The most consumed spirit in the world, vodka somehow still gets a bad rap. It’s often criticized for being boring and tasteless, but any bartender worth her shaker tins will tell you that good vodka, when mixed properly with the right ingredients, can shine in a variety of dinks. The proof is in these 11 vodka cocktails you should try right now.
1: VESPER
James Bond preferred this cocktail shaken, not stirred, and we think you should follow suit when making it at home. Gin, vodka and Lillet blanc are all you need to make this spirit-forward apéritif. Simply add to a glass with ice, stir, strain and garnish with a lemon twist.
2: BLACK RUSSIAN
Whether you drink it in the afternoon or after dinner, this coffee-flavored cocktail is a sure hit. The simple concoction is spirit-forward but can be made as sweet as you’d like. Start with two-parts vodka and one-part Kahlúa, then taste and add more Kahlúa if it’s a little too boozy for your taste.
3: FROSTY MULE
A dash of Yellow Chartreuse helps take a traditional Moscow Mule into new territory. The herbal and slightly floral liqueur brings out the flavors in lemon juice, ginger syrup, vodka and club soda.
4: MATCHA-SESAME PUNCH
Milk punch gets a modern makeover in this recipe. Sencha-tea-infused vodka and sesame-infused vodka are easy to make and bring rich flavors and a healthy dose of booze to cane syrup, half-and-half and matcha powder.
5: CHEEKY PEACH
6: VLADIMIRY
If you’re tired of having the same old Bloody Marys at brunch but still want to get a dose of veggies with your morning vodka, give the Vladimir a try. Vodka, carrot juice, lemon juice, celery salt, black pepper, caraway seeds, horseradish and a shallot are blended until smooth, savory and ready for a pickle spear garnish.
7: VODKA GIMLET
Not a fan of gin? Try this take on a classic Gimlet. The combination of vodka, lime juice and simple syrup is sour, slightly sweet and just boozy enough. The best part? It’s perfectly refreshing and easy enough to make after even the longest day.
8: CBD SPRITZ
Jump on the CBD train with this cannabis-inspired cocktail. CBD soda provides all of the cannabinoid’s therapeutic benefits, and it’s delicious when mixed with vodka, Aperol and sparkling wine.
9: GOLDEN GEISHA
10: STONE’S SHANDY
Grapefruit-infused vodka adds an extra boozy and citrusy bite to a standard Shandy. The vodka shines when mixed with lemon juice and pale ale, and a dose of peach bitters helps to add juiciness to round everything out.
11: FRENCH MARTINI
