Calling all vodka lovers and mixologists! There's no drink quite as versatile as vodka, making it the perfect ingredient for a wide variety of cocktails. Whether you're new to vodka or looking to test your bartending skills, in this guide, you'll find a selection of mouth-watering vodka cocktails that will surely impress your friends and elevate your next get-together. Grab your shaker and let's get mixing!
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
What Cocktails Can I Make With Vodka Table of Contents
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The Classic Vodka Martini
One of the most iconic cocktails in the world, the vodka martini is sophisticated, smooth, and undeniably classy. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create this timeless drink at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
- Ice
- Olive or lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add the vodka and dry vermouth, and stir until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with an olive or a lemon twist.
Moscow Mule
This popular, refreshing, and easy-to-make cocktail, served in a copper mug, is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime creates a tangy and invigorating sensation that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- Ice
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
- Add the vodka and lime juice, and top with ginger beer.
- Gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Black Russian & White Russian
Consider these two cocktails as siblings — both smooth, rich, and indulgent, but each one offering a unique flavor profile. The Black Russian is all about the coffee and vodka, while the White Russian adds a creamy spin.
Black Russian:
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- Ice
White Russian:
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur
- 1 ounce heavy cream or milk
- Ice
Instructions for both:
- Fill a short glass with ice.
- Add the vodka and coffee liqueur, and stir.
- For a White Russian, top with the heavy cream or milk and give it a quick stir.
What Cocktails Can I Make With Vodka Example:
Bloody Mary
A brunch-time favorite, the Bloody Mary is as customizable as it is enjoyable. Make your own and experiment with the countless garnishes and hot sauce varieties for a unique and delicious experience.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces vodka
- 4 ounces tomato juice
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
- 1 dash hot sauce (eg. Tabasco)
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 1 pinch smoked paprika or regular paprika
- 1 pinch celery salt
- Ice
- For garnish: celery stalk, olives, cherry tomatoes, pickle spear, or whatever you like!
Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and spices.
- Shake until well-blended and chilled.
- Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with your choice of toppings and enjoy!
So there you have it, a selection of vodka cocktails that are sure to broaden your mixology horizons and impress your friends at your next gathering. Be sure to experiment and make these recipes your own by adjusting the ingredients to your preference. Don't forget to check out other engaging articles and guides on Vodka Doctors, and don't hesitate to share this article with fellow vodka enthusiasts. Cheers!
