut
Swedish purity in a bottle, Absolut is distilled from winter wheat, giving a smooth and rich experience.
Alcohol Percentage: 40%
Taste Profile: Smooth with light grain and citrus hints
Best Cocktail Pairing: Absolut Elyx Martini
Best Food Paring: Smoked salmon canapés
Brand Breakdown: Find out more here
Ketel One
A Dutch treat, Ketel One is the result of over 300 years of distilling expertise; a refined choice.
Alcohol Percentage: 40%
Taste Profile: Fresh with subtle citrus and honey notes
Best Cocktail Pairing: Dutch Mule
Best Food Paring: Aged cheeses or Dutch herring
Brand Breakdown: Find out more here
1. Cranberry Juice
One of the most classic and popular vodka mixers, cranberry juice adds a tart, sweet, and fruity taste that balances the boldness of vodka. This delightful duo is the essential backbone of the classic Cosmopolitan cocktail, and it's also the key to many other simple and delicious vodka drinks, such as the Vodka Cranberry or the Sea Breeze.
2. Orange Juice
Also known as the Screwdriver, vodka and orange juice is a match made in heaven. The sweetness and tanginess of orange juice complement vodka, and the two blend seamlessly to provide a silky-smooth and refreshing cocktail. Add a touch of grenadine to create a Tequila Sunrise or use fresh-squeezed orange juice for a more natural and citrusy twist.
3. Tonic Water
For a simple yet elegant cocktail, tonic water is an excellent vodka mixer. The carbonation and distinctive quinine flavor add depth and interest to your vodka drink that your guests will surely appreciate. Plus, it’s an ideal low-calorie and low-sugar option for those conscious of their health. Add a twist of lime or lemon and some ice and you've got yourself a Vodka Tonic - perfect for any occasion.
4. Ginger Beer
Spicy, fizzy, and delicious - ginger beer adds a unique kick to your vodka cocktail. You may recognize this mixer from the Moscow Mule, a classic cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. Variations on the Moscow Mule feature additional fruit juices or flavored vodka, so feel free to experiment and find your ideal combination.
5. Club Soda (Soda Water)
Similar to tonic water, club soda is an excellent low-calorie and low-sugar vodka mixer option. The fizzy carbonation adds texture to your drink, while the neutral taste lets the vodka's flavor shine through. You can always add a splash of fruit juice or a twist of citrus for extra flavor, and it’s the go-to base for a classic Vodka Soda.
Best Vodka Mixers Example
While the mixers listed above are surefire winners for creating incredible vodka cocktails, here's an example recipe that combines some of these elements for an undeniably delicious concoction:
- 2 oz Vodka
- 4 oz Cranberry Juice
- 1 oz Orange Juice
- Club Soda or Tonic Water (to top off)
- Lime wedge for garnish
Fill a tall glass with ice, pour in vodka, cranberry juice, and orange juice. Stir well, then top off with club soda or tonic water. Give it a quick stir, garnish with a lime wedge, and enjoy your refreshing summertime vodka cocktail!
Whether you're an amateur bartender or a seasoned cocktail enthusiast, having a lineup of vodka mixers is essential for creating delicious, unforgettable drinks. Explore and experiment with these mixers discussed here and take your vodka cocktails to a whole new level. If you've enjoyed this guide, don't hesitate to share it with your friends and fellow vodka lovers. Join the Vodka Doctors Newsletter to stay updated on all things vodka and check out our other comprehensive guides to elevate your vodka experience.
