Vodka cocktails offer a world of flavors to explore. From classic drinks to creative new mixes, there’s something for every taste.
You can find 30 exciting vodka cocktails to try, ranging from simple to complex recipes.
These drinks showcase vodka’s versatility as a spirit. You’ll discover how it pairs with fruits, herbs, and other liquors to create tasty beverages.
Whether you want a refreshing summer sipper or a cozy winter warmer, you’ll find options to suit any mood or occasion.
1. Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a refreshing vodka cocktail that’s easy to make. You’ll need vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer.
Mix these ingredients in a copper mug filled with ice. The mug keeps your drink cool and adds to its unique look.
This cocktail was created in the 1940s to help sell vodka in the US. It quickly became popular and is still loved today.
You can try different versions of the Moscow Mule. Some recipes add fruit juices like blood orange or pomegranate for extra flavor.
2. Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is a classic vodka cocktail perfect for brunch or any time you need a savory pick-me-up. You can make it with store-bought mix or create your own blend of tomato juice and spices.
To make a basic Bloody Mary, combine vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce in a shaker with ice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
Get creative with garnishes! Try celery sticks, olives, pickles, or even bacon strips. For extra flair, rim your glass with celery salt or Old Bay seasoning.
3. Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is a popular vodka cocktail known for its pretty pink color and tart flavor. You’ll need vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice to make this drink.
To mix a Cosmo, fill a shaker with ice. Add 1 ounce vodka, 0.5 ounces triple sec, 1 ounce cranberry juice, and 0.5 ounces lime juice. Shake well for about 30 seconds until the shaker feels cold.
Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass. For a finishing touch, garnish your Cosmopolitan with a lime wedge. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
4. White Russian
The White Russian is a simple yet delicious vodka cocktail. It combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream for a rich, smooth drink.
To make one, fill a glass with ice. Pour in 2 oz vodka and 1 oz coffee liqueur like Kahlúa. Top with 1 oz heavy cream.
You can stir it all together or leave the cream floating on top for a layered look. The White Russian is perfect as an after-dinner drink or dessert cocktail.
This drink gained popularity after appearing in the 1998 movie “The Big Lebowski”. The main character sips it throughout the film, sparking renewed interest in the classic cocktail.
5. Screwdriver
The Screwdriver is a classic vodka cocktail that’s easy to make and refreshing to drink. It consists of just two ingredients: vodka and orange juice.
To mix a Screwdriver, fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of vodka, then top with 4 ounces of orange juice. Stir gently to combine.
For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice if possible. If using store-bought juice, choose a high-quality brand without added sugar.
You can garnish your Screwdriver with an orange slice or twist. This simple cocktail is perfect for brunch or as a casual sipper any time of day.
6. Black Russian
The Black Russian is a simple yet sophisticated vodka cocktail. It combines vodka with coffee liqueur for a rich, smooth drink.
To make a classic Black Russian, you’ll need 2 oz vodka and 1 oz coffee liqueur. Pour both ingredients over ice in a rocks glass and stir gently.
For the best results, use a premium vodka like Absolut or Smirnoff. Pair it with a quality coffee liqueur such as Kahlúa or Tia Maria.
This cocktail is perfect as an after-dinner drink. You can garnish it with an orange slice or a maraschino cherry for added flair.
7. Sea Breeze
The Sea Breeze is a refreshing vodka cocktail perfect for warm days. It combines vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice for a tangy, fruity flavor.
To make a Sea Breeze, you’ll need 1 oz vodka, 3 oz cranberry juice, and 1 oz grapefruit juice. Pour the ingredients over ice in a tall glass and stir gently.
For extra flavor, squeeze a lime wedge into the drink. You can adjust the sweetness by adding a splash of simple syrup if desired.
The Sea Breeze is easy to make in large batches for parties. Simply mix the ingredients in a pitcher and let guests serve themselves over ice.
8. Sex on the Beach
Sex on the Beach is a popular vodka cocktail with a fruity, tropical flavor. You’ll love its blend of vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and orange juice.
To make this drink, pour vodka and peach schnapps into a shaker with ice. Add cranberry and orange juices, then shake well for about 15 seconds.
Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice. You can garnish with an orange slice or maraschino cherry if you like.
This refreshing cocktail is perfect for summer parties or anytime you want a taste of the beach. Its bright colors and sweet-tart flavor make it a crowd-pleaser.
9. Vodka Martini
The vodka martini is a simple yet sophisticated cocktail. You’ll need vodka, dry vermouth, and ice.
Mix 2 1/2 ounces of vodka with 1/2 ounce of dry vermouth in a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir for about 30 seconds to chill the drink.
Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or olive, based on your preference.
For a drier martini, use less vermouth. Some people even just rinse the glass with vermouth before adding the vodka.
You can also try shaking the drink instead of stirring for a slightly different texture.
10. Cape Codder
The Cape Codder is a simple yet refreshing vodka cocktail. You’ll love how easy it is to make.
To prepare this drink, fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of vodka. Top it off with about 3 ounces of cranberry juice.
Give it a quick stir to mix the ingredients. For a finishing touch, squeeze a lime wedge over the drink. You can drop the wedge into the glass as a garnish.
This cocktail is perfect for warm days. Its tart and slightly sweet flavor will quench your thirst. You can adjust the ratio of vodka to cranberry juice based on your preference.
11. Lemon Drop Martini
The Lemon Drop Martini is a tangy and refreshing vodka cocktail. It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients.
To prepare this drink, you’ll need vodka, orange liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Start by chilling your martini glass.
Rim the glass with sugar for a sweet touch. Mix 60 ml vodka, 30 ml orange liqueur, and 30 ml lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
Add simple syrup to taste if you like it sweeter. Shake the mixture well for about 15-20 seconds until it’s very cold.
Strain the cocktail into your prepared glass. You can garnish with a lemon twist or slice if you’d like.
12. Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini is a popular vodka cocktail that combines coffee and alcohol. It’s perfect for a pick-me-up or after-dinner drink.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need vodka, coffee liqueur, fresh espresso, and ice. Shake all ingredients vigorously in a cocktail shaker for about 15-20 seconds.
Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass. The shaking creates a frothy layer on top, giving the drink its signature look.
For garnish, add a few coffee beans on the surface. This cocktail offers a rich, slightly sweet taste with a smooth coffee flavor.
13. Kamikaze
The Kamikaze is a zesty vodka cocktail that packs a punch. You’ll love its bright, citrusy flavor.
To make a Kamikaze, you need vodka, triple sec, and fresh lime juice. Mix 2 ounces of vodka with 1 ounce each of triple sec and lime juice in a shaker with ice.
Shake the mixture well for about 10-15 seconds. This chills the drink and blends the flavors nicely.
Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass. For a fun twist, you can serve it over ice in a rocks glass instead.
Garnish your Kamikaze with a lime wheel or wedge. This adds a nice visual touch and extra lime aroma.
14. Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a bright and refreshing vodka cocktail. It gets its striking blue color from blue curaçao liqueur.
To make a Blue Lagoon, you’ll need vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade. Mix these ingredients in a shaker with ice.
Pour the drink into a tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon slice and a maraschino cherry for a tropical touch.
The Blue Lagoon has a sweet and citrusy flavor. It’s perfect for sipping by the pool or at beach parties.
You can adjust the sweetness by using more or less lemonade. For a tarter version, try fresh lemon juice instead.
15. Appletini
The Appletini is a popular vodka cocktail with a sweet and tart apple flavor. You can make it easily at home with just a few ingredients.
To create an Appletini, mix vodka, apple schnapps, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well for about 20-30 seconds until cold.
Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass. For a fun touch, garnish your drink with a slice of green apple or a maraschino cherry.
If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a splash of simple syrup to the mix. For a more intense apple flavor, try using fresh Granny Smith apple juice instead of schnapps.
16. Greyhound
The Greyhound is a simple yet refreshing vodka cocktail. You’ll need just two ingredients: vodka and grapefruit juice.
To make a Greyhound, fill a glass with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of vodka and 4 ounces of grapefruit juice. Stir gently to combine.
For a twist, try using gin instead of vodka. You can also add a pinch of salt to the rim of your glass for a Salty Dog variation.
If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a splash of simple syrup or use flavored vodka. Experiment with different fruit juices to create your own unique versions of this classic cocktail.
17. Salty Dog
The Salty Dog is a simple yet refreshing vodka cocktail. It’s perfect for sipping on a warm day.
To make one, you’ll need vodka, grapefruit juice, and salt. Start by rimming a highball glass with salt.
Fill the glass with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of vodka and 3 ounces of grapefruit juice. Stir gently to mix.
You can garnish your Salty Dog with a grapefruit slice. Some people like to add a splash of lime juice for extra zing.
This drink is easy to customize. Try using gin instead of vodka for a different flavor profile.
18. Vodka Tonic
The Vodka Tonic is a simple yet refreshing cocktail. You’ll need vodka, tonic water, ice, and a lime wedge.
Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour 2 ounces of vodka over the ice. Top it off with 4 ounces of tonic water.
Stir gently to mix the ingredients. Squeeze a lime wedge into the drink for extra flavor. You can also use the lime as a garnish on the glass rim.
19. Vodka Gimlet
A vodka gimlet is a refreshing twist on the classic gin-based cocktail. This drink combines vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup for a tart and sweet flavor profile.
To make a vodka gimlet, mix 2 ounces of vodka with 1 ounce of fresh lime juice and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. Shake the ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Some recipes use Rose’s lime juice instead of fresh lime and simple syrup. This bottled lime cordial adds a unique sweetness to the drink.
You can garnish your vodka gimlet with a lime wheel or twist for extra flair. This easy-to-make cocktail is perfect for warm weather or anytime you want a crisp, citrusy drink.
20. Vodka Collins
The Vodka Collins is a simple and refreshing cocktail. You’ll love its clean, crisp taste on a warm day. It’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.
To mix one, you’ll need vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda. Combine the vodka, lemon juice, and syrup in a tall glass with ice. Top it off with club soda and give it a gentle stir.
You can garnish your Vodka Collins with a lemon slice or cherry. It’s perfect for sipping at happy hour or with dinner. The drink is light and bubbly, with a nice balance of sweet and sour flavors.
21. Smirnoff Ice
Smirnoff Ice is a popular ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage. It’s known for its sweet, citrusy flavor and light carbonation.
You can enjoy Smirnoff Ice on its own over ice for a refreshing drink. It also works well in cocktails.
Try mixing Smirnoff Ice with vodka and fruit juices for a fruity punch. Or blend it with rum and lime for a tropical twist.
For a simple cocktail, add a splash of cranberry juice to your Smirnoff Ice. This adds color and a tart flavor.
Remember to drink responsibly and always follow local alcohol laws.
22. Puckered Pickle
This tangy cocktail combines vodka with pickle brine for a unique twist. You’ll need vodka, pickle juice, and dry vermouth.
Mix 2 ounces of vodka with 1 ounce of pickle juice and a splash of dry vermouth in a shaker with ice. Shake well until frosty.
Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass. Add a pickle spear or slice as a garnish for extra flair.
The Puckered Pickle offers a salty, sour kick that pairs well with savory snacks. It’s perfect for pickle lovers looking to try something new.
23. Vodka Mojito
The vodka mojito is a refreshing twist on the classic Cuban cocktail. You’ll love this easy-to-make drink on hot summer days.
To create your vodka mojito, start by muddling fresh mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup in a glass. This releases the mint’s flavor.
Next, add vodka and fill the glass halfway with crushed ice. Stir the mixture to combine the ingredients.
Top off your drink with club soda or sparkling water. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel for a picture-perfect presentation.
The result is a cool, minty cocktail with a vodka kick. It’s perfect for sipping by the pool or serving at your next backyard barbecue.
24. French Martini
The French Martini is a sweet and fruity vodka cocktail. It’s easy to make with just three ingredients: vodka, pineapple juice, and raspberry liqueur.
To make a French Martini, mix 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of pineapple juice, and 1/2 ounce of Chambord or other raspberry liqueur. Shake well with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.
This drink has a beautiful pink color and a smooth, creamy texture. The pineapple juice gives it a tropical flavor, while the raspberry liqueur adds a hint of berry sweetness.
You can garnish your French Martini with a fresh raspberry or a twist of lemon peel. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy sweeter cocktails.
25. Raspberry Vodka Lemonade
Raspberry vodka lemonade is a fruity and refreshing cocktail perfect for warm days. You’ll need vodka, raspberry lemonade, and fresh raspberries.
To make it, fill a glass with ice. Pour in 1.5 ounces of vodka and 5 ounces of raspberry lemonade. Stir gently to mix.
Garnish with fresh raspberries and a lemon slice. For extra flavor, you can add a splash of Chambord liqueur.
This drink is easy to customize. You can adjust the ratio of vodka to lemonade based on your taste. For a party, make a big batch in a pitcher and chill before serving.
26. Cranberry Vodka
Cranberry vodka is a simple yet tasty drink. You need just two main ingredients: vodka and cranberry juice. Pour 1.5 ounces of vodka over ice in a tall glass. Add 3 to 4 ounces of cranberry juice.
Stir the mixture gently. For extra flavor, squeeze in some fresh lime juice. You can also add a splash of club soda for fizz.
This drink is easy to make at home. It’s perfect for parties or quiet evenings. The tart cranberry balances the vodka’s kick. Adjust the juice amount to suit your taste.
27. Vodka Sour
The Vodka Sour is a classic cocktail that puts a spin on the traditional whiskey sour. It’s a refreshing drink that balances the clean taste of vodka with tart lemon juice and sweet simple syrup.
To make a Vodka Sour, you’ll need vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake these ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Then strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
For an extra touch, you can add a frothy top by including egg white or aquafaba in the shaker. This gives the drink a smooth, silky texture. Garnish your Vodka Sour with a lemon wedge and a maraschino cherry for a pop of color.
28. Vodka Smash
A Vodka Smash is a refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for warm days. You’ll love how easy it is to make and customize.
Start by muddling fresh fruits like berries or citrus in a shaker. Add vodka, a sweetener like simple syrup or maple syrup, and some ice.
Shake the mixture well and pour it into a glass filled with ice. For extra flavor, you can add herbs like mint or basil.
Top your Vodka Smash with a splash of club soda for some fizz. This drink is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different fruit combinations.
29. Vodka Sunrise
The Vodka Sunrise is a refreshing twist on the classic Tequila Sunrise. It’s easy to make and perfect for any time of day.
To create this colorful drink, you’ll need vodka, orange juice, and grenadine. Fill a tall glass with ice and pour in the vodka and orange juice.
Slowly add the grenadine, letting it sink to the bottom. This creates the sunrise effect that gives the drink its name.
For a finishing touch, garnish with an orange slice or a cherry. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less grenadine to suit your taste.
30. Strawberry Basil Vodka
This refreshing cocktail combines sweet strawberries with aromatic basil and smooth vodka. To make it, muddle fresh strawberries and basil leaves in a shaker.
Add vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
For extra flavor, try adding a splash of elderflower liqueur. Garnish with a strawberry slice and basil leaf. This drink is perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want a fruity, herbal cocktail.
You can adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of simple syrup. For a bubbly twist, top it off with a splash of prosecco or soda water.
History of Vodka Cocktails
Vodka cocktails have a rich history spanning over a century. They’ve grown from simple mixes to complex creations, shaping drinking culture worldwide.
Origins and Evolution
Vodka cocktails first appeared in America in the early 1900s. In 1905, a New Hampshire bartender made vodka drinks for Russian visitors. The first recorded recipe came from New Orleans in 1911.
Vodka’s popularity soared after World War II. The Moscow Mule, created in 1941, helped vodka gain traction in the U.S. This drink mixed vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice in a copper mug.
The 1950s and 60s saw more vodka cocktails emerge. The Bloody Mary became a brunch staple. The Vodka Martini gained fame as James Bond’s drink of choice.
Cultural Impact
Vodka cocktails have left a big mark on drinking culture. They’ve become symbols of different eras and lifestyles.
The Cosmopolitan rose to fame in the 1990s. TV shows like “Sex and the City” made it a pop culture icon. It became linked with urban sophistication and female empowerment.
The Moscow Mule helped vodka compete with gin and whiskey in the U.S. market. Its distinctive copper mug became a marketing tool, making the drink stand out.
Vodka’s neutral flavor has made it a flexible base for new cocktails. Bartenders and home mixologists keep creating fresh recipes, keeping vodka drinks popular and trendy.
Key Ingredients in Vodka Cocktails
Vodka cocktails rely on a variety of mixers and flavor enhancers to create delicious drinks. From classic pairings to innovative combinations, these ingredients bring out the best in vodka’s versatile nature.
Classic Mixers
Citrus juices are essential in many vodka cocktails. Lemon and lime add a bright, tart flavor that balances the alcohol. Orange juice is popular too, especially in drinks like the Screwdriver. Cranberry juice brings a sweet-tart taste to favorites like the Cosmopolitan.
Carbonated mixers give vodka drinks their fizz. Tonic water adds a subtle bitterness, while club soda keeps things light. Ginger beer brings spice to Moscow Mules.
Simple syrup sweetens drinks without overpowering other flavors. It’s easy to make at home by mixing equal parts sugar and water.
Innovative Pairings
Fresh fruits and herbs take vodka cocktails to the next level. Muddle berries, cucumber, or mint for added flavor and aroma.
Watermelon puree makes refreshing summer drinks.
Liqueurs add depth and complexity. Try coffee liqueur for an Espresso Martini or elderflower liqueur for a floral twist.
Unexpected ingredients can create unique drinks. Tomato juice is key in a Bloody Mary.
Cream or milk makes creamy cocktails like White Russians.
Infused vodkas open up new possibilities. Try pineapple-infused vodka for tropical drinks or chili-infused for a spicy kick.