Cocktails with Vodka
Vodka is a clear, neutral spirit distilled to high purity, prized for its versatility in cocktails. Traditionally from Eastern Europe, it's made from grains, potatoes, or sometimes grapes.
- Type
- Spirit
- Strength
- 37.5–50% ABV
- Aroma
- Clean, Slightly grainy, Subtle sweetness
- Taste
- Smooth, Mild sweetness, Light pepper, Neutral
- Finish
- Clean, Warming, Short to medium
59 drinks with Vodka
- Amaretto Espresso MartiniKahlúa, Amaretto, Espresso
- AMF (Adios Motherf*cker)White Rum, Gin, Tequila
- AppletiniApple Juice, Triple Sec, Lime Juice
- Bay BreezeCranberry Juice, Pineapple Juice
- Black RussianKahlúa
- Bloody CaesarClamato, Lemon Juice, Worcestershire Sauce
- Bloody MaryTomato Juice, Lemon Juice, Worcestershire Sauce
- Blue HawaiiWhite Rum, Triple Sec, Pineapple Juice
- Blue KamikazeBlue Curaçao, Lime Juice
- Blue Lagoon SlushBlue Curaçao, Lemonade, Lemon Juice
- CaipiroskaLime, Simple Syrup
- Cape CodderLime Juice, Cranberry Juice
- Caramel Apple MartiniSour Apple Schnapps, Butterscotch Schnapps
- Chocolate CakeFrangelico
- DawaLime Juice, Honey
- Dirty ShirleyGrenadine, Lemon-Lime Soda
- Eastern BreezeSake, Lychee Liqueur, Lime Juice
- Electric LemonadeBlue Curaçao, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup
- Espresso Eggnog MartiniKahlúa, Espresso, Cream
- Espresso MartiniKahlúa, Simple Syrup, Espresso
- Espresso Martini SlushKahlúa, Espresso, Simple Syrup
- French MartiniChambord, Pineapple Juice
- GreyhoundGrapefruit Juice
- Harvey WallbangerOrange Juice, Galliano
- Headless HorsemanAngostura Bitters, Ginger Ale
- KamikazeTriple Sec, Lime Juice
- Lemon DropLemon Juice, Simple Syrup
- Long Island Iced TeaTequila, White Rum, Gin
- Long Island Iced Tea SlushTequila, White Rum, Gin
- Melon Ball ShotMidori, Pineapple Juice
- Mind EraserKahlúa, Soda Water
- Moscow MuleGinger Beer, Lime Juice
- Moscow Mule SlushGinger Beer, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup
- MudslideKahlúa, Baileys Irish Cream, Cream
- Passion Fruit MulePassion Fruit Liqueur, Lime Juice, Ginger Beer
- Peach PunchPeach Schnapps, Orange Juice, Lemonade
- Porn Star MartiniPassion Fruit Liqueur, Passion Fruit Purée, Lime Juice
- Pumpkin Spice White RussianKahlúa, Pumpkin Spice Syrup, Cream
- Purple HooterChambord, Lime Juice
- Rhubarb & Custard CocktailRhubarb Syrup, Vanilla Vodka, Cream
- Russian Spring PunchLemon Juice, Crème de Cassis, Simple Syrup
- Salty DogGrapefruit Juice
- ScrewdriverOrange Juice
- Sea BreezeCranberry Juice, Grapefruit Juice
- Sea Breeze SlushCranberry Juice, Grapefruit Juice, Simple Syrup
- Sex on the BeachPeach Schnapps, Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice
- Sex on the Beach ShotPeach Schnapps, Cranberry Juice, Orange Juice
- Spicy FiftyElderflower Liqueur, Lime Juice, Honey Syrup
- TomatiniTomato Juice, Lemon Juice, Worcestershire Sauce
- Vampire SlushCranberry Juice, Grenadine, Lime Juice
- VesperGin, Lillet Blanc
- Vodka CollinsLemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Soda Water
- Vodka SourLemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Egg White
- VodkatiniDry Vermouth
- White RussianKahlúa, Cream
- White Tea ShotPeach Schnapps, Sour Mix, Lemon-Lime Soda
- Witches' Brew SlushBlue Curaçao, Pineapple Juice, Lemonade
- Woo WooPeach Schnapps, Cranberry Juice
- Woo Woo SlushPeach Schnapps, Cranberry Juice, Lime Juice
History
Vodka originated in the grain-producing regions of Russia and Poland during the medieval period. The name comes from 'voda', the Slavic word for water. While Russia and Poland dispute its exact origins, both countries developed distinct vodka traditions. It became internationally popular in the mid-20th century, especially through cocktails like the Moscow Mule and Cosmopolitan.
How it’s made
Vodka is typically made by fermenting grain (wheat, rye, corn) or potatoes, then distilling the liquid multiple times to achieve high alcohol content and remove impurities. The spirit is often filtered through charcoal to enhance smoothness. While legally it should be neutral in character, premium vodkas may retain subtle flavors from their base ingredients.
Bottles to try
AbsolutMid-range
Swedish wheat vodka known for its purity and smooth character. Made from winter wheat in Åhus.
Ketel OneMid-range
Dutch wheat vodka distilled in copper pot stills, known for its crisp, citrus-tinged profile.
Grey GoosePremium
French wheat vodka from the Cognac region, known for its exceptionally smooth, soft character.
SmirnoffBudget
America's best-selling vodka, clean and neutral flavor, excellent for mixing.
Tito's HandmadeMid-range
Texas-made corn vodka, smooth finish, hugely popular craft option.
Grey GoosePremium
French wheat vodka, premium smoothness, iconic top-shelf choice in the US market.
Got Vodka at home?
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