Vodka is a versatile spirit that serves as the base for countless cocktails, perfect for every occasion. But who says you need to be a professional bartender to impress guests with your vodka cocktail skills? Here at Vodka Doctors, we believe that even a novice can create amazing vodka cocktails with a little guidance. So today, we present you with 10 easy vodka cocktail recipes that every cocktail enthusiast should learn to master. Get ready to wow your friends and expand your bartending skills!
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. Classic Vodka Martini
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz dry vermouth
- Ice
- Olives or lemon peel for garnish
Instructions:
Combine vodka and dry vermouth in a shaker filled with ice. Stir until well chilled, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with olives or a lemon twist, depending on your preference.
2. Moscow Mule
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 4 oz ginger beer
- Ice
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
Combine vodka and lime juice in a Moscow Mule mug or a highball glass filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and gently stir. Garnish with a lime wedge.
3. Vodka Gimlet
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Ice
- Lime wheel for garnish
Instructions:
Combine vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until well combined and chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lime wheel.
4. The Screwdriver
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz orange juice
- Ice
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions:
Combine vodka and orange juice in a highball glass filled with ice. Stir to combine and garnish with an orange slice.
5. Bloody Mary
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz tomato juice
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp horseradish
- 2-3 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
- 2-3 dashes of hot sauce (like Tabasco)
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of smoked paprika
- Ice
- Garnish (celery, olives, lemon wedge, and more)
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients, except garnishes, in a shaker filled with ice. Shake until well combined and chilled. Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with your selection of toppings, such as celery, olives, and a lemon wedge.
6. Vodka Tonic
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz tonic water
- Ice
- Lemon wedge for garnish
Instructions:
Combine vodka and tonic water in a highball glass filled with ice. Stir to combine and garnish with a lemon wedge.
7. Black Russian
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlua or Tia Maria)
- Ice
Instructions:
Build the cocktail in a rocks glass filled with ice, by pouring vodka and coffee liqueur over the ice. Stir gently to combine.
8. Sea Breeze
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 2 oz grapefruit juice
- Ice
- Lime wheel for garnish
Instructions:
Combine vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice in a highball glass filled with ice. Stir to combine and garnish with a lime wheel.
9. Vodka Collins
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice
- Lemon wheel and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
Combine vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice. Shake until well combined and chilled. Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice, then top with club soda. Garnish with a lemon wheel and cherry.
10. Espresso Martini
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlua or Tia Maria)
- 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, cooled
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Ice
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until well combined and chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
There you have it- ten easy vodka cocktail recipes that every cocktail enthusiast should have in their arsenal. Give your next gathering an extra kick by preparing one (or all!) of these delicious and simple vodka-based concoctions. Don't forget to share this post with fellow vodka aficionados and sign up for the Vodka Doctors Newsletter to stay updated on more fantastic guides and cocktail recipes. Happy mixing, and cheers to you!
