The best vodka drinks include classics such as the Moscow Mule, Cosmopolitan, Screwdriver, and Bloody Mary. Other vodka cocktails, such as the Smooth Operator, Ritzy Raspberry, and Vodka Mimosa, are also included in this collection.
The neutral flavor of vodka makes it a versatile base for many popular cocktails.
Many of these drinks combine popular juices such as orange, lime, cranberry, and apple juice with the smooth flavor of vodka. Others use fresh fruits such as strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries to add a delightful twist to this popular spirit.
This list of 15+ vodka drinks will let you elevate your home bartending scene. These cocktails are easy to prepare and will get your party started in style.
Why choose vodka for cocktails?
Vodka is versatile and has a neutral flavor profile. This makes it a great choice to use with mixers, fruits, and herbs, since it allows the other flavors to shine without overpowering them.
The popular spirit adds body to drinks and is widely used in cocktails by both pros and home bartenders alike.
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15+ best vodka drinks
Let’s get the party started with these delicious cocktails using vodka.
1. Moscow Mule
Bars and 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. This type of mug keeps the drink cool much longer than an ordinary glass does.
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 (optional)
Preparation: Add the lime juice, vodka, and ginger beer to a copper mug over the ice and garnish with a lime wheel.
2. Cosmopolitan
One of the most popular vodka drinks is the Cosmopolitan. The popularity of this traditional vodka cocktail peaked in the 1990s, when it was featured in the show Sex and the City. It’s also a very pretty drink when made.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 ounces of vodka
- 1 ounce of Cointreau orange liqueur
- 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice
- 1/4 ounce of cranberry juice
Preparation: Shake all of the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
3. Smooth Operator
The name of this cocktail made with vodka fits it beautifully —it is as smooth as can be!
This creamy vodka cocktail is full of fruity flavor and perfect for those who prefer a drink without a strong alcohol taste. The vanilla yoghurt adds a tangy flavor and a boost of probiotics.
Ingredients:
¾ ounce of vodka
4 strawberries
6 raspberries
2 blackberries
4 tablespoons of.vanilla yogurt
3 ounces of apple juice
3 ice cubes
Garnish: strawberry slice
Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth. Pour the mixture into a highball glass. Garnish with a fresh strawberry.
4. Ritzy Raspberry
I think this popular vodka drink might be my favorite! This refreshing cocktail has the goodness of raspberries and a hint of mint combined with lemon-lime.
The lemon-lime offsets the sweetness of the drink very well.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of vodk
- 10 fresh raspberries
- 4 mint leaves
- 1 ounce of lemon-lime soda
- 1½ teaspoons of lime juice
Preparation: Muddle the raspberries and mint leaves in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and the remaining ingredients. Shake well, and strain the cocktail into a tall glass.
5. Madras
This refreshing vodka drink could not be easier to make. It is perfect for a quick and fruity summertime sip.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 ounces of vodka
- 3 ounces of cranberry juice
- 1 ounce of orange juice
Preparation: Pour the cranberry juice and vodka into a margarita glass and stir the cocktail well. Top the drink off with orange juice. Enjoy!
6. Screwdriver
Those just starting to experiment with cocktails made with vodka will likely be familiar with this drink. It’s easy to make, and the vodka and orange juice complement each other well. This is another drink that’s 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.
7. Bloody Mary
This tomato-based vodka cocktail is the perfect drink to enjoy with brunch. Tip: Have the hot sauce in a bottle nearby, so guests can add as much as they want to suit their spice level.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of vodka
- 6 ounces of tomato juice
- 2 to 3 drops of hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- a dash of pepper
- a celery slice to garnish
Preparation: Mix all of the ingredients for this classic vodka cocktail and serve them in a highball glass over ice. Garnish with a slice of celery and a lemon wedge.
8. Vodka Mimosa
Brunch anyone? This delicious blend of vodka, orange juice, and champagne is the perfect way to toast the day!
This vodka drink elevates an ordinary screwdriver to make a stronger and fizzier cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce ofvodka
- 2 ounces of orange juice
- Champagne to top the drink
- an orange slice to garnish
Preparation: Add the vodka and orange juice to a chilled champagne flute. Top up with champagne and garnish with a slice of fresh orange. Enjoy!
9. Cape Cod
Do you want to feel as though you are enjoying a day in the sun on Cape Cod? Try this delicious vodka drink. It’s perfect for summer sipping!
ingredients:
- 2 ounces of vodka
- 3 ounces of cranberry Juice
- Ice
- Lime wheel
Preparation: Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes. Add vodka and cranberry juice. Stir well and garnish with a lime wheel.
10. Black Russian
I love the creaminess of this delicious cocktail. It’s the perfect choice for those who like a hint of coffee in their vodka drinks.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 ounces of vodka
- 3/4 ounce of Kahlua
- 1 ounce of heavy cream (optional)
Preparation: Fill a rocks glass with ice. Add the vodka and Kahlua and stir well. This drink is great on its own, but if you want some extra creaminess, add an ounce of heavy cream.
Do you have other vodka drinks that I haven’t mentioned here? What are your favorites? Let us know in the comments below, and we’ll add them to the list.
More good vodka drinks
If you liked these drinks, here are 3 more tasty vodka drinks to try:
Best vodka drinks for the holidays
Vodka is also a good choice for these 3 holiday drinks:
Share this list of popular vodka drinks on X
If you are a fan of drinks made with vodka, why not share this list with a friend? Here is a post to get you started:
🍹 Shake up your happy hour with these 15+ favorite vodka drinks — from classic Moscow Mules and Cosmopolitans to fruity Madras & Black Russians! 🍊🍒🍋 These drinks are perfect for cocktail night at home. 🍸🍾 #VodkaDrinks… Share on XPin this list of the most popular drinks with vodka
Would you like a reminder of this post for drinks made with vodka? Pin this image to one of your cocktail boards on Pinterest so that you can easily find it later.
Admin note: This collection of the most popular vodka drinks first appeared on the blog in June 2015. This post has been updated with new photos, more cocktails, and a slideshow video.