Of all the spirits on the market vodka is easily the most neutral of the bunch. This could be interpreted like vodka is boring, but that’s being disingenuous to the spirit. In fact, because vodka is so neutral it can be applied to a number of different creative uses, leading to a number of wildly popular cocktails.
Here are five essential vodka cocktails to get you to appreciate vodka just a little bit more.
Caesar
What brunch would be complete without a Caesar? These can be the perfect hangover pick-me-up, unfortunately they are also the most complex cocktail on this list. Buckle up, this one takes some time, oh and please note that the order of ingredients is very important. (And yes, Caesar’s are the better version of a Bloody Mary, this is not a discussion.)
Ingredients:
- 1oz vodka
- 3oz clamato juice
- 3 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
- 2-3 dashes of hot sauce
- Salt & pepper
- Creative garnishes
Method: Start by rimming a glass with salt and pepper. Add a generous amount of ice and begin pouring in the Worcestershire sauce. Next add the Clamato juice, hot sauce, vodka and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine, and of course add in any garnish of your choice like the classic celery stick, pickled bean, pepperoni stick, bacon, whatever.
Cosmopolitan
The cosmopolitan hit the mainstream thanks to shows like Sex in the City and has remained a drink of choice for girls night out. But just because it comes off as feminine, doesn’t mean the drink shouldn’t be enjoyed by all genders; after all, it’s a tasty treat.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 0.5 oz cranberry juice
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- 0.75 Cointreau
Method: Combine all ingredients in shaker tin with ice. Shake vigorously, until tin is frosted over. Strain into chilled cocktail glass and garnish with lime twist.
Espresso Martini
If you thought coffee wasn’t sexy, then think again. There’s something about how easy this cocktail is to drink, with its equal parts creamy and bitter that makes this an absolute hit with a wide majority of drinkers.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Espresso
- 0.75 oz Premium Coffee Liqueur
Method: Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake hard. Double-strain the liquid into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with shaved nutmeg for some extra spice.
Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule has an interesting history behind it, but regardless of its storied past there’s one undeniable fact: it’s a damn good drink. Serve this up to guests and you’ll be hard pressed to find someone that will turn it down.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 3 oz ginger beer
- juice of half a lime
Method: Add the vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice to a classic Moscow Mule copper mug. Fill mug with crushed ice and stir. Garnish with lime wedge and enjoy.
Vodka Martini
Yes the gin martini is the more classic of the two, but the vodka martini had a massive run in popularity during the late 90’s. It’s an honest and clean drinking cocktail that deserves the hype, and while you can garnish with several options, the lemon twist feels like the most complimentary option.
Ingