30 Delicious Vodka Cocktails To Try: From Classic To Creative
There's no denying it—vodka is one of the most popular liquors in the world. And for a good reason, it is versatile, affordable, and best of all, delicious!
Whether you're a vodka purist or you like to mix things up a bit, we've got you covered with this list of 30 stunning vodka cocktails. We've got something for everyone, from classic drinks to more creative concoctions. So grab your favorite type of vodka and start mixing!
1. Vodka Martini
The Vodka Martini is a sophisticated and robust drink. It's an excellent drink for parties with friends, colleagues, or family members! The best part about this cocktail? It’s the delicious flavor everyone will surely love—especially if you're looking for something invigorating on these hot summer nights (or days).
The martini has been made famous by the fictional British secret agent James Bond, who famously orders a "vodka martini, shaken, not stirred." This iconic drink is sure to make any occasion special.
2. Vodka Gimlet
This recipe is effortless to make, so you can instantly mix it up whenever you want. Whether you're having a mini-BBQ party or any other celebrations, you can serve this to your guests without exerting too much time and energy.
The Vodka Gimlet is a drink with a long and storied history. Dating back to the late 18th century, it was originally created as a way for British sailors to get their daily dose of vitamin C. Limes were added to make the drink more palatable, and vodka soon replaced gin as the spirit of choice.
Today, the Vodka Gimlet is still one of the most popular cocktails around. Though the recipe has remained relatively unchanged over the years, there are now many different variations on the classic drink.
3. Vodka Sour
Vodka Sour is a classic because it's so simple yet delicious. Though the Sour has evolved over the centuries, its practices date back nearly 300 years.
This classic drink comprises vodka, lemon & lime juice, bitters, simple syrup, and pasteurized egg white, which is used as a thickening agent to create a foamy texture.
Among the Sour's many variations is the vodka-based version. This drink boasts more spice and earthy tones than its regular counterpart. The ingredients and process are straightforward, but people have enjoyed this drink for decades due to its fun foam texture that makes you feel like an explorer in outer space!
4. Vodka Tonic
If you’re looking for a simple drink that you can serve to your family and friends at any time, this Vodka Tonic recipe is perfect for you. The Vodka Gimlet is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for generations.
Though its origins are unclear, it is believed to be created during British colonialism. It is said to have been a staple in malaria-prone countries.
5. Vodka Cranberry
Cranberry Vodka is a super drink for any occasion! This simple but elegant spirit has the perfect balance of sweetness with its maple syrup and cranberries.
This aesthetically pleasing drink is derived from the classic Cape Codder. It is believed to have come to life in 1945 by the Ocean Spray company. The name of the cocktail is also derived from Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
6. Classic White Russian
In 1949, a Belgian barman created the White Russian cocktail. Obviously not derived from the named country, but the name Russia was included because vodka is one of many ingredients in this drink!
The White Russian cocktail is one of the most famous among the classic cocktails. This drink became popularized when its recipe was published in California's Oakland Tribune newspaper in November of 1965, which included a type of coffee liqueur at that time called "Southern."
7. Vodka Spritzer
Vodka Spritzer is the perfect drink for you to enjoy this summer! It has a bubbly, fun flavor that will have your day going better than ever.
The combination of strawberries with mint and soda water makes these drinks so revitalizing—they're almost like an icy strawberry daiquiri on steroids (which we all know how good those can be).
You can trace the history of this delicious drink back to Germany, where it was originally known as "spritzers." This word is derived from the German verb spritzen, which means “to splash or squirt.”
The alcohol content in a typical spirit user is low enough that you don't have to worry about gaining weight when drinking them!
8. Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon's vibrant color is a desirable characteristic, but its taste will not disappoint! This cocktail is perfect for summer parties when everyone prefers their drinks to be very lively!
The Blue Lagoon cocktail is a famous drink that has been around since 1980. In fact, it's said to have started when Andy MacElhone was a bartender at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris and came up with this refreshing beverage.
9. Beer Bloody Mary
Who would've thought that beer would be a great mix with the classic Bloody Mary recipe? This drink is unique, and it will surely raise some brows, but the taste will not disappoint you.
The “Red Beer,” as it is also called, has hints from each other ingredients that make up what tastes like perfect harmony between savory flavors alongside some sweetness, thanks to the beer’s wheaty nature.
10. Limoncello
Limoncello is a liqueur used in many cocktails, but did you know that you can also make your homemade Limoncello a hit?
Limoncello is a refreshing Italian lemon liqueur that can be found worldwide, especially in Southern Italy. The drink's name comes from its main ingredient-lemon juice!
It has been enjoyed since ancient times because of how good it tastes, and as time passed, people started adding different ingredients to make this delicious elixir more interesting!
11. Guava Watermelon Martini
Guava and watermelon are two of the most popular fruits in America. This summer cocktail is the perfect drink for summer that will surely quench your thirst on those hot summer days! The sweet flavor of both fruits comes together in this perfect pairing, making it one tasty sip at the end!
12. Vodka Lime Rickey
Summertime is the perfect time for a refreshing Vodka Lime Rickey, a twist on the classic Bourbon Rickey—a combination of gin or bourbon, lime juice, and carbonated water.
Its origins date back to the 1880s when bartender George A Williamson created it at Shoomaker’s bar in Washington D.C. along with Democratic lobbyist Colonel Joe Rickey.
13. Lemon Drop Martini
In the early 1990s, this cocktail was often prepared as a shooter or served in a shot glass. The Lemon Drop Martini was most likely named after lemon drop candy.
After its invention, the drink swiftly spread to many San Francisco saloons. Norman Jay Hobday, founder and proprietor of Henry Africa's—a fern bar that opened in 1969, invented this cocktail sometime during the 1970s, and it is still popular today with bartenders.
14. Vesper Martini
The Vesper, also known as the Vesper Martini, was made inspired by the movie of James Bond. None other than the James Bond author, Ian Fleming, invented the cocktail. The drink is named for the fictional double agent Vesper Lynd. This iconic cocktail is a mix of vodka, gin, and an aperitif, making it a perfect drink before a meal.
15. Black Russian
Have you ever tried a Black Russian? This delicious cocktail was invented in 1949 at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels by Belgian barman Gustave Tops.
Tops created the drink to salute the achievements of his regular patron Perle Mesta, who was both the United States Ambassador to Luxembourg and a notable American socialite. Although the Black Russian originated in Belgium, its moniker evokes Russia's well-known association with vodka.
16. Sex on the Beach
Sex on the Beach is a restoring, fruity and tangy cocktail that will get everyone ready to beat the heat during the summer season. This drink is trendy, and its taste proves why.
The traditional story of how Sex on the Beach came to be is attributed mainly to Ted Pizio, a Florida bartender who wanted to promote peach schnapps in the 1980s. He named the cocktail after “sex” and "the beach," which were two main attractions during the spring break season in Florida. As time went by, it became popular throughout America as well!
17. Pumpkin Spiced White Russian
It's that time of year again! Time for the pumpkin to spice everything, the leaves are changing colors, and people are starting to get ready for Halloween. Do you know what else it is? It's time to make another Pumpkin Spiced White Russian!
18. Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini cocktail is one of the most popular vodka cocktails in the world. Originating from London, this drink has become a deliciously smooth addiction for many people worldwide.
Dick Bradsell originally created it at Fred's Club in the late 1980s, and it was then called "The Vodka Espresso." A young model who frequented his bar came to him asking for something to wake him up, and he responded with a combination of vodka, fresh espresso, and coffee liqueur. Thus, creating the famous Espresso Martini.
19. Bloody Mary
You can't go wrong with the classic Bloody Mary cocktail. It's been around since the 1920s and has continued to be a classic drink for vodka lovers all over. This popular drink has its roots in Paris, where it was first created by Fernand Petiot while working at Harry's New York Bar in Paris.
However, he simply spiced up an existing and well-established combo of vodka and tomato juice while working at the St. Regis Hotel, New York City, during the 1940s. Its popularity grew as people began ordering this beverage in bars and making their own version at home.
20. Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan cocktail is a vodka-based drink first made in the early 1980s. Bartender John Caine, who worked in San Francisco at the time, is credited with popularizing the drink. The Cosmo is a variation of the Kamikaze cocktail, which is a Gimlet variation.
The drink typically consists of citrus vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau, and lime juice and is often served in a martini glass. It's a popular choice for cocktails parties and has even been featured on popular TV shows like Sex and the City.
21. Mudslide
The Mudslide is a class cocktail invented in the Grand Cayman Islands in the 1970s. This easy-to-make drink features Irish cream and is perfect for enjoying at home or on vacation.
So next time you're looking for something to sip on the beach, give the Mudslide a try! It's sure to become one of your favorites.
22. Cape Codder
The Cape Codder Cocktail is an exhilarating and delicious drink that you can enjoy any time of the year. It's perfect for those warm summer evenings or winter holidays for some added cheer. This cocktail recipe only has three ingredients, so it's easy to make, but it packs in many flavors!
23. Screwdriver
The Screwdriver Cocktail is a delicious drink that will not only give you an energy boost but it will also make your day better. It's made with vodka and orange juice, giving you the perfect balance of sweet and sour.
It originated during World War II when Americans in China and Turkey mixed neutral spirits with orange juice. The first documented mention of the drink was in 1948, but it's possible that the drink was being made before that.
Variations to the recipe were present in 1948 in Turkey—an unattributed but popular story for the name is that the Americans lacked a spoon and used a screwdriver as a stick.
24. Hibiscus Vodka
The Hibiscus Vodka Cocktail is a refreshing, tropical-flavored twist on the classic Moscow Mule. It's perfect after an intense day at work or even during long days outside in summer heat! This cocktail is made using vodka, sparkling water, and an infusion of dried hibiscus flower syrup (or flowers of jamaica).
25. Classic Moscow Mule
Seventy-five years ago, on July 1, 1941, John G. Martin and Jack Morgan mixed the first Moscow Mule at Cock 'n' Bull Restaurant in Hollywood. This simple but delicious vodka and ginger beer cocktail quickly took off, thanks to its perfect balance of flavor and refreshment, not to mention the allure of drinking from a copper mug.
26. Blackberry Basil Smash
Blackberry Basil Smash is the perfect drink for those who enjoy fruity and savory cocktails. This luscious blackberries recipe with a hint of herbs will be great for summer afternoons in the garden or evening parties at home.
27. Peach Mint Mule
There is a variety of floral, fruity, and refreshing summer cocktails for you to try this season. For something sweet, the Peach Mint Mule is an excellent choice.
This cocktail combines vodka with peaches, mint leaves, fresh lime juice, and ginger beer in perfect proportions, making it just as wonderful to drink on its own or mixed into another beverage!
28. Madras
This vibrant pink vodka drink is zingy and refreshing, featuring cranberry juice for tartness and color. It takes no time to make it—just mix it in the glass and serve on ice!
You can use any vodka, but some people prefer citrus vodka to make this cocktail. Simply combine vodka, cranberry juice, and orange juice in your favorite glass. This drink is a summer drink, so don’t hesitate to add ice and pair it with a pizza or a cheese roll!
29. Chocolate Martini
This delicious cocktail is made with premium vodka and chocolate liqueur, a perfect drink for all the chocolate lovers out there. It's an ideal choice for those seeking a drink that isn't too sweet or overpowering.
You don't even have to spend a whole day in the kitchen as it takes just minutes to prepare! This winter-time favorite will leave your taste buds craving more!
30. Appletini
For a truly appetizing experience, try an appletini. This delicious cocktail combines the crisp taste of apple with the smoothness of vodka for a refreshing treat.
Made with apple juice, lemon juice, green apple schnapps, and vodka, the appletini is perfect for any occasion. Originally created in 1996 at Lola's West Hollywood restaurant, this drink has become a popular favorite among people of all ages.
So whether you're looking for something to sip on at happy hour or wanting to add a little extra flavor to your next party, be sure to give the appletini a try.
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