Here are all the best vodka cocktails! Pick from all the classic vodka mixed drinks and unique cocktails for any occasion, from the Moscow mule to the Cosmo and everything in between.
Got a bottle of vodka? After testing hundreds of cocktail recipes as a mixologist and cookbook author, I’ve discovered that vodka’s neutral flavor is actually its superpower: it’s the perfect blank canvas. There are so many great vodka cocktails to try, mixed drinks that are as varied as you could imagine!
Vodka makes fruity vodka cocktails like the Bay Breeze, classic drinks like the Gimlet and Cosmo, brunch cocktails like the Bloody Mary, and endless types of martinis. These 25 recipes are the very best of what vodka can offer!
My top 25 vodka cocktails and mixed drinks
What’s a more classic vodka cocktail than a Moscow mule? This easy cocktail recipe was invented in the 1940’s but it’s totally timeless. With only 3 ingredients and 3 minutes, it’s perfect for entertaining or casual patio drinks.
For more variations, try my Mexican Mule, Kentucky Mule, or Gin Gin Mule.
Ingredients: Vodka, lime juice, ginger beer
Another in the list of best vodka cocktails: the vodka gimlet! This sophisticated retro cocktail has a tart, refreshing flavor and a chic vibe. A gimlet it traditionally made with gin, but this spinoff with vodka has an even smoother flavor.
Ingredients: Vodka, lime juice, simple syrup
The vodka tonic is an easy two-ingredient highball cocktail with a bright, lemon lime flavor! In this variation on the Gin & Tonic, vodka melds right into the tonic water, making an easy-to-drink vodka cocktail that’s light and refreshing.
Ingredients: Vodka, tonic water, lime and lemon wedges
Here’s another classic vodka cocktail: the Cosmo! It’s got a brilliant pink color and refreshing flavor. This recipe is balanced and tangy, an improved version of the classic using 100% cranberry juice. It’s an easy cocktail to make, ready to spice up your next party.
Ingredients: Vodka, 100% cranberry juice, lemon juice, Cointreau, simple syrup
Coffee lovers, here’s the vodka cocktail for you! The Espresso Martini is an ideal pick-me-up for a lazy afternoon or an after dinner drink: it even doubles as dessert! Bittersweet coffee pairs perfectly with the rich sweetness of Kahlua for one of my personal favorite vodka drinks.
Ingredients: Vodka, Kahlua, espresso
Next up: the vodka sour! This one’s a classic sour cocktail that’s refreshingly sweet tart with a frothy egg white foam on top. Using a dry shake technique gets the perfect fluffy foam.
Ingredients: Vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, Angostura bitters, egg white
Another well-known vodka cocktail is the Bloody Mary! This classic brunch drink is tangy, spicy, and perfectly seasoned, featuring tomatoes, horseradish, garlic, and lemon. I love mixing up a homemade batch, which has incredible flavor.
Ingredients: Vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, celery salt, black pepper
It’s tall, bubbly, and goes down easy: it’s the Vodka Collins! This spin on the Tom Collins is essentially a sparkling vodka lemonade. It’s easy to drink dates back back to the 1870’s: one of my favorite refreshing vodka drinks.
Ingredients: Vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, soda water
When I’m looking for sweet vodka drinks, I turn to the Mudslide! The classic version is shaken with coffee liqueur and Irish cream, served up in a cocktail glass. Or, make it as a milkshake and use vanilla ice cream!
Ingredients: Vodka, Kahlua, Irish cream, heavy cream (or ice cream)
Here’s one of the easiest vodka cocktail recipes in existence: the vodka cranberry! Also known as a Cape Codder, it has only a handful of ingredients and it tastes tart and refreshing.
Ingredients: Vodka, cranberry juice
If you love Piña Coladas, then you’ll love the Chi Chi! This Piña Colada with vodka is just as good as the original, in my opinion. It’s surprising how well it holds up to the rum-based classic.
Ingredients: Frozen pineapple, ice, vodka, cream of coconut, pineapple juice
Here’s a famous vodka cocktail from the 1950’s that’s creamy and sweet: the White Russian! It takes just 2 minutes to make and hits the spot in any season. I like using milk instead of cream for a more refreshing version. Also try it without the cream as a Black Russian.
Ingredients: Vodka, Kahlua, cream
This vodka cocktail is intensely sweet tart! Use citron vodka for the most lemony flavor: otherwise, regular vodka works too. It’s festive and refreshing, with a lemon twist and sugar rim.
If you’re in the mood for a different martini, try my French Martini, Raspberry Martini, Chocolate Martini, Cranberry Martini, Limoncello Martini, or Ginger Martini.
Ingredients: Vodka or citron vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice, simple syrup
The French 76 is a spin on the classic French 75 using vodka instead of the traditional gin. It’s got a light, bright flavor and effervescent bubbles: ideal for any time you need a festive party drink.
Ingredients: Vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, Champagne or other sparkling wine
Here’s an easy vodka cocktail that’s light, refreshing, and goes down easy: the Vodka Soda! Relative of the Vodka Tonic, this one is even more tart and refreshing. Lime juice, vodka and soda water make the best hydrating combination.
Ingredients: Vodka, soda water, lime juice
Need an easy vodka cocktail that looks impressive? Try the Vodka Sunrise! This layered cocktail looks like a gradient of a summer sunrise, and it’s ideal for brunch or a laid back afternoon drink. You’ll need just 3 ingredients for this spin on the classic Tequila Sunrise.
Ingredients: Vodka, orange juice, grenadine syrup
Here’s a sophisticated vodka cocktail: the French martini! It’s fruity and balanced, featuring a French black raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice. Each sip is deliciously intriguing and nuanced.
Ingredients: Vodka, pineapple juice, Chambord
The Sidecar is one of the great classic sour cocktails. This drink is typically made with brandy, but this version swaps it out with vodka! The vodka spin is refreshingly tangy and satisfying.
Ingredients: Vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice
This bubbly and fruity Vodka Spritzer is just sweet enough with a subtle berry flavor: tangy, refreshing and sparkling all at once. Cranberry juice makes the brilliant red color. It makes for a fun and satisfying party drink!
Ingredients: Vodka, cranberry juice, strawberries, lemon, soda water
This vodka smash cocktail is all about fruit and ice! It’s tangy and refreshing, featuring muddled berries, mint, and lime. This vodka drink goes down easy!
Ingredients: Blueberries, lime juice, fresh mint, vodka, simple syrup
This vodka cocktail is laid-back, tart and refreshing! The Sea Breeze cocktail tastes just like its name: light, breezy, and all about no-frills vibes. For drinks with a related vibe, check out my Madras, Bay Breeze, or Transfusion recipes.
Ingredients: Vodka, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice
The Screwdriver is one of the easiest cocktails there is, ideal for afternoon drinks or brunch. I like it even more as the Harvey Wallbanger which adds Galliano, an herbal Italian liqueur, for a funky finish to each sip.
Ingredients: Orange juice, vodka, Galliano (optional)
Here’s a tasty refreshing vodka cocktail that’s perfect for summer, but works any time of year: Vodka Lemonade! Make up a pitcher of homemade fresh lemonade, then spike it with a little vodka. It comes out fresh and sweet tart, and very easy to drink.
Also try: Blueberry Vodka Lemonade
Have you tried the classic version of this popular drink? Ditch the sour mix and Triple Sec in favor of fresh citrus, vodka, and Cointreau. It’s zingy, sweet tart, nuanced and sophisticated.
Ingredients: Vodka, tequila, white rum, gin, Cointreau, lemon juice, Cola
Looking for a vodka cocktail to please a chocoholic? Try the chocolate martini! This drink is rich and creamy, basically a dessert in a glass. It stars Irish cream and creme de cacao as the liquid version of your favorite chocolate bar.
Ingredients: Irish cream (like Baileys), creme de cacao, vodka
Vodka cocktails by type
Choosing the right vodka
The best vodka for vodka cocktails? Unlike liquors with strong personalities like whiskey or rum, vodka for mixed drinks should be smooth and clean. It shouldn’t overpower the other ingredients in a cocktail but act as a neutral base that lets other flavors shine.
I recommend a mid-priced vodka. Avoid very inexpensive or high-end vodka. Brands like Tito’s, Ketel One, Absolut and Smirnoff are good options, as well as mid-range brands like Grey Goose vodka. The best choice depends on your budget and your personal opinion: don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands!
Serving suggestions
These vodka cocktails work beautifully for any occasion. For brunch, I love serving Bloody Marys alongside my perfect scrambled eggs or a fresh arugula salad.
For evening entertaining, set up a DIY Moscow Mule bar with various flavored ginger beers and fresh garnishes. You could use various liquors for all the Moscow Mule variations.
For summer parties, batch up some Vodka Lemonades or Sea Breezes in pitchers for easy serving! Or make a batch of Frozen Espresso Martinis.
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely not! Vodka’s neutral flavor profile makes it a perfect base for countless creative and delicious cocktails. From refreshing summer drinks to sophisticated classics, vodka shines in a vast array of recipes.
Here are a few iconic vodka cocktails to get you started:
Moscow Mule: A refreshing mix of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice.
Cosmopolitan: A sophisticated blend of vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau, and lime juice.
White Russian: A creamy and decadent combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream.
Bloody Mary: A savory and tangy brunch favorite with vodka, tomato juice, and spices.
While specific ingredients vary by recipe, some common staples include:
Citrus juices: Lemon, lime, and grapefruit juice add a refreshing tartness.
Sweeteners: Simple syrup, honey, or fruit liqueurs provide sweetness and balance the tartness.
Bitters: A few dashes of bitters like Angostura or orange bitters enhance complexity and depth.
Soda water and tonic water: These add fizz and lightness.
Fruits and herbs: Fresh or muddled fruits and herbs like mint, basil, or berries add vibrant flavors and visual appeal.
Here are some helpful tips:
Use high-quality vodka: While top-shelf isn’t always necessary, a decent vodka will make a noticeable difference.
Chill your ingredients: Cold ingredients ensure a refreshing final drink.
Measure accurately: Balanced flavors are key, so following recipe measurements is important.
Get creative! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations, like adding muddled fruits or herbs.
25 Best Vodka Cocktails
The most classic vodka cocktail of them all is the Moscow mule! This recipe pairs simple ingredients for big impact: vodka, ginger beer and lime make one classic drink.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
- 2 ounces vodka
- ½ ounce fresh lime juice
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- For the garnish: lime wheel or wedge, fresh mint (if desired)
- Pour the vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer into a copper mug.
- Add ice and garnish with a lime slice. Serve immediately.
Other cocktail recipes to try
Outside of these vodka cocktails, there are so many more great cocktail recipes! Here are some of my best mixed drink collections:
