27 of the Best Vodka Cocktails

1. Vodka Gimlet

Technically a variant of the gin gimlet, this cocktail is a three-ingredient bombshell with a smooth flavor profile.

• 2 ounces of vodka
• 1 ounce of lime juice
• ¼ ounce of simple syrup (use maple syrup for a smokey zing)

Mix the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice. Strain the cocktail into a martini glass and cap it with a splash of soda if you wish. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve cold.

2. Vodka Martini

Another variation on a gin classic, the vodka martini is probably even more popular than its progenitor. A favorite of bar-goers everywhere it strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and modesty.

• 1 ounce of dry vermouth
• 3 ounces of vodka
• An olive

Combine vermouth and vodka in a cocktail mixed with a handful of ice and stir them (despite what a certain secret agent might prefer). Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a skewered olive if you want to stick with tradition.

3. Henley Highball

The Henley highball takes you to a fruitier dimension. And it gives you a little more room to play around as well.

• 2 ounces of vodka
• 1 ½ ounces of apple cider
• 1 ounce of simple syrup
• ½ ounce lemon juice

Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Strain the cocktail into a highball glass filled with ice. For a bit of a punch, top with 1-3 dashes of angostura bitters.

4. Cosmopolitan

Although the cosmopolitan (or cosmo for short) is seen as a lady’s drink, it’s perfectly appropriate for any vodka lover. It’s one of the best examples of how well vodka pairs with fresh fruit flavors.

• 1 ½ ounces of vodka
• 1 ounce of Cointreau
• ½ ounce of lime juice
• A dash of cranberry juice

Shake the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker, strain into a martini glass, and garnish with a lime wedge.

5. Vodka Mojito

Hailing from Cuba, a mojito is traditionally made with white rum. However, vodka makes a fantastic substitute, and many people prefer it to rum.

• 2 ounces of vodka
• 1 ounce of simple syrup
• Fresh mint leaves
• 5 ounces of lime soda

Muddle the mint leaves in a highball glass, stir in the vodka and syrup, and cover with crushed ice. Fill the glass with lime soda.

6. Bloody Mary

The ultimate Sunday hangover cure is easing into your day with an excellent bloody mary. This is known as a “breakfast drink” and is adored for its curative properties.

• 2 ounces of vodka
• 3-4 ounces of tomato juice
• Juice from one lemon
• A dash of Worcestershire sauce
• A dash of celery salt

Mix the ingredients in a highball glass and stir until combined. Ice is optional.

7. Vodka Tonic

Another variant of a gin-based drink (are you starting to see a pattern?). Vodka is a good substitute for gin in most drinks; the vodka tonic is no exception.

• 2 ounces of vodka
• 4 ounces of tonic water

Fill a highball glass with ice, pour the ingredients over the ice, squeeze a lime wedge into the drink for a citrus twist, and enjoy.

8. Watermelon Cooler

Watermelon coolers are the best way to welcome the summer. Light and fresh, they’re a perfect treat for backyard barbecues and evening parties.

• 1 ½ ounce of vodka
• 2 ounces of watermelon juice
• ½ ounce of fresh lime juice

Combine the ingredients in a highball glass with ice and stir to combine. If you need a little extra kick, top it with ginger beer or ginger ale.

9. Black Russian

You’re probably well aware of where vodka was created, and the name stems from the Slavic word for water. That’s why you’ll find so many vodka drinks with either real or inferred Russian origins.

• 1 ½ ounce of vodka
• ¾ ounces of coffee liqueur
• A maraschino cherry

Combine the liquid ingredients in an old-fashioned glass with a handful of ice. Stir well and garnish with a skewered maraschino cherry.

10. Moscow Mule

Another of the Russian family of vodka drinks, the Moscow mule has a kick to match the name. Unlike most cocktails, this one is defined mostly by its presentation.

• 2 ounces of vodka
• ½ ounce of fresh lime juice
• 6 ounces of ginger beer

Pour the lime juice into a Moscow mule mug (the only real way to serve a Moscow mule) with ice. Pour in the vodka and top with ginger beer. Stir with a bar spoon and serve cold.

11. White Russian

The Dude abides by this drink, and you will, too, once you’ve tried it. It’s not a complicated cocktail, but it has a surprising depth of flavor and character.

• 2 ounces of vodka
• 1 ounce of Kahlúa
• Heavy cream to taste

Combine the vodka and liqueur in an old-fashioned glass with ice and stir. Top with a splash of heavy cream and enjoy.

12. Screwdriver

The beauty of the screwdriver is how well it serves as a pre-mixed drink. You can whip up as much of it as you need for a party up to a day in advance and it will be perfect when your guests arrive.

• 2 ounces of vodka
• 5 ounces of orange juice

With only two ingredients, it’s hard to mess anything up. Combine them in a highball glass with ice, stir, and enjoy. Some people like to add a pinch of salt for balance.

13. Madras

A fruity cocktail with a small but dedicated cult following, the madras originates in the New England area according to mixologists. It’s an appropriate brunch drink without a lot of kick.

• 1 ½ ounces of vodka
• 3 ounces of cranberry juice
• 1 ounce of orange juice

Combine the ingredients in a highball glass with ice, stir, and garnish with a lemon wedge. Fresh orange juice will put this drink in a league of its own, but store-bought will work in a pinch.

14. Sea Breeze

Another fruity concoction that’s typically made with vodka today but was conceived as a gin cocktail. The original grenadine mixer was replaced with grapefruit juice in today’s variant.

• 1 ½ ounces of vodka
• 2 ounces of cranberry juice
• 4 ounces of grapefruit juice
• Lime wedge

Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake vigorously, and strain the cocktail into a Collins glass with ice. Squeeze the lime wedge into the drink and drop in the shell.

15. Sex on the Beach

No drink has been the subject of as many lewd double entendres as the sex on the beach cocktail. And, to be fair, its reputation as the perfect beach party drink is well-deserved.

• 2 ounces of vodka
• 1-ounce peach schnapps
• 2 ounces each of cranberry juice and grapefruit juice.

Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a margarita glass over crushed ice and serve with a straw.

16. Lemon Drop Martini

One of the countless martini variants, the lemon drop martini slightly modifies the classic vodka martini. Use a typical vodka martini recipe, but add an ounce of lemon juice and ¾ of an ounce of simple syrup.

If you want to go the extra mile, dip the martini glass rim in lemon sugar and use a citron-flavored vodka.

17. Chocolate Martini

This is another variant of the martini that really showcases how versatile vodka is as a base spirit. Few cocktails could get away with chocolate flavors without tasting too much like a desert.

Mix a standard vodka martini, but substitute the dry Vermouth with Creme de Cacao and add two ounces of half-and-half. If you want to impress, dip the rim of the glass in light chocolate syrup and add one ½ ounce of vanilla-flavored vodka.

18. Harvey Wallbanger

This is one of those cocktails most people know about, but few people know how to make it right. It’s technically a spruced-up screwdriver with an Italian twist.

• 1 ¼ ounce of vodka
• 3 ounces of orange juice
• ½ ounce of Galliano liqueur

Like a screwdriver, the HW is served in a highball glass over ice, and – also like the screwdriver – it works best with freshly squeezed OJ. Garnish with a skewered Maraschino cherry.

19. Hairy Navel

The hairy navel is yet another orange-based vodka cocktail that sticks with the orange theme. However, it features a little more complexity by adding peach schnapps.

• 1 ounce of vodka
• 1 ounce of peach schnapps
• 5 ounces of orange juice

You don’t need any special care to make an excellent hairy navel. Combine the ingredients in a highball glass with ice and stir. A splash of soda can help make it that much more refreshing.

20. Kamikaze

One of the most iconic drinks of the bar crowd, it has numerous variations using several kinds of spirits. The vodka kamikaze is, arguably, the original and the simplest to make.

• 1 ½ ounce of vodka
• 1 ounce of triple sec
• 1 ounce of lime juice

Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice, shake, and strain into a cocktail glass. All the dilution in this drink comes from the ice, so make sure you use enough to mellow it out.

21. Sophia Loren

It’s a matter of some debate whether Sophia Loren is all that partial to this drink, but that won’t change how well these ingredients work together.

• 1 ounce of vodka
• ½ ounce of Campari
• 1 ounce of grapefruit juice
• ½ ounce of simple syrup

Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with grapefruit peel.

22. Zipper

A simple cocktail that’s as appropriate at a pool party as it is at a formal event. The addition of raspberry liqueur adds a fruity dimension, making this a cocktail-lovers dream.

• 1 ounce of vodka
• 1 ounce of Chambord
• 1 ounce of lemon-lime soda

You can use any soda, but 7-Up is the traditional choice. Combine the ingredients in an old-fashioned glass with a handful of ice, stir well, and enjoy. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

23. The Godmother

Some cocktails, such as the screwdriver, are meant to be enjoyed liberally, and the proportion of base to modified reflects that. However, if you’re in the mood for a sipping cocktail, the godmother is the one for you.

• 1 ½ ounce of vodka
• ½ ounce of Amaretto

Since both ingredients are pretty high ABV, you’ll want to use a generous amount of ice in an old-fashioned glass to achieve the right dilution.

24. Vodka Sour

Some people don’t like to stray too far from traditional ingredients and are a bit appalled by the addition of egg whites to this drink. However, the egg whites are not a mandatory part of the cocktail.

• 2 ounces of vodka
• ½ ounce of lemon juice
• ½ ounce of simple syrup
• White from one egg
• A dash of angostura bitters

Combine all the ingredients in the cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. You’ll want to shake until the egg white is frothed and then strain it into an old-fashioned glass. Garnish with a Maraschino cherry.

25. Vodka Sidecar

Another great sour cocktail, the vodka sidecar is a variation of the sidecar, which is made with brandy.

• 2 ounces of vodka
• 1 ounce of triple sec
• 1 ounce of lemon juice

Shake the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a cocktail glass with a sugar-frosted rim.

26. Pearl Harbor

Maybe the fruitiest cocktail on this list, the pearl harbor is a fruit basket in a cocktail glass.

• 2 ounces of vodka
• 1 ounce of melon liqueur
• 4 ounces of pineapple juice

Combine the ingredients in an old-fashioned glass with ice and stir well. Garnish with a pineapple wedge or a Maraschino cherry – or both!

27. Vodka Cranberry

We’re rounding off the list with a typical New England staple.

• 2 ounces of vodka
• 5 ounces of cranberry juice
• ½ an ounce of simple syrup

Combine the ingredients in a highball glass with ice and stir with a bar spoon. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Never Go Without a Great Vodka Cocktail Recipe

According to feedback from our readers, this collection has been incredibly helpful.

If you’ve got some vodka sitting around in your home bar waiting for the right cocktail, you’re all set. This list should keep you crafting vodka cocktails for years to come. 

No matter the occasion, vodka is always a good choice for cocktails.