17 Easy Vodka Drinks and Cocktails
Vodka enters the list of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world, whose origin is disputed by Russia, Slovenia and Poland. Perhaps, much of its fame comes from its aroma and flavor, intense but neutral, which make it a very versatile drink, capable of combining with almost any flavor… perfect for the world of cocktails!
Drinks with vodka: the art of cocktails or mixology
Cocktail making, today, is recognized as an art, for this reason perhaps it is given a new name: mixology. Bars around the world already handle this new concept (Europe, the United States and Japan), revaluing this trade and expanding its horizons. The mycologist is an alchemist, artist and craftsman. The success of his work depends on a correct choice of materials, a good technique and… A lot of creativity! For this reason, the best thing about cocktails is that it is not reserved only for professionals, but rather that we can all put our inventiveness to the test and surprise everyone.
So, if you feel like it, here we share a cocktail top, presenting one of the most versatile drinks in the world of mixology: vodka. This Russian liquor is basically prepared with water and ethanol by fermenting grains and other starchy plants (rye, wheat, beets, potatoes and some fruits). This alcoholic beverage contains between 30% and 50% in degrees of alcohol by volume. A really strong drink! This distilled liquor stands out for its neutral and intense flavor and its transparent color, ideal for a growing variety of cocktails. So, given free rein to your imagination and experience flavors mixing the vodka with fruits, herbs and/or spices. You’ll love it!
Cocktails with vodka and fruit
Vodka and fruit is an infallible duo, as both ingredients complement each other. On the one hand, the fruit gives freshness, harmony and sweetness to the drink, while the vodka gives intensity. Who can resist a cocktail like this? Discover the best drinks with vodka and fruit below!
1. Vodka cocktail with pineapple and orange juice
If you want an impressive drink for any celebration, I invite you to try the Veracruz cocktail, one of the most exotic mixes for white vodka that exist in mixology. This drink is absolutely attractive to the senses, from its presentation (the pineapple serves as a glass), to its fresh-acid and intense taste. Very exotic! I invite you to savor a little of the spicy Mexico through this magnificent drink. Everyone will love it!
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized green pineapple
- Orange juice
- grapefruit soda
- Vodka
- Valentina sauce (bottle red sauce)
- A stalk of fresh celery
- Lemon
- Salt
Preparation:
First of all, order all your ingredients and utensils on the work table. Immediately afterwards, proceed to cut the pineapple and follow these steps:
- Measure three fingers, before cutting the crown of the fruit and discarding that part.
- With the remaining part you will create the glass, for this remove the pulp inside (and reserve it) without breaking the shell (keep some internal pulp for this purpose). Finally, put salt on the edge of the pineapple and turn it over, so the salt will stick. Ready the glass!
- Now prepare the drink! Add into the glass the ingredients for the cocktail: 1 measure of orange juice, 1 measure of grapefruit juice, ½ measure of pineapple juice, 2 measures or 1 and a half measures of vodka. Stir all the ingredients with a celery stick. Ready to taste!
Tip:Use the pulp extracted from the pineapple to make the juice, and keep another pineapple on hand just in case.
2. Strawberry vodka cocktail
Strawberries give the vodka a delicate fruity nuance, slightly citrusy and gently sweet… perfect for an exquisite cocktail! In the particular case of this recipe, there are other elements that enrich the drink with vodka. On the one hand, the lemon that accentuates the citric presence and doses the sweetness, on the other, the grenadine that gives a more intense red color and a sweet flavor. Simply, an exquisite experience on the palate. One of the most refreshing vodka mixes!
Ingredients:
- 1 and 1/2 ounces of vodka
- 1 and 1/2 oz. white rum
- 1 and 1/2 oz. strawberry liqueur
- 1/2 oz. lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp. grenadine
- 1 medium strawberry
Preparation:
To prepare cocktails has been said! Gather all the ingredients along with the essential utensils for this recipe (shaker, strainer, glass, measuring cup, measuring spoons, etc.). Mix all the ingredients (except the strawberry) in the cocktail shaker, add ice. It beats very well. Strain, serve in the cocktail glass and garnish with the strawberry.
