Vodka’s neutral flavor profile means it pairs well with a wide variety of sodas and juices. Whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up or something savory for brunch, there is a vodka cocktail to suit your mood. A classic Gimlet is made with gin, but the same recipe easily adapts to vodka. Try a mint infused version with a little lemon simple syrup for an easy citrusy treat.
Martini
The Martini is the perfect showcase for a top-shelf vodka. Classic vodka cocktails historians maintain the traditional ratio of gin to vermouth (5:1), but this versatile spirit’s popularity has led to many variations. You can shake up a fruity or espresso-laden ‘Martini’ or try mixing it with soda water for a refreshing Vodka Soda.
Whether you’re making a Moscow Mule or a brunch-time Bloody Mary, the right mixer is key. Vodka works well with almost any mixer, but a squeeze of citrus can enhance the flavor and brighten up your drink.
This zingy drink combines passion fruit and lime juice with vodka and soda for a simple yet refreshing sipper. Add a twist of lemon for a final garnish. James Bond fans will enjoy this extra-potent elixir made with gin and Lillet Blanc, the wine-based aperitif beloved by Ian Fleming’s character. Stir with plenty of ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.
Bloody Mary
The bold and savory Bloody Mary is the ultimate breakfast or brunch drink. It’s a cocktail that combines salty, zesty, and spicy flavors with savory ingredients like tomato juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, black pepper, and celery salt.
The drink has countless variations. Some use gin, tequila, or even Guinness beer to complement the vodka in this classic drink. But if you want to stick to the original, it’s best to go for a basic, unflavored vodka.
Combine vodka, tomato juice, horseradish, Tabasco, black pepper, and kosher salt with ice in a shaker. Stir well and strain into a tall glass over ice. Garnish with a parsley sprig, 2 speared olives, and a lemon wedge. Add a splash of olive or pickle brine to the mix for a more flavorful drink. The mix can be prepared up to 4 days in advance and refrigerated. To serve, add 2 ounces of vodka to a chilled glass and top with garnishes.
Pineapple Juice
In the cocktail world, vodka is versatile and the base for many delicious drinks. It can be flavored, mixed with other liquids, or even made into desserts! Its versatility is what makes it a popular spirit. Other liquors can have a strong flavor or high calorie count and limit how many different cocktails you can make with them.
Pineapple juice is commonly used as a single or mixed drink beverage and can also be added to recipes for culinary flavor and as a natural fruit sweetener. It’s a great source of potassium, an electrolyte that helps your body stay hydrated.
Dole 100% Pineapple Juice has no added sugar and no GMO ingredients. It is naturally sweet and a good source of Vitamin C. Regular intake of Vitamin C may reduce the risk of common cold, improve eye health and promote a healthy immune system. It may also aid in digestive tract health, help prevent heart disease and protect against cancer.
Orange Juice
Vodka may be the most versatile mixer in the bar, pairing beautifully with sweet, sour, and savory flavors. Whether it’s an easy lemonade for brunch or a refreshing Long Island Iced Tea for a laid-back evening, vodka can be the base for cocktails that fit any mood and occasion.
Orange juice is a refreshing choice that masks the taste of vodka well. A classic Screwdriver recipe, for example, mixes just one ounce of vodka with plenty of freshly squeezed orange juice. You can use a manual citrus presser or an electric blender to make your own fresh-tasting orange juice, but be sure to remove the peel and white pith from the segments before blending.
A grapefruit-infused vodka is ideal for drinkers who enjoy balanced sour and sweet flavors. A Greyhound made with vodka and grapefruit juice is an easy-going brunch cocktail, while a berry-flavored vodka fizz makes a light afternoon sipper. Vodka and cranberry juice are also a popular combination for a refreshing gimlet that features the sour template but replaces a standard gin with vodka.
Wrapping It Up
From a creamy Espresso Martini to a bright and tangy Cosmopolitan, vodka is the foundation for many cocktails. To help you find the best bottle for mixing, VinePair asked top bartenders about their favorite vodkas. From sweet citrus flavors to savory tang, these two-ingredient vodka drinks are easy to make. Just add your choice of mixer and garnish!
