We all love a great vodka cocktail. The options for vodka cocktails are nearly endless since this relatively flavorless liquor pairs with almost everything. Whether you’re sipping on a cocktail at dinner, with friends, or on the beach, there is always a way to incorporate this icy liqueur into your social life.
Vodka today can be made from a variety of things, all of which are fermented to create a bold beverage. Typically made of grains, such as rye, wheat, barley, and sorghum, or potatoes, this spirit is often subtle in flavor. This allows you to get creative when it comes to the drinks you’re making with vodka.
With summer right around the corner, let’s take a deep dive into our top ten vodka cocktails. We couldn’t decide for ourselves which of these five cocktails we like the most. So by trying them all, you’ll have to make your mind up for yourself. Time to figure out what your drink of the summer is.
1. Moscow Mule
Making the ultimate Moscow Mule cans seem intimidating, but it’s actually much easier than you might think. Those copper mugs make the drink look that much more enjoyable, especially when it’s frosted up on a hot summer’s day. Now it’s time to take action and create your own Moscow Mule that will leave your friends and social media followers feeling extremely jealous.
What you’ll need
There’s no fooling anyone—of course, the best Moscow Mules are made with vodka. While others may twist the recipe and try to make the cocktail with tequila, we recommend sticking with the classics. Find the best vodka for you – we’ve pretty much got them all.
Some great vodkas for your Moscow Mule are:
- Smirnoff: A familiar one for many of us, Smirnoff is an iconic vodka that comes in tons of flavors.
- Ketel One: Hints of citrus and a little bit of honey will take your Moscow Mule to the next level.
Ginger beer is a key component of a Moscow Mule. Some people may convince you to make your Moscow Mule with ginger ale instead of ginger beer. But by using ginger beer, your drink will be packed with a punch. Ginger beer creates a spicier cocktail, and it helps to enhance the citrus flavors. Ginger ale, on the other hand, creates a sweeter drink with less complexity—no thanks.
Lime juice (and a wedge). The lime juice elevates the drink, and the lime wedge makes a Moscow Mule the most aesthetically pleasing drink.
2. Cosmopolitan
You may have mistaken this drink for a martini once or twice – and that’s ok. Served in the same class, a Cosmopolitan is a citrusy cocktail that will elevate any party. So, what do you need?
What you’ll need
It’s what we’re all here for… the vodka. Let’s get right to it; try these vodkas in your next Cosmo.
- Grey Goose: If you’re feeling like showing off a little, this one is for you.
- Tito’s: This vodka is certified gluten-free and perfect to spike your drink in the summer when you need it most.
Cointreau is an orange liqueur that’s an essential component of this cocktail.
Another key ingredient is cranberry juice. This is what gives a cosmopolitan it’s beautiful pink color. The cranberry juice makes the drink look elegant, and whatever you’re doing at the time will look extra classy.
With every ultimate cocktail comes a hint of citrus. Lime juice truly makes almost every cocktail just that much better.
The last ingredient is just for keeping things cool. The ice is not served in the drink; it is only used to make the cocktail. Add ice, cover, and shake until chilled once all of your ingredients are in a cocktail shaker. Only then do you strain the cocktail into the glass.
Last but not least, we need a way to take our drink to the next level. Adding an orange twist to garnish your Cosmo will make it look the best it ever has.
3. Lemon Drop
A Lemon Drop may bring back some memories for you—of a certain Lemon Drop shot, perhaps? But now it’s time to be mature and keep things classy—cue the Lemon Drop cocktail, which sits in the same classy martini glass as the Cosmo. Plus, if you really wanted to, you could still make a Lemon Drop shot to go with it, just for the sake of going down memory lane.
What you’ll need
Just like every other vodka cocktail, there are options when it comes to what vodka you choose to incorporate into your drink.
- Cîroc: This classic vodka is nfused with strawberry and raspberry essences and will pair perfectly with the lemon drop.
- Svedka Swedish Vodka: This is distilled five times with Swedish winter wheat, and it’s slightly more on the affordable side.
A key ingredient of a Lemon Drop is one of the essential liqueurs out there, triple sec. With hints of citrus from orange peels, this liqueur elevates every lemon drop cocktail.
Next, you need simple syrup. Collins Simple Syrup is a great option for your Lemon Drop. If you’re looking for another way to sweeten your cocktail, there are many alternatives to simple syrup, such as agave nectar or molasses and honey. We recommend keeping things simple and just going with simple syrup for your lemon drop cocktail.
We bet you saw this one coming—lemon works tirelessly to perfect your lemon drop drink.
4. Bloody Mary
There are many names for this notorious cocktail, but we prefer the one named after the notorious English monarch. Up in Canada, they call these drinks Caesars. Enjoy a Bloody Mary at brunch on Sunday with all of your friends. These five secrets to the perfect Bloody Mary are sure to help you perfect this vodka cocktail.
What you’ll need
Finding the perfect vodka is essential for making the best Bloody Mary possible. Here’s another option if the first four weren’t exactly your favorites.
- Nat Kidder: This one is gluten-free, so those of you with dietary restrictions can drink it to your heart’s content.
The ingredient list is long, but don’t worry. Saucey has you covered in terms of ingredients. A Bloody Mary may seem intimidating, but we’re here to make it a breeze.
- Tomato juice
- Worcestershire sauce
- Freshly grated horseradish
- Hot pepper sauce, i.e. Tabasco
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Ice
- Lemon juice and wedge
- Celery
5. Screwdriver
Another Sunday brunch favorite is the Screwdriver—like the mimosa, this cocktail uses breakfast-time favorite, orange juice. Keeping it plain and simple sometimes is the way to go. This effortless vodka cocktail is a perfect drink to share with everyone at the brunch table.
What you’ll need
If you haven’t learned already, Saucey has your back. All of the vodkas listed above work perfectly with a Screwdriver. Still, looking for more options? You’re in the right place.
- Belvedere Polish Vodka: This premium charcoal-distilled is a product of Poland that is blended with Artesian well water.
- Absolut: Another classic that may bring back some fun memories, Absolut is crisp and refreshing when mixed into a cocktail.
- Stoli Russian Vodka: This vodka is distilled from grain and filtered through birch, charcoal, and quartz sand for the smoothest sip possible.
The only other thing this cocktail need is orange juice. The Screwdriver likes to keep things simple and is perfect for Sundays when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
The takeaway
When it comes to vodka, you can do anything: numerous brands + numerous kickass cocktail recipes = amazing vodka cocktails for now and this upcoming summer.
If you’ve learned anything from this blog, it’s that the options when it comes to vodka are endless. Also, that Saucey has your back when it comes to spirits and more. The cherry on top is that we can bring everything you need right to you. Place an order to get started on enjoying all five of these ultimate vodka cocktails. It has never been easier. If you need a sign to treat yourself, this is it. This is a sign to treat yourself.
We know that summer is still a few months away, but that means that you just have more time to perfect these cocktails. Let’s get shaking.
