Vodka cocktails come in all shapes and sizes, since vodka plays nicely in sweet and savory sippers alike! These recipes are perfect for cocktail hour or a cocktail party, since there’s something everyone will enjoy.
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Your ultimate guide to Vodka Cocktails
Vodka is often overlooked, but certainly deserves its time in the spotlight! This clear liquor is probably already on your bar cart, but what do you do with it?
With no flavor or odor, vodka offers a blank canvas to build a cocktail on. Whether you opt for a classic, like the vodka soda, or us it in place of another alcohol, there’s so much room for creativity!
Since its so versatile, vodka is a good choice when it comes to entertaining — especially if you aren’t sure about your guests’ flavor preferences. You can offer a few options, and since it is smooth, clean and flavorless, vodka fits in anywhere. It also doesn’t illicit the strong reaction that some other alcohols (like gin or whiskey) can garner.
Don’t be fooled by appearances, though. Despite the clear liquor, these vodka cocktails are anything but boring!
How to choose a vodka
My rule of thumb when it comes to buying a bottle is to buy the best alcohol you can afford, and that stands true when it comes to vodka; a mid-shelf vodka is the best bang for your buck. Outside of that, you’ll want to consider what you’re planning to craft, and what your personal preferences are.
Regular vodka is crisp and clean, 40% ABV. It lacks color and does not have a notable flavor. It works well in most cocktail recipes, since it doesn’t alter the flavors it’s mixed with. High-proof vodka is 100 proof, or 50% ABV. Since it’s more alcoholic, it’s frequently used for infusions or strong cocktails.
Infused vodka is steeped with other flavors (like citrus, vanilla or marshmallow), but be cautious as they may be naturally or artificially flavored. If you want to be sure what goes into your booze, you can infuse your own at home (it makes a great gift, too). You can coordinate the flavor to match the rest of the drink — think marshmallow vodka in a s’mores inspired sipper.
If you need something sans alcohol, there aren’t as many options. Because vodka tastes plain (which is the beauty of it!) but it’s hard to replicate well. I’ve found that a non-alcoholic gin, like the Ritual Zero Proof Gin Alternative *, works well in an alcohol-free version of a vodka cocktail, like the virgin mule or virgin bloody mary. In other cases, like the virgin white Russian, skipping the “vodka” in favor of other flavors works better to amplify the drink.
Don’t miss Vodka 101 where you can learn more about which bottles to buy.
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What to mix with vodka
Honestly? Almost anything. With vodka acting as a blank slate, it goes with most flavors.
To keep things simple, you can add vodka to a mixer and transform it into a cocktail (like the dirty Shirley). Fruit juice is another popular pairing, from orange juice to cranberry to even passion fruit. It’s also perfect for pairings like coffee, vanilla or chocolate.
Kick your cocktails up a notch by infusing vodka with flavor that can be built upon. Chile vodka can get as spicy as you like it for savory drinks. Caramel and vanilla vodka offer a sweet twist to traditional drinks and sweet tea vodka is a nod to southern sipping. Or keep the flavor and add some color with black vodka.
The best vodka cocktails
Packed with color and flavor, these vodka cocktails are ready to get the party started!
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