6 Vodka Cocktails
Vodka is a versatile spirit that can be used to make a variety of cocktails. Here are a few great ones for you to try at home.
Vodka is a versatile spirit that can be used to make a variety of cocktails. From a Bootleg to a Gimlet, here are a few great recipes for vodka-based cocktails to try at home.
Bootleg
Allegedly, the Bootleg originated at country clubs around Minneapolis during prohibition, and if you ask Minnesotans about this drink, you’ll get all sorts of responses ranging from “Wow, that brings back memories” to “I’m honestly not sure what that is.” It isn’t every day that you get to teach people about a regional American drink that only exists in select zip codes. A Bootleg is ideal for making at home, it’s perfect for summer, and it’s one of the very few cocktails that calls for blended mint.
How It Tastes: Crisp, Refreshing, Like Mowing A Lawn On The First Day Of Summer
Drink If You Like: Mojitos, Gimlets
Gimlet
You might not know it yet, but gimlets are easy. And once you know how to make a gimlet, you can make a lot of great cocktails (like a daiquiri, which is pretty much a rum gimlet) using the same basic formula. Traditionally, gimlets are made with gin, but if you prefer yours with vodka, go for it. It’ll be delicious either way. Just keep in mind that fresh lime juice is key. Don’t use something from a bottle.
How It Tastes: Crisp, Tart, Floral
Drink If You Like:French 75, Daiquiri
Moscow Mule
Much like a therapist or a houseplant that refuses to die even when you forget to water it for several weeks, the Moscow Mule is extremely forgiving. If you don’t get the proportions exactly right, it’ll probably still taste good - and you can easily swap out the vodka for just about any other liquor. Seriously, they all work. The trick is: quality ginger beer. And, no, you don’t need to buy a bunch of copper mugs.
How It Tastes: Spicy, Fizzy, Slightly Sweet
Drink If You Like: Greyhound, Dark and Stormy
Cosmopolitan
photo credit: Emily Schindler
Old Fashioneds used to have fruit muddled in them. And Gimlets used to be made with sweetened lime juice. Our point is, cocktails change, and the next drink that needs an update is the Cosmopolitan (which will henceforth be referred to as the Cosmo).
How It Tastes: Bright, fresh, like the pink drink you deserve.
Why You Should Make One: Because Cosmos are better than you think, even if you already think Cosmos are pretty good.
Espresso Martini
photo credit: Emily Schindler
An Espresso Martini shouldn’t have chocolate sauce dripping down the side. It also shouldn’t have any cream, whipped or not, and it’s important that you know this. Sure, there are plenty of sugary, convoluted versions out there, but those aren’t really Espresso Martinis.
How It Tastes: Frothy, slightly bitter, like it should be bottled and sold at grocery stores and gas stations.
Why You Should Make One: It’s an extremely well-balanced cocktail, and the alternative is a vodka Red Bull.
How To Make An Espresso Martini →
Salty Dog
The Salty Dog isn’t a particularly imaginative drink - it’s usually just a cup of grapefruit juice and vodka with a salt rim. We’re giving you an updated version that’s lighter and more balanced than your typical Salty Dog, and you can make yours with either vodka or gin. As an added benefit, this very simple highball should only take about two minutes to make, so you won’t have to spend too much time standing in your kitchen which may or may not be air-conditioned.
Suggested Reading
Whether you just want a good drink or you want to bartend like a professional, here’s the equipment we recommend.
There’s never been a better time to learn how to make good drinks at home. We’ll show you how.
Our in-house bartender (and Senior Staff Writer) is here to answer all your cocktail-related questions.