3. Vodka jelly: strawberry and vodka jelly
The jelly shot (in the United States), also known as Jell-O Shots (in England), Vodka jelly or Jelly shot (in Australia), can be described as a “dessert for adults “, fun and innovative. Strawberry Vodka Jelly is very popular in many parts of the world, especially at college parties, for its attractive style. This creative and eye-catching cocktail puts a twist on shots, using gelatin and vodka as essential ingredients. We assure you that the taste of this drink is unforgettable, perfect for gatherings with friends, one of the most original mixes with white vodka that exists. Are you ready to venture your palate? I assure you that everyone will have fun!
Ingredients:
- 5 strawberries
- 1 envelope of strawberry flavored gelatin
- 50ml vodka
- 450 ml of water
Preparation:
Intoxicating jelly for everyone! Ready to start? To start our original cocktail, follow these steps:
- Dissolve the gelatin in 225 ml of boiling water, stir until completely dissolved.
- Then, wait until the mixture reaches room temperature (almost cold), add the vodka and the remaining water (the other 225 ml), stir very well.
- At this point you choose how to serve it, here you have two options: fill the whole strawberries with the intoxicating jelly or fill the small cocktail glasses with the mixture of strawberry jelly and vodka.
- Put the cocktails in the fridge for 3 hours and… time to toast!
If you want more details about this cocktail with vodka, I invite you to review the recipe for strawberry and vodka jelly.
4. Watermelon with vodka
Stuffed Watermelon Cocktail! Another drink with a very original glass-fruit, because here nothing is wasted! This fun drink, fresh and with a very tropical touch, will keep any celebration very fun. Be amazed at how easy it is to prepare and how magnificent it looks, one of the most refreshing vodka drinks in the cocktail world. A cocktail for you to show off your creativity!
Ingredients:
- 1 lemon soda
- 1 lemon
- 1 medium watermelon
- 300ml vodka
- 5 tang strawberry
Preparation:
Let’s do it! Prepare everything you need to start this delicious, original and refreshing cocktail.
- First prepare the watermelon, as it will serve as a container. Cut one of the ends but without exceeding it, so it will serve as the base, then cut the other end, enough to later pour the ingredients into it.
- Remove a small part of the pulp and reserve, leave the rest inside the watermelon and crush it with a manual blender (do it carefully so as not to damage the fruit’s skin).
- When the center of the watermelon is juice, it is time to add the rest of the ingredients, one by one. Remember, you can change the amounts of each ingredient to taste and… enjoy!
Do you prefer details and step by step? Don’t miss the video!
Tip: Remember to handle the watermelon very carefully, because it will become your cocktail glass.
5. Bloody Mary, the most popular vodka cocktail
Perhaps the name of this famous cocktail reminds you of a certain scary urban legend, however, the true origin of its name is uncertain, although there are many legends around it. But if its name contains a mystery, imagine its origin. The most repeated hypothesis proposes Fernando Petit as its creator, during the year 1920 in Harry’s New York Bar in Paris.
This drink is fascinating, even its recipe, which is recognized as an easy drink, when in reality it has its little tricks. For this reason, here we bring you those secrets (revealed by chemists and mycologists), so you can prepare a super Bloody Mary without complications. But above all, take note of the ingredients of… one of the most famous classic vodka cocktails in the world!
Ingredients:
- 30ml vodka
- 60ml tomato juice
- 10 ml of lemon juice
- 5 drops of tabasco sauce
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 pinch of pepper
- 1 stalk of celery
- 3 ice cubes
Preparation:
Without further ado, the essential tips for preparing a movie Bloody Mary are very easy to follow:
- Proper handling and freshness of the ingredients. For this drink to reach its maximum splendor and explode on your palate, the key lies in 2 things. The first, prepare it correctly. The second, choose fresh ingredients with very good quality (they don’t necessarily need to be expensive). This decisively influences the rest of the points.
- Prepare it at the moment and serve it now! Yes, to ensure the success of this drink you must know that it is chemically unstable and deteriorates quickly. So… immediacy counts!
- Put a lot of ice on it! This ingredient is essential to reduce the chemical reactions that produce tomato juice (acidity) and other ingredients that degrade flavor.
- The shaker first of all! He prefers the shaker, before any other mixing method. Remember, at this point the secret is “Stirred, not mixed”.
