My favorite Vodka drinks are those that are full of flavor, since I rarely drink spirits neat.
For me, there are two ways to drink vodka – for purists – neat, with no mixers or flavorings and, for casual drinkers, in mixed drinks and cocktail recipes.
Everyone who dabbled into the realm of spirits as a teenager has probably had a screwdriver. (vodka and orange juice).
It’s cocktail hour with my 10 favorite vodka drinks.
Vodka is composed primarily of water and ethanol. Traditionally is it made by the distillation of fermented grains and potatoes.
Some modern brands use fruits or sugar to distill it. Vodka brands vary considerably as does the price.
What makes a good vodka? For me, it’s one that seems to have a smoother finish, without the “burning” sensation that cheaper vodkas sometimes have.
My favorite vodka drinks
Let’s see how to use vodka in mixed drinks with these recipes.
Moscow Mule.
Restaurants serve Moscow Mules in all sorts of containers, but the traditional (and best, in my opinion) way to serve it is in a delightful copper mug.
Ingredients:
- juice of 1/2 lime
- 2 – 3 ice cubes
- 2 ounces of Vodka
- 6 ounces of Ginger Beer
- wedge of lime to garnish
- Copper Mug
Preparation: Add the lime juice, vodka and ginger beer in a copper mug over the ice and garnish with a lime wheel.
Cosmopolitan
This traditional cocktail is very popular and easy to make. It’s also a very pretty drink when made.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce Cointreau orange liqueur
- 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1/4 ounce cranberry juice
Preparation: Shake all the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Smooth Operator
The reason this drink is called a smooth operator is because the drink is as smooth as can be.
It is full of fruity flavor and perfect for those who don’t like the taste of any alcohol in their drinks. I used Chobani vanilla yoghurt and vodka for this drink.
Ingredients:
¾ oz. vodka
4 strawberries
6 raspberries
2 blackberries
4 tbsp. vanilla yogurt
3 oz. apple juice
3 ice cubes
Garnish: strawberry slice
Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a highball glass. Garnish with a fresh strawberry.
Ritzy Raspberry
I think this one might be my favorite! This refreshing drink has the goodness of raspberries and a hint of mint combined with lemon lime.
The lemon-lime offsets the sweetness very well. I especially like the taste of this one.
Ingredients:
Preparation: Muddle the raspberries and mint leaves in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and the remaining ingredients. Shake and strain into a tall glass.
Madras
This refreshing drink could not be easier to make. It is perfect for a quick and fruity summer time sip.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 3 ounces of cranberry juice
- 1 ounce of orange juice
Preparation: Pour the cranberry juice and vodka into a margarita glass and stir well. Top the drink off with orange juice. Enjoy!
Screwdriver
Simple combination of vodka and orange juice and the friend to every young person starting to drink vodka. This is another drink perfect for brunch.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of vodka
- 5 ounces of orange Juice
- slice of orange to garnish
Preparation: Place the ingredients in a tall glass with ice. Stir well and garnish with a slice of orange.
Bloody Mary
This tomato based cocktail is the perfect choice for brunch. Tip: Have the hot sauce in a bottle nearby, so guests can add as much as they want.
Some might like it spicy and others not so much.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. vodka
- 6 oz. tomato juice
- 2 to 3 drops of hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Dash of pepper
- Celery slice to garnish
Preparation: Mix all of the ingredients and serve it in a highball glass over ice. Garnish with a slice of celery.
Vodka Mimosa
Brunch anyone? This delicious blend of vodka, orange juice and champagne, is the perfect way to toast the day!
This drink is basically a screwdriver with a classy twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce vodka
- 2 ounces orange juice
- Champagne to top the drink
Preparation: Add the vodka and orange juice to a chilled champagne glass. Top up with champagne. Enjoy!
Cape Cod
Want to feel as though you are enjoying a day in the sun on Cape Cod? Try this delicious drink.
ingredients:
- 2 ounces of vodka
- 3 ounces of cranberry Juice
- Ice
- Lime wheel
Preparation: Fill a highball glass with ice cubes. Add the vodka and cranberry juice. Stir well and garnish with a lime wheel.
Black Russian
I love the creaminess of this delicious cocktail. It is a perfect choice for those who like a hint of coffee taste in their drinks.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 ounces of vodka
- 3/4 ounce of Kahlua
- heavy cream (optional)
Preparation: Fill a short glass with ice. Add the vodka and Kahlua and stir well. Some versions add heavy cream to the drink, or even cola soda. This is just a straight version of it.
Do you have other vodka drinks that I haven’t mentioned here? What are your favorites?