Fun & Easy Vodka Cocktails + Recipes to Try

Vodka is a clear liquor without a distinct flavor. It is traditionally made of cereal grains or potatoes but can be made from most things that can be fermented. It comes in a wide variety of flavorings, giving it a multitude of uses when it comes to mixology. Try making some of these vodka cocktails at your next gathering.

How to decide what vodka cocktails to make

When you are deciding what vodka cocktails to make, the possibilities are endless. The easiest way to decide is by picking what flavor style you want and picking a drink that matches. Since vodka comes in so many flavors, it can fit right into almost any cocktail. When you are deciding what vodka cocktails to make, the possibilities are endless. Wondering what is a good mixer for vodka? You can use nearly anything sweet or sour, including:

• Cranberry juice
• Lime juice
• Orange juice
• Blue curaçao
• Lemonade
• Pineapple juice
• Grapefruit juice

Top vodka cocktails ideas & recipes

Try testing out one of these cocktail recipes to find your new favorite.

1. Cosmopolitan

The cosmopolitan cocktail, commonly known as the “cosmo,” is a sweet and sour drink. It can be made in any flavor, but the common mixture contains citrus vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and lime juice.

2. Screwdriver

The screwdriver is perfect to pair with brunch. Simply put a shot of vodka in a glass over ice and top it with orange juice. Garnish with an orange wedge.

3. Moscow mule

Over the last few years, this has been quite the trendy cocktail. All you need to do to make it is pour a shot of vodka in a copper mug full of ice, squeeze in some lime juice, and top it all off with some good ginger beer.

4. Bloody Mary

This quintessential breakfast drink pairs a spicy tomato mix with vodka. The best part of this drink is the garnish. Add in anything, including bacon, cheese, olives, peppers, or even a whole stick of celery.

5. White Russian

Made popular by the movie “The Big Lebowski,” the white Russian is a spin on the black Russian. To make this cocktail, start with 2oz of vodka, add in 1oz of coffee liqueur, and top it off with a splash of heavy cream.

6. Harvey Wallbanger

This sweet cocktail became popular during the disco days of the 1970s. Mix 1.5oz of vodka, 4oz of orange juice, and 5oz of anise-vanilla liqueur together, and pour into a tall glass of ice. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice.

7. The Blue lagoon

Blue and beautiful is the perfect way to describe this fruity cocktail. Shake together 1oz of vodka, 1oz of blue curaçao, and 4oz of lemonade. Serve over ice in a tropical cocktail glass, and you’ll feel like you’re at the beach.

8. Sex on the Beach

Another tropical delight, this drink is loaded with fruit juices. Start with a tall glass of ice and add in 1.5oz of vodka, 1oz of peach schnapps, 2oz of cranberry juice, and 2oz of orange juice. Garnish with an orange slice and a couple of cranberries.

9. Vodka Tonic

When you want something simple, yet still refreshing, this is where to go. Get a highball glass, add a couple of ice cubes, then pour in a shot of vodka. Top with some tonic water and throw in a slice of lemon and lime to make it extra refreshing.

10. Hairy Navel

The hairy navel is a fuzzy navel that is kicked up a notch. Start off by making a fuzzy navel, which is peach schnapps and fresh orange juice, and add a shot of vodka. 

11. Greyhound

This easy-to-make cocktail only has 3 components: vodka, grapefruit juice, and a lemon or lime wedge. The ratio of grapefruit juice to vodka is 2:1. 

12. Vodka Martini

Whether you like yours shaken or stirred, this is one of the most classic cocktails. Put 2.5oz of vodka and .5oz of dry vermouth in your mixing glass. Shake or stir and pour into a chilled martini glass. Serve with a couple of olives as a garnish. If you like your martini dirty, add in some olive brine.

13. Cape Codder

Named for one of the biggest cranberry-producing areas in the country, this drink is simple and refreshing. Just put a shot of vodka in your glass and fill it to the top with cranberry juice.

14. Appletini

This super-sweet cocktail will satisfy all of your sugary cravings. Grab your shaker and add in 1oz of apple juice, 1.25oz of green apple schnapps, 1.5oz of vodka, and .25oz of lemon juice. Shake with ice and pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a green apple slice.

15. Madras

The madras is a fruity blend of the cape codder and fuzzy navel. Mix together cranberry and orange juice in a 3:1 ratio and add in a shot of vodka. Pour over a highball glass of ice and top with a lime wedge.

16. Zipper

Fresh berries are the dominant flavor of this tasty drink. Combine equal parts of vodka, raspberry liqueur, and lemon-lime soda. Serve in a highball over ice and garnish with fresh berries and mint.

17. Godmother

Made of only 2 ingredients, the godmother drink makes the perfect nightcap. Stir together a 2:1 ratio of vodka to amaretto liqueur and serve in an old-fashioned glass with a large ice cube and orange peel. 

18. Vodka Gimlet

The traditional vodka gimlet is just equal parts vodka and lime juice, but you can add in a squirt of simple syrup if you want it to be a little less tart.

Final thoughts on vodka cocktails

Mix up some of these vodka cocktails for a delicious treat. Buy any of the ingredients you need for these recipes on Instacart. Schedule your delivery for a future date or choose same-day delivery at checkout. 

Grab it now on Instacart:

Orange Juice (64 fl oz)

Heavy Cream (16 oz)

Luxardo Maraschino Cherries (400 g)

Phillips Peach Schnapps (375 ml)

Fever-Tree Premium Light Tonic Water 4x200ml (6.8 fl oz)

Organic Grapefruit Juice (32 fl oz)

First Street Spanish Olives, Premium, Pitted Queen (36 oz)

Instacart

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