Vodka cocktails offer a world of refreshing and tasty drink options. These mixed drinks use vodka as the base spirit and combine it with various juices, sodas, and other ingredients.

You can find vodka cocktails to suit any taste, from sweet and fruity to savory and spicy.

There are over 31 popular vodka cocktail recipes you can easily make at home. Many need just a few simple ingredients and basic bartending skills.

Whether you’re hosting a party or just relaxing after work, vodka cocktails provide endless ways to enjoy this versatile spirit.

You’ll discover classic favorites as well as creative new combinations to try.

1. Martini

The Martini is a classic vodka cocktail known for its simplicity and elegance. To make one, you’ll need vodka and dry vermouth.

Start by chilling a martini glass.

Pour 2 1/2 ounces of vodka and 1/2 ounce of dry vermouth into a mixing glass filled with ice.

Stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds. Then, strain it into your chilled glass.

You can garnish with an olive or a lemon twist.

For a “dirty” version, add a splash of olive brine. If you prefer it “dry,” use less vermouth. Experiment to find your perfect ratio.

2. Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is a refreshing vodka cocktail you’ll love. It’s made with vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer.

You can easily make this drink at home.

Fill a copper mug with ice, add 2 ounces of vodka and 1/2 ounce of lime juice. Then, top it off with 4-5 ounces of ginger beer.

For the best taste, use a chilled mug. This keeps the drink extra cold and enhances the flavors.

Garnish with a lime wheel for a classic look.

The Moscow Mule was created in the 1940s in Los Angeles. It helped make vodka popular in the United States.

3. Bloody Mary

The Bloody Mary is a classic vodka cocktail perfect for brunch or as a hangover cure. You’ll need vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, and spices like Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and black pepper.

Mix the ingredients in a glass with ice and stir well.

Garnish with celery, olives, or a lemon wedge for extra flair.

For a spicier version, add more hot sauce or horseradish. You can also rim the glass with salt or a spice mix for added flavor.

Try different vodkas to find your favorite. Some bartenders prefer clean, neutral vodkas that let the other flavors shine. Others like peppery or citrus-infused vodkas for extra kick.

4. White Russian

The White Russian is a classic cocktail that combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream. It’s easy to make and perfect for sipping.

To craft this drink, you’ll need vodka, Kahlúa, and heavy cream.

Pour the vodka and Kahlúa over ice in a lowball glass. Then add a splash of cream on top.

You can customize your White Russian in many ways. Try using vanilla vodka for extra sweetness. Or swap the cream for coconut milk to make it dairy-free.

This creamy cocktail gained popularity after appearing in the movie “The Big Lebowski.” It’s now a favorite for many cocktail lovers.

5. Screwdriver

The Screwdriver is a classic vodka cocktail that’s simple to make. You’ll need just two ingredients: vodka and orange juice.

To prepare a Screwdriver, fill a tall glass with ice.

Pour in 2 ounces of vodka, then top it off with 4 ounces of orange juice. Stir gently to mix.

You can adjust the ratio to suit your taste. For a stronger drink, add more vodka. For a fruitier flavor, increase the orange juice.

Try using freshly squeezed orange juice for a brighter taste.

Garnish with an orange slice if you want to make it look fancy.

6. Espresso Martini

The Espresso Martini is a tasty mix of vodka and coffee flavors. It’s perfect for a pick-me-up after dinner or during a night out.

To make one, you’ll need vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso.

Shake these with ice until very cold and frothy. Then, pour into a chilled martini glass.

For extra flair, top your drink with three coffee beans. This adds a nice touch and smells great.

The Espresso Martini is smooth, rich, and a bit sweet.

It’s easy to make at home but feels fancy. You can even make a batch for parties. Just remember, it packs a punch with caffeine and alcohol.

7. Vodka Tonic

The vodka tonic is a simple yet refreshing cocktail. You’ll need just two main ingredients: vodka and tonic water.

To make it, fill a tall glass with ice.

Pour in 2 ounces of vodka. Then, top it off with tonic water.

For extra flavor, squeeze a fresh lime wedge into the drink. You can also garnish with a lime slice on the rim.

This cocktail pairs well with light foods. Try it with grilled chicken, sushi, or smoked salmon appetizers.

The vodka tonic is perfect for warm days or relaxing evenings. It’s easy to make at home with no special skills needed.

8. Cosmopolitan

The Cosmopolitan is a classic vodka cocktail that gained fame in the 1990s. You’ll love its perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.

To make a Cosmo, mix vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and orange liqueur.

Shake the ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass.

For a fun twist, try a Cherry Cosmopolitan. It adds a burst of cherry flavor to complement the cranberry and vodka.

The Cosmopolitan is easy to make at home. It’s a great choice for parties or a night in.

You can adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of cranberry juice.

9. Black Russian

The Black Russian is a classic vodka cocktail that’s easy to make and enjoy. You only need two ingredients: vodka and coffee liqueur.

To make a Black Russian, fill a glass with ice.

Pour 2 ounces of vodka and 1 ounce of coffee liqueur over the ice. Stir gently to mix the drink.

The Black Russian has a rich, dark color and a smooth taste. It blends the strong kick of vodka with the sweet, coffee flavor of the liqueur.

You can change up the Black Russian by adding cream. This turns it into a White Russian. Some people also like to add a splash of cola for extra sweetness.

10. Greyhound

The Greyhound is a simple yet refreshing vodka cocktail. You can make it with just two ingredients: vodka and grapefruit juice.

To prepare a Greyhound, mix 2 ounces of vodka with 4 ounces of grapefruit juice in a glass filled with ice. Stir well to combine.

You can garnish your drink with a grapefruit wedge or twist. Some bartenders add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

For a sweeter version, try adding a splash of simple syrup. You can also use gin instead of vodka for a different spin on this classic cocktail.

The Greyhound pairs well with light appetizers or salty snacks. It’s perfect for sipping on warm days or as a brunch drink.

11. Vodka Collins

The Vodka Collins is a refreshing cocktail perfect for warm days. It’s easy to make and tastes great.

To mix one, you’ll need vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda.

Pour the vodka, lemon juice, and syrup into a tall glass with ice. Then, top it off with club soda and stir gently.

Garnish with a lemon slice and cherry if you like.

This drink is crisp and balanced. The vodka provides a clean base, while the lemon adds tang. The syrup sweetens it just right, and the soda gives it fizz.

You can adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of syrup. For a twist, try flavored vodka or different fruit juices.

12. Vodka Gimlet

The Vodka Gimlet is a simple yet refreshing cocktail. It’s a twist on the classic gin-based Gimlet.

You’ll need vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup.

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 glass. You can garnish with a lime wheel if you like.

This drink is tart and slightly sweet. The vodka gives it a clean, crisp taste. It’s perfect for warm evenings or as a pre-dinner drink.

Try using good quality vodka for the best results. Fresh lime juice makes a big difference too.

13. Vodka Sling

The Vodka Sling is a simple yet refreshing cocktail. It combines vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda for a light and bubbly drink.

To make a Vodka Sling, you’ll need 2 oz vodka, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 1 oz simple syrup, and 2 oz club soda.

Mix the vodka, lemon juice, and syrup in a glass with ice. Then, top it off with club soda and stir gently.

This cocktail is perfect for warm days or as a pre-dinner drink.

You can garnish it with a lemon twist or orange peel for extra flair.

If you like the Vodka Sling, try similar drinks like the Sea Breeze or Vodka Collins. These also use vodka and citrus flavors.

14. French Martini

The French Martini is a tasty cocktail that gained popularity in the late 1980s. It’s a mix of vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord liqueur.

This drink first appeared in New York City restaurants. It’s not actually French or a true martini, but it’s still delicious.

To make a French Martini, you’ll need vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord.

Shake these ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass.

The French Martini has a sweet and fruity flavor. It’s less strong than a classic martini, making it a good choice for parties or special events.

