25 Best Vodka Cocktails

What's a more classic vodka cocktail than a Moscow mule? This easy cocktail recipe was invented in the 1940’s but it's totally timeless. With only 3 ingredients and 3 minutes, it’s perfect for entertaining or casual patio drinks.

For more variations, try my Mexican Mule, Kentucky Mule, or Gin Gin Mule.

Ingredients: Vodka, lime juice, ginger beer

Another in the list of best vodka cocktails: the vodka gimlet! This sophisticated retro cocktail has a tart, refreshing flavor and a chic vibe. A gimlet it traditionally made with gin, but this spinoff with vodka has an even smoother flavor.

Ingredients: Vodka, lime juice, simple syrup

The vodka tonic is an easy two-ingredient highball cocktail with a bright, lemon lime flavor! In this variation on the Gin & Tonic, vodka melds right into the tonic water, making an easy-to-drink vodka cocktail that's light and refreshing.

Ingredients: Vodka, tonic water, lime and lemon wedges

Here's another classic vodka cocktail: the Cosmo! It’s got a brilliant pink color and refreshing flavor. This recipe is balanced and tangy, an improved version of the classic using 100% cranberry juice. It's an easy cocktail to make, ready to spice up your next party.

Ingredients: Vodka, 100% cranberry juice, lemon juice, Cointreau, simple syrup

Coffee lovers, here’s the vodka cocktail for you! The Espresso Martini is an ideal pick-me-up for a lazy afternoon or an after dinner drink: it even doubles as dessert! Bittersweet coffee pairs perfectly with the rich sweetness of Kahlua for one of my personal favorite vodka drinks.

Ingredients: Vodka, Kahlua, espresso

Next up: the vodka sour! This one's a classic sour cocktail that's refreshingly sweet tart with a frothy egg white foam on top. Using a dry shake technique gets the perfect fluffy foam.

Ingredients: Vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, Angostura bitters, egg white

Another well-known vodka cocktail is the Bloody Mary! This classic brunch drink is tangy, spicy, and perfectly seasoned, featuring tomatoes, horseradish, garlic, and lemon. I love mixing up a homemade batch, which has incredible flavor.

Ingredients: Vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, celery salt, black pepper

It’s tall, bubbly, and goes down easy: it’s the Vodka Collins! This spin on the Tom Collins is essentially a sparkling vodka lemonade. It’s easy to drink dates back back to the 1870’s: one of my favorite refreshing vodka drinks.

Ingredients: Vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, soda water

When I'm looking for sweet vodka drinks, I turn to the Mudslide! The classic version is shaken with coffee liqueur and Irish cream, served up in a cocktail glass. Or, make it as a milkshake and use vanilla ice cream!

Ingredients: Vodka, Kahlua, Irish cream, heavy cream (or ice cream)

Here’s one of the easiest vodka cocktail recipes in existence: the vodka cranberry! Also known as a Cape Codder, it has only a handful of ingredients and it tastes tart and refreshing. 

Ingredients: Vodka, cranberry juice

If you love Piña Coladas, then you'll love the Chi Chi! This Piña Colada with vodka is just as good as the original, in my opinion. It’s surprising how well it holds up to the rum-based classic.

Ingredients: Frozen pineapple, ice, vodka, cream of coconut, pineapple juice

Here's a famous vodka cocktail from the 1950's that's creamy and sweet: the White Russian! It takes just 2 minutes to make and hits the spot in any season. I like using milk instead of cream for a more refreshing version. Also try it without the cream as a Black Russian.

Ingredients: Vodka, Kahlua, cream

This vodka cocktail is intensely sweet tart! Use citron vodka for the most lemony flavor: otherwise, regular vodka works too. It’s festive and refreshing, with a lemon twist and sugar rim.

If you're in the mood for a different martini, try my French Martini, Raspberry Martini, Chocolate Martini, Cranberry Martini, Limoncello Martini, or Ginger Martini.

Ingredients: Vodka or citron vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice, simple syrup

The French 76 is a spin on the classic French 75 using vodka instead of the traditional gin. It’s got a light, bright flavor and effervescent bubbles: ideal for any time you need a festive party drink. 

Ingredients: Vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, Champagne or other sparkling wine

Here’s an easy vodka cocktail that’s light, refreshing, and goes down easy: the Vodka Soda! Relative of the Vodka Tonic, this one is even more tart and refreshing. Lime juice, vodka and soda water make the best hydrating combination.

Ingredients: Vodka, soda water, lime juice

Need an easy vodka cocktail that looks impressive? Try the Vodka Sunrise! This layered cocktail looks like a gradient of a summer sunrise, and it’s ideal for brunch or a laid back afternoon drink. You'll need just 3 ingredients for this spin on the classic Tequila Sunrise.

Ingredients: Vodka, orange juice, grenadine syrup

Here’s a sophisticated vodka cocktail: the French martini! It’s fruity and balanced, featuring a French black raspberry liqueur and pineapple juice. Each sip is deliciously intriguing and nuanced.

Ingredients: Vodka, pineapple juice, Chambord

The Sidecar is one of the great classic sour cocktails. This drink is typically made with brandy, but this version swaps it out with vodka! The vodka spin is refreshingly tangy and satisfying.

Ingredients: Vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice

This bubbly and fruity Vodka Spritzer is just sweet enough with a subtle berry flavor: tangy, refreshing and sparkling all at once. Cranberry juice makes the brilliant red color. It makes for a fun and satisfying party drink!

Ingredients: Vodka, cranberry juice, strawberries, lemon, soda water

This vodka smash cocktail is all about fruit and ice! It’s tangy and refreshing, featuring muddled berries, mint, and lime. This vodka drink goes down easy!

Ingredients: Blueberries, lime juice, fresh mint, vodka, simple syrup

This vodka cocktail is laid-back, tart and refreshing! The Sea Breeze cocktail tastes just like its name: light, breezy, and all about no-frills vibes. For drinks with a related vibe, check out my Madras, Bay Breeze, or Transfusion recipes.

Ingredients: Vodka, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice

The Screwdriver is one of the easiest cocktails there is, ideal for afternoon drinks or brunch. I like it even more as the Harvey Wallbanger which adds Galliano, an herbal Italian liqueur, for a funky finish to each sip.

Ingredients: Orange juice, vodka, Galliano (optional)

Here’s a tasty refreshing vodka cocktail that’s perfect for summer, but works any time of year: Vodka Lemonade! Make up a pitcher of homemade fresh lemonade, then spike it with a little vodka. It comes out fresh and sweet tart, and very easy to drink.

Also try: Blueberry Vodka Lemonade

Have you tried the classic version of this popular drink? Ditch the sour mix and Triple Sec in favor of fresh citrus, vodka, and Cointreau. It’s zingy, sweet tart, nuanced and sophisticated. 

Ingredients: Vodka, tequila, white rum, gin, Cointreau, lemon juice, Cola

Looking for a vodka cocktail to please a chocoholic? Try the chocolate martini! This drink is rich and creamy, basically a dessert in a glass. It stars Irish cream and creme de cacao as the liquid version of your favorite chocolate bar. 

Ingredients: Irish cream (like Baileys), creme de cacao, vodka