Finding drinks to mix with vodka is pretty easy as this is one spirit that has a very neutral taste, letting the different flavors of whatever you’re mixing with it shine through.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say they didn’t like the taste of vodka, unless maybe they are taking a warm sip right from the bottle or shot glass, which you won’t find me doing!
But for those who don’t like the taste of alcohol in general, this subtle spirit is the way to go.
For those who do like other types of spirits, we think you’ll love these Malibu Rum cocktails and this Frozen Mezcal Margarita.
As it’s always important to have some nibbles when you’re serving alcohol, here’s a list of 40 of our favorite appetizers for a crowd.
Why not pick out 5 and pass out the recipes for a fun party idea?
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Why We Love Cocktails with Vodka
Unlike alcohol like tequila or bourbon, you really don’t have to worry about pairing well because you’ve pretty much got a blank slate with this clear spirit.
What You Need to Make Vodka Cocktails
For the most part, you’ll need the following.
Vodka: We like top shelf brands like Tito’s, Grey Goose or Absolut.
Ice: Whether your serving it up or on the rocks, you’ll probably want it chilled.
Fruit juices or soda of your choice: For some cocktails you’ll be using both. Think cranberry juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice, or pineapple juice for a fun tropical drink. You have a lot of options for soda, too, like ginger ale, lemon lime soda, club soda, or tonic water.
Premade Mixers or Sour Mix: You can buy these but, honestly, you can usually make them with ingredients you probably have on hand like lemon juice and simple syrup.
Garnishes: Yes, they are optional, but it’s so much more fun to serve a pretty drink!
It’s a good idea to have a variety of fresh fruit garnishes like a lemon wedge, slice of lime or pineapple for a tropical drink. Even a maraschino cherry adds fun to a simple drink!
A cocktail shaker is good to have on hand for those drinks that need a good shake to get the flavors mingling.
A muddler is nice, too, but you can use other things to muddle the fruit if you don’t have one.
This cocktail shaker set gives you everything you need and isn’t much more than the shaker alone.
Let’s get to those best mixers for vodka cocktails!
A classic Moscow Mule has cranberry juice, but we decided to switch it up with candied ginger and soda water instead of the ginger beer usually used.
The candied ginger is easy to make, and we also added a little ground ginger to get that stronger ginger beer flavor.
You really can mix anything with vodka, and the proof is in the pudding! These pumpkin pudding shots are so good, great for any time of year, but an especially fun treat around pumpkin spice season!
Believe it or not, Jello is a perfect mixer for vodka! Make this treat for a party and everyone will rave! Let’s keep it between us how easy these are to make!
We love this version of the classic cocktail, with tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce and spices. We’ve change it up a bit to give it a southwest flair, and added bacon!
These aren’t shots like you might have had in the past (college days, anyone?) but just served in shot sized glasses! Delicious and fun, but remember they’re boozy so for adults only!
I like a classic margarita on occasion, especially if I’m in Mexico (preferably at Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen!) But sometimes tequila doesn’t like me, so I know I’m safe with this version with vodka instead!
These Pumpkin Jello shots just scream Fall, and they are so pretty, aren’t they? Easy to make and a good choice for a tailgate or any gathering where you’re looking for a boozy treat.
This Green Apple Martini is refreshing and delicious, fun for any party. The color is just the right shade of green apple, too, thanks to Sour Apple Pucker.
Mojitos are usually made with rum, but we love them with vodka, too. We happened to be out of rum and I was feeling like a Mojito, and we’ve decided we like it even more!
This delicious cocktail uses fresh raspberries, mint, and soda water. We added a lime wedge, mint, and raspberry garnish.
Everyone loves this cocktail! Iced tea is another great mixer with vodka, but this one has rum, too. Sip it slowly as it’s a bit strong, but so refreshing!
This particular Moscow Mule was made for the holidays, but it’s good any time of year.
I usually buy a couple of extra bags of cranberries when they are available and freeze them for things like this. They also make a fantastic homemade cranberry salsa!
The Vodka Tonic is as classic as it gets! Simply add a shot of vodka over ice and fill with tonic. It’s so refreshing after a long day!
There was a time when this was the most popular drink in town! The White Russian tastes so good, but don’t let it fool you. This one can be strong thanks to 2 ounces of vodka and one ounce of Kahlua!
It’s delicious and easy to make!
Another simple and really refreshing cocktail, the Vodka Soda is one I drink a lot. It’s low calorie and I can add as much or as little vodka as I want to drink. I also like it with a splash of cranberry juice.
This is a fun one, perfect for birthdays or any celebration, complete with sprinkles on the rim!
This one is not only delicious, but it’s truly refreshing on a hot day. Made with lemons, fresh raspberries, and your favorite vodka, it’s ready in minutes.
This delicious Vodka Collins was my drink when I first started bartending (you didn’t know that about me?!) because I didn’t like the taste of alcohol and you really can’t taste it in this. YUM!
A fun cocktail for summer or for bringing on the summer vibes any time of year, Sex on the Beach is a favorite.
Peach liquor pairs perfectly with vodka and juices to make this tropical cocktail.
Another fruity and fun drink, this Strawberry Vodka Smash adds fresh chopped strawberries to lime juice and soda for amazing flavor.
Garnishes are optional, but isn’t pretty with that sprig of mint and slice of lime?
Finally, another tropical cocktail that makes you feel like you’re in the islands.
Three simple ingredients make this a vacation favorite!
Top Tips
When making any of these best vodka mixers or any cocktails, always make sure to have plenty of ice on hand. We have this tabletop ice maker and it’s amazing! (We bought two that we returned before this one, so this is the one to buy!)
You don’t have to get elaborate with your drinks. A simple Vodka Cranberry aka Cape Codder, classic screwdriver, or dry martini are all a great option when you don’t feel like getting fancy.
Though I usually like to serve cocktails in a highball glass, or a martini in a martini glass, these vodka drinks are better served in something that isn’t breakable if you’re outside, especially by the pool.
Set up a garnish station so people can add what they want to their drinks. I like to keep back-up containers in the fridge so I can easily replenish when I need to.
Note: One mixer I do not recommend is Red Bull. I don’t think it’s a good idea to mix it with alcohol at all.
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More Delicious Cocktail Recipes
DRINKS TO MIX WITH VODKA
Vodka is such a neutral spirit that the mixers really take the stage. More and more cocktails are created with vodka every day, but these are a handful of our favorites.
Notes
Enjoy, but please, always drink responsibly.