Now for the step by step of this incredible cocktail, you just need to go through the Bloody Mary recipe. Easy peas!
This cocktail falls into the fruit category because the tomato is a fruit.
6. Vodka cocktail with passion fruit
A passionate cocktail! Definitely, vodka tastes great with fruit, but if we talk about passion fruit or passion fruit, things take on another dimension. Passion fruit is characterized by its perfumed aroma and flavor, so accentuated that they are memorable to the senses. These characteristics in the vodka provide an intense and memorable citrus-sweet bouquet. Think you can escape the tropical allure of this cocktail? Without a doubt, this recipe will be your favorite among cocktails with vodka and passion fruit.
Ingredients:
- 300 milliliters of Vodka
- 4 units of passion fruit
- 2 units of Lemon
- 150 grams of brown sugar
- Ice
- 1 dessert spoon of passion fruit pulp
- 1 slice of lemon
Preparation:
Before starting to prepare the cocktail, cool a few glasses for a few minutes in the freezer. Also, prepare the passion fruit and lemon juices separately and reserve to use immediately (remember to strain the seeds).
It’s time to shake the shaker!
- Pour in the reserved passion fruit juice and add the vodka.
- Shake for a few minutes. Then add the sugar and lemon juice.
- Shake the mixture again, vigorously, for a couple more minutes.
Serve the vodka cocktail with passion fruit in the reserved glasses and close with a flourish by adding 1 teaspoon of passion fruit pulp and a slice of lemon to the drink, so the presentation will be magnificent. Any questions? I invite you to review the details of this vodka cocktail recipe with passion fruit and the step by step.
Tip: If you don’t have a shaker you can use the blender.
7. Drink with vodka and melon
This cocktail is enigmatic, sober, exquisite, refreshing and captivating, another classic of mixology, a little less known but highly appreciated among experts and fans of spirits preparations. A classic among cocktails with vodka and lemon!
Ingredients:
- 1 measure of vodka
- 1 measure of light rum
- 1 measure of melon liqueur
- Lemonade
Preparation:
Inside a shaker place: vodka, melon liqueur and crushed ice. Shake several times, vigorously. Then, strain the intoxicating mix over an ice-filled cocktail glass and add the chilled lemonade. Hmm!
Cocktails with vodka and grenadine
A very common ingredient in cocktails is grenadine. This traditional drink from the Middle East stands out for its smooth and sweet flavor, as well as for its intense reddish/pink appearance, very attractive in drinks (also in desserts, especially ice creams). Grenadine is perhaps one of the most famous sweet ingredients to pair with vodka.
Below, you can review a great classic that involves vodka and grenadine, truly the perfect duo. The crystalline appearance of the vodka allows a perfect coloration when using the grenadine; In addition, the intense flavor of the former harmonizes with the sweetness of the latter. A classic heady sweetness!
8. Cosmopolitan, the quintessential vodka drink
The Cosmopolitan cocktail is a modern classic, whose origin is uncertain, something quite recurring when tracing many famous recipes. Some experts say that it was born between the 70s and 80s, while others say that this recipe was born much earlier, in the 30s. However, the only thing certain is that this drink became popular in the late 90s thanks to the series “Sex and the city”.
Tasting a Cosmo cocktail symbolizes glamour, high standing and a certain erotic halo. Its harmonious, rather bittersweet fruit flavor and bright red (sometimes hot pink) appearance give it a sensual and elegant presence. For this reason, among cocktails with vodka and grenadine, this classic definitely stands out. In addition, you can find some very creative and exquisite variants of this drink, where the grenadine is replaced by other fruits, such as the Cosmopolitan peach or the Cosmo cello. Simply… an aphrodisiac cocktail!
Ingredients:
- 100 g grenadine (or cranberry juice)
- 5 tablespoons of triple sec
- 7 tablespoons of vodka
- 1 lemon
- 6 ice cubes
Preparation:
Place the vodka and ice in a cocktail shaker and shake. Now, add the orange liqueur (triple sec or Cointreau), along with the lemon juice and shake again. Finally, add the grenadine and mix very well. Serve in a large glass. I invite you to review the details of this cosmopolitan recipe.