15. Caprioska

The Caprioska is a refreshing vodka cocktail that’s perfect for warm weather. You’ll need vodka, lime, sugar, and crushed ice to make this drink.

Cut a lime into wedges and put them in a glass with sugar. Muddle them together to release the lime juice and dissolve the sugar.

Pour in vodka and fill the glass with crushed ice. Stir well to mix all the ingredients. The crushed ice helps dilute and chill the drink.

Garnish with a lime wedge if you like.

The Caprioska is tart, sweet, and easy to sip. It’s a great choice when you want something light and citrusy.

16. Kamikaze

The Kamikaze is a classic vodka cocktail with a zingy citrus kick. It’s made with equal parts vodka, triple sec, and fresh lime juice.

To make one, shake 1 ounce each of vodka, triple sec, and lime juice with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

You can also serve it as a shot or over ice in a rocks glass. For a fun twist, try using flavored vodka like raspberry.

The Kamikaze is similar to other citrus cocktails like margaritas and daiquiris. Its bright, tart flavor pairs well with sushi, fried appetizers, or grilled seafood.

17. Apple Martini

The Apple Martini, also known as an Appletini, is a sweet and fruity vodka cocktail. It’s a popular choice for those who enjoy a hint of apple flavor in their drinks.

To make an Apple Martini, you’ll need vodka, apple schnapps, and apple juice. Some recipes also include a splash of lemon juice for extra tartness.

Shake the ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.

For a fancy touch, garnish with a thin apple slice or a maraschino cherry.

You can adjust the sweetness by using more or less apple schnapps. For a drier version, try adding a bit of dry vermouth.

Apple Martinis pair well with light appetizers like cheese plates or sushi. They’re also great alongside desserts, especially apple-based treats.

18. Raspberry Vodka Collins

The Raspberry Vodka Collins is a fruity twist on the classic Collins cocktail.

It’s a refreshing drink perfect for warm days.

To make one, you’ll need vodka, fresh raspberries, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda.

Muddle the raspberries in a shaker, then add vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

Shake the mixture well with ice.

Strain it into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.

Top it off with club soda and stir gently.

Garnish your drink with a few fresh raspberries and a lemon wheel.

The result is a bright, bubbly cocktail with a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors.

19. Sea Breeze

The Sea Breeze is a refreshing vodka cocktail perfect for sunny days. It blends vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice for a tart and fruity flavor.

To make a Sea Breeze, fill a highball glass with ice.

Pour in 1.5 ounces of vodka, 3 ounces of cranberry juice, and 1.5 ounces of grapefruit juice.

Stir gently to mix the ingredients.

Garnish with a lime wedge or a slice of grapefruit.

You can adjust the ratios to suit your taste. For a stronger drink, add more vodka. For a sweeter version, increase the cranberry juice.

The Sea Breeze is easy to make and great for parties or relaxing by the pool.

Its light, fruity taste makes it a popular choice year-round.

20. Bay Breeze

The Bay Breeze is a tasty tropical cocktail. It mixes vodka, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice.

You can make this drink easily at home.

Pour 1.5 oz vodka, 2 oz cranberry juice, and 2 oz pineapple juice into a glass with ice. Stir well.

For a fun twist, try using flavored vodka. Coconut or fruit vodkas work great.

You can also adjust the juice ratios to suit your taste.

Garnish your Bay Breeze with a lime wedge or pineapple slice.

It’s perfect for sipping by the pool or at summer parties.

21. Lemon Drop Martini

The Lemon Drop Martini is a zesty vodka cocktail that blends sweet and sour flavors. You’ll need vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and orange liqueur.

To make it, chill a martini glass and rim it with sugar.

Mix 2 oz vodka, 1 oz lemon juice, 1 oz simple syrup, and 1 oz orange liqueur in a shaker with ice.

Shake well for about 30 seconds to chill the drink.

Strain it into your prepared glass. For extra flair, you can garnish with a lemon twist or slice.

This bright, citrusy cocktail is perfect for warm evenings or as an after-dinner treat.