Cocktails with sweet vodka and citrus
In mixology, it is common to combine sweet flavors with strong liquors, that is, with drinks with a strong alcohol content. This combination is widely used in classic cocktails that share these characteristics, thus sweet and more pleasant drinks are achieved, since the intensity of the strong liquor is softened or harmonized. In addition, it also serves to accompany the flavor of any fruit. Generally, these sweeteners are usually some syrup or simple syrup.
9. Moscow Dawn
This cocktail owes its name to two characteristics of the recipe: the reddish color provided by the grenadine (in this case Red Curacao), which resembles sunrise, and Muscovite because vodka is the main ingredient.
The Moscow sunrise, between drinks with sweet vodka, turns out to be a cocktail with a fairly intense flavor, ideal for cold nights. For the best recreation of this drink, go for Moskovskaya vodka for the most authentic feel; however, Stoli or any quality Finnish or Dutch vodka will also do the trick.
Ingredients:
- 2 measures of vodka
- 1/3 measure white mint
- 1/4 measure of red curaçao
Preparation:
Pour the red curaçao, ice, mint, and vodka into a cocktail glass. Stir all the ingredients very well with the bar mixer spoon. Finally, decorate with a cherry, mint leaves and serve. Health!
Tip: Remember that you can mix the ingredients in the cocktail shaker, in the blender or in the cocktail glass itself.
10. Black Orchid
This drink is charming, perfect for large celebrations or very special meetings. Definitively, the crème de violate liqueur, combined with the vodka, gives the drink an interesting violet color and a magnificent sweet taste. This cocktail ranks among white vodka mixes as one of the most glamorous and mysterious looking drinks out there.
Ingredients:
- 20 gr vodka
- 10 gr lemon juice
- 20 gr Crème de Violate liqueur
- 7 g simple syrup
Preparation:
Use a large glass (a cocktail shaker or blender will also work) to pour the vodka, lemon juice and crème de violate liqueur. Mix everything for a couple of minutes, then serve in a glass filled with ice. Finally, you can decorate the drink with a slice of lemon.
If you have any questions, I invite you to review the Black Orchid recipe, with all the detailed information and step-by-step photos.
Tip: To mix drinks in cocktail glasses or goblets, preferably use the bar mixing spoon.
11. Cocktail of vodka, lemon and mint
If the heat overwhelms you and you want to get drunk between citrus notes, aromatic herbs and an intense flavor… this drink with vodka is for you! Among the cocktails with vodka and lemon, this recipe is ideal for high temperatures, thanks to its refreshing, enveloping and intense flavor. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing!
Ingredients:
- 4 medium lemons
- 1 bunch of fresh mint
- 8 cups of cold water
- 3 cups of brown sugar (540 grams)
- 16 ounces of vodka
- 2 cups of ice
- At your service
- Ice
- Mint leaves
- Lemon slices
Time to wow everyone with your bartending skills! Start this lemon vodka recipe by preparing a mixture similar to a frappe; for this, crush the vodka, sugar and ice in the blender or shaker. Step followed, add the lemons cut into hulls, and crush again. Strain the mixture and finally serve.
If you have any questions, I invite you to review the lemon and mint recipe, so that you can prepare it with friends.
12. Vodka and tequila cocktail
If you have been thinking about the idea of how to prepare easy and cheap cocktails with vodka for a long time, I have what you are looking for: a vodka and tequila cocktail. This original spirit drink will surprise everyone with its original presentation and intoxicating taste. Another magnificent alternative where the fruits become the container of the drink… Is there something more original and delicious?
Ingredients:
- Ferranti Adrian Cocktail
- A lemon
- a grapefruit or orange
- 1/2 glass of tequila
- 1/2 glass of vodka
- crystallized salt
Before you start preparing this fruit vodka recipe, peel the lemon and grapefruit. Remove the peel from both fruits and also separate the segments, reserve everything separately. Macerate the segments of each fruit separately, on one side of the lemon (submerging them in half a glass of tequila) and on the other side of the grapefruit (submerging them in half a glass of vodka). Wait for 2 hours before draining and freezing.
Finally, serve two chilled wedges on a spoon, one of each fruit. To the lemon wedge, add a pinch of salt and to the grapefruit wedge, sprinkle it with sugar.
Tip: The reserved shells are used to decorate.
13. Caipiroska
The Caipiroska or Caiprivodka can be defined as the Russian version of the traditional Brazilian caipirinha. What is the difference? That the star ingredient, cachaça, is replaced by… vodka! This exotic cocktail captivates with its aromatic smell and its citrus notes. If you want to venture into its flavor, also try all its variants: strawberry caipiroska, passion fruit, and kiwi, among other flavors. Surprise everyone with the intoxicating aromatic notes of this drink and enjoy how easy it is to prepare it at home; one of the most exotic and refreshing classic cocktails with vodka in international cocktails.
Ingredients:
- 50 milliliters of vodka
- 25 grams of sugar
- ½ lime
- Ice (cubed or crushed)
Everything ready to make our caipiroska recipe! First, use a short glass (preferably the usual one for this type of cocktail. Add the sugar and the lime sliced into pieces. Then, crush both ingredients with a wooden pestle, until the lime releases its juice and is incorporated into the sugar, all in the same glass. Next, add several ice cubes (whole or crushed) and the vodka to the glass. Use a spoon (in a spiral) to raise the limes. The final touch? Add more ice, until it covers the rim. Do you have any additional questions? Well, I invite you to review the original Caipiroska recipe.
14. Screwdriver Cocktail
The screwdriver is one of the best-known vodka and orange cocktails in the world, due to its simplicity and intoxicating flavor. To prepare this emblematic cocktail you only need vodka and orange juice (you can also use white rum)… very simple!
Its origin, as with many other drinks, is difficult to trace, as many stories are woven around it. However, there is a fairly popular legend, according to which it is said that, during World War II, American soldiers drank vodka with orange juice to better withstand the ravages of war. Could this be its origin?
Ingredients:
- ½ bottle of white rum or vodka
- 1 liter of orange juice
- 1 pack of ice cubes
Time to prepare the screwdriver! For this you only need 2 steps (pour and shake) and 2 ingredients (vodka and orange juice)… Too easy! First, pour the vodka and orange juice into the cocktail shaker or pitcher. Mix vigorously for a couple of minutes and… voila! Remember, you must chill tall glasses in the freezer for a maximum of 10 minutes, before serving the cocktail. For the final step, add ice to the glasses, pour the cocktail and garnish with orange or lemon slices.
If you loved this drink as much as I did, I invite you to review the Screwdriver Cocktail Recipe.
Tip: For this recipe, use a cocktail shaker or mixing pitcher.
Vodka with Sprite
The world of cocktails (mixology) is exciting, each ingredient has its function, like a chemical formula. Soft drinks, sodas, and sodas are no exception. This type of drinks (cola, sprite, among others) have organoleptic characteristics, which serve to enhance and highlight the qualities of a mix. In the case of the sprite soda, the gas gives the drinks a certain degree of acidity, as well as an intense flavor and aroma (both powerful and fresh). On the other hand, the lime that this soft drink contains reduces the sweetness of the drink; a perfect feature to balance very sweet drinks.
So that you get the most out of your drinks with vodka and soda, here are 5 tips:
- Soft drinks are always added at the endand directly into the glass (or glass). If you shake at first, the drink will lose the bubbles and the qualities they provide.
- Stir the cocktail with a mixing spoon, instead of shaking it in the cocktail shaker or blender, if you are adding a fizzy drink.
- The amount of soft drink should not exceed 40% of the cocktail.
- The ingredients you add should depend on the type of soda. Clear soft drinks, such as lemon soda (whether carbonated or tonic), can be mixed with dense ingredients, such as ice cream. Dark soft drinks (cola, orange and others) combine with fruit juices (raspberries, blackberries).
- Use only 5 ingredientsin your cocktail, including the refreshing drink.
15. Strawberry Caipiroska
This vodka cocktail, aromatic, irresistible and with a tropical touch, can be perfect for any special occasion, especially with the touch that Sprite soda gives it. Yes, this combination enhances the freshness of our Strawberry Caipiroska, intensifies its flavor, accentuates its citrus notes and balances its sweetness.
Rest assured that after you prepare this version of Caipiroska, you will want to try all its versions: with passion fruit, kiwi and some more; yes, always with Sprite! Without a doubt, it will be your favorite among easy and cheap vodka cocktails.
Ingredients:
- 5 strawberries
- ½ lime
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 5 milliliters of Vodka
- 1 can of Sprite
- Crushed ice
Start this recipe by cutting the lime into pieces, then add them to a cocktail glass along with the sugar. Crush the ingredients with a mortar until the juice is extracted from both. Now, add the strawberries to the crushed mixture, crush again. Then, add abundant crushed ice, until almost filling the glass. Finally, pour the vodka and Sprite (also works soda) into the mixture. Remember that the quantities are indicative, you can accommodate them to your liking.
If this drink captivates you, I invite you to discover all the details here, in Strawberry caipiroska recipe.
Tip: Use drinks with cola when you want to counteract the acidity of the drinks.
Cocktails with black vodka
Black vodka was created by Mark Dornan in 2003. Its only difference from the best-known vodka is in color (originated from the Burmese herb called catechu), but not in flavor. This peculiar presentation of vodka has gained a lot of popularity, especially in the celebration of Halloween. It is also used as a base for other drinks with vodka, to give it a different touch and a lot of distinction.
However, if you want to taste black cocktails, you don’t necessarily have to use black vodka. There are many black drinks made from mixes with white vodka. Keep reading and you will see!
16. Black Russian
Coffee or vodka? Coffee and vodka together? Yes! There is no doubt that this is a very refreshing and lovely drink, ideal for vodka lovers and foodies alike. And if you thought that the name of this drink has some relationship with Russia, you will be surprised (it happened to me), because it is not. Its only relationship with the country is the vodka that composes it.
This magnificent cocktail creation was born by the creativity of a Belgian bartender in 1949. Since then, it has become one of those famous cocktails that we still enjoy today.
On the other hand, did you know that there is also White Russian? Yes, White Russian is a drink that contains evaporated milk and is milder in taste compared to Black Russian. It’s another unforgettable drink among classic vodka cocktails. Now yes, a black Russian, please!
Ingredients:
- 1 glass of Smirnoff vodka
- 1 tumbler of Kahlua coffee liqueur
- 1 pack of ice cubes
The formula for this vodka drink is super simple. When making this cocktail recipe, use a highball glass (although a short glass was used in the past). Now, put several ice cubes in the glass. Pour in the vodka and add the coffee liqueur. If you feel the drink very intense, you can add more coffee liqueur. Finally, mix everything and toast!
If you want to know every detail of this captivating cocktail, take a look here at Black Russian.
17. Coffee with fruits and vodka
Coffee accompanied by certain liquors results in a very refined combination where exquisite bouquets and a sophisticated bitter flavor are mixed, very characteristic of this type of drink. They are the product of perfect chemistry.
This formula is so successful that it is repeated frequently, giving rise to recipes such as café carajillo (coffee with Brandy), Rocio de Gallo (Cuban coffee with cane brandy or rum), burl (coffee and brandy), Irish coffee (whiskey, cream, fresh or condensed milk), among others. In addition, its black color provides a distinctive feature reminiscent of elegance and sophistication. Without a doubt, it is one of the loveliest white vodka mixes out there today. Sometimes, the only question that remains is… Could it be that I am having a cocktail or a coffee with liquor?
In short, coffee as an accompaniment to liquors is quite a taste experience. For that reason, I want to share the vodka fruit coffee, an exquisite punch that stands out in the world of cocktails. Health!
Ingredients:
- 225 grams of raspberries
- 4 units of oranges
- 3 small vodka glasses
- 2½ small strong coffee cups
- 2 bottles of chilled white wine
- 2 units of kiwis
First of all, wash the fruits. Then cut the raspberries into slices and do the same with the oranges, peeling them beforehand. Place the chopped fruits in a large container (a tureen is ideal).
From here, the cocktail recipe becomes… super quick and easy! Pour the vodka and coffee over the fruits (use a very small glass as a reference). Let stand 2 hours in the fridge. Once the time has passed, add the very cold white wine and that’s it! Finally, decorate with kiwis and serve in long glasses.