Its balance of sweet and tart makes it a crowd-pleaser.

22. Vodka Sunrise

The Vodka Sunrise is a colorful and refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for sipping on a warm day. It’s a twist on the classic Tequila Sunrise, swapping tequila for vodka.

To make this drink, you’ll need vodka, orange juice, and grenadine syrup.

Fill a tall glass with ice, pour in the vodka and orange juice, then slowly add the grenadine. It will sink to the bottom, creating a beautiful sunrise effect.

The taste is sweet and fruity, with the vodka providing a smooth kick.

It’s easy to adjust the strength by changing the amount of vodka you use.

Try garnishing your Vodka Sunrise with an orange slice or a maraschino cherry for extra flair.

It’s a simple yet impressive drink that’s sure to brighten up your day.

23. Chi Chi

The Chi Chi is a tropical vodka cocktail that’s perfect for warm days. It’s basically a Piña Colada with vodka instead of rum.

To make a Chi Chi, mix vodka, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut.

Shake the ingredients with ice and strain into a glass. You can garnish it with a pineapple wedge or cherry.

For a frozen version, blend the ingredients with ice. This creates a slushy texture that’s great for sipping by the pool.

The Chi Chi is sweet and creamy with a bright pineapple flavor.

It’s easy to drink and refreshing, making it a popular choice for beach vacations.

24. Bloody Caesar

The Bloody Caesar is Canada’s national cocktail. It’s similar to a Bloody Mary but with a twist. The key ingredient is Clamato juice instead of plain tomato juice.

To make one, rim a glass with celery salt.

Fill it with ice and add vodka, Clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir gently to mix.

Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice for extra zest.

Garnish with a celery stalk and lemon wedge. You can also add olives or pickled beans for more flavor.

This savory drink is perfect for brunch or as a hangover cure.

Its unique taste comes from the clam and tomato mix in Clamato juice.

25. Salty Dog

The Salty Dog is a simple yet refreshing vodka cocktail. You’ll love its tart and salty flavor combination.

To make one, rim a glass with salt.

Pour 2 ounces of vodka and 4 ounces of grapefruit juice into the glass over ice. Give it a quick stir.

The salted rim balances out the grapefruit’s tartness.

You can use fresh-squeezed or store-bought juice. For extra flavor, add a grapefruit wedge garnish.

This drink works well with gin too if you prefer.

It’s perfect for sipping on hot summer days or anytime you want a zesty, citrusy cocktail.

26. Icy Russian

The Icy Russian is a frosty twist on the classic White Russian cocktail. You’ll love this refreshing drink on a hot summer day.

To make it, blend vodka, coffee liqueur, and vanilla ice cream until smooth.

Pour the mixture into a chilled glass.

Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

The creamy texture and coffee notes create a delightful frozen treat.

This cocktail offers a perfect balance of sweetness and alcohol.

It’s like an adult milkshake that cools you down while giving you a little buzz.

27. Vodka Martini

The vodka martini is a classic cocktail that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need vodka, dry vermouth, and ice.

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

Add 2 ounces of vodka and a splash of dry vermouth. Shake or stir until well chilled.

Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with olives or a lemon twist.

For a twist, try a Cosmopolitan. Mix vodka, Triple Sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice for a pretty pink drink.

James Bond famously preferred his vodka martini “shaken, not stirred.”

You can experiment to find your favorite way to enjoy this iconic cocktail.

28. Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a pretty blue cocktail that looks like a tropical ocean. It mixes vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade.

This drink is cool and refreshing. It has a sweet and citrusy taste that many people enjoy. The blue color comes from the blue curaçao liqueur.

You can make a Blue Lagoon easily at home.

Just mix 1 oz vodka, 1 oz blue curaçao, and 4 oz lemonade. Pour it over ice in a tall glass.

For a fancy touch, add a lemon wheel or pineapple wedge on top. You can also use a colorful straw to make it look more fun.

29. Vodka Bramble

The Vodka Bramble is a fruity twist on the classic gin-based Bramble. It mixes vodka with lemon juice and simple syrup, then tops it with blackberry liqueur.

To make one, fill a glass with crushed ice.

Pour in 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. Stir gently.

Drizzle 1/2 ounce of blackberry liqueur over the top. This creates a pretty purple swirl effect. Garnish with fresh blackberries or a lemon slice.

The Vodka Bramble is sweet, tart, and refreshing.

It’s perfect for sipping on warm days or whenever you want a fruity cocktail.

30. Vodka Rickey

The Vodka Rickey is a simple yet refreshing cocktail. It combines vodka, lime juice, and soda water.

To make one, fill a highball glass with ice.

Add 2 ounces of vodka and the juice of half a lime. Top it off with soda water and stir gently.

This drink is crisp and tangy. The lime provides a zesty kick, while the soda water adds a pleasant fizz.

You can adjust the sweetness by adding a splash of simple syrup if you prefer.

The Vodka Rickey is perfect for hot summer days or anytime you want a light, invigorating drink.

31. Vodka Sour

The Vodka Sour is a classic cocktail that’s easy to make and enjoy. It mixes vodka with lemon juice and sugar for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.

To make a Vodka Sour, shake vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.

Strain into a glass over ice. You can add a dash of egg white for a silky texture.

For variety, try a Cherry Vodka Sour by adding grenadine or cherry syrup. You can also use flavored vodkas to create unique taste combinations.

The Vodka Sour is refreshing and works well for many occasions.

It’s a good choice when you want a tangy drink that isn’t too strong.

The Art of Vodka Mixology

Vodka mixology blends skill and creativity to craft delicious cocktails. It requires the right tools and an understanding of flavor balance.

Essential Tools for Vodka Cocktails

You’ll need a few key tools to make great vodka drinks.

A shaker is crucial for mixing and chilling cocktails. Get a jigger to measure liquor accurately. A bar spoon helps stir drinks smoothly.

A strainer keeps ice and fruit bits out of your glass. Don’t forget a muddler for crushing herbs and fruits. Sharp knives and cutting boards are vital for slicing garnishes.

Invest in quality glassware too. Martini glasses, highballs, and rocks glasses cover most vodka cocktails. A zester or peeler is handy for citrus twists.

Balancing Flavors in Vodka Drinks

Vodka’s neutral taste makes it perfect for showcasing other flavors.

Start with quality vodka as your base. Add citrus for brightness – lemon, lime, or grapefruit work well.

Sweet elements like simple syrup or liqueurs balance out sour notes. Herbs add depth – try mint, basil, or rosemary. Bitters can bring complexity to your drink.

Pay attention to ratios. Too much of any ingredient can overpower the others. Taste as you go and adjust as needed.

Experiment with unexpected pairings. Spicy and sweet, or savory and fruity can create exciting flavors.

Remember, practice makes perfect in vodka mixology.

Understanding Vodka Varieties

Vodka comes in many types and styles. Each brand and distillation method creates unique flavors and qualities.

Let’s explore some popular vodka brands and how different distillation techniques affect the final product.

Popular Vodka Brands

Absolut is a well-known Swedish vodka made from winter wheat. It has a smooth, rich taste with hints of grain and fruit.

Grey Goose, from France, uses soft winter wheat and spring water. This gives it a crisp, clean flavor with a gentle sweetness.

Smirnoff, originally from Russia, is now produced in many countries. It’s known for its pure taste and works well in cocktails.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka, from Texas, is made from corn. This gives it a slightly sweet, very smooth character that many people enjoy.

Differences in Vodka Distillation

The number of times vodka is distilled affects its taste and smoothness. Some brands distill their vodka three times, while others go up to five or more.

Filtering also plays a big role. Many vodkas are filtered through activated charcoal to remove impurities. Some brands use unique materials like limestone or quartz crystal.

The base ingredient impacts flavor too. Potato vodkas often have a creamy texture, while grain vodkas tend to be lighter and crisper.

Water source is crucial. Many top brands boast about their pure spring or glacier water, which can add subtle mineral notes to the vodka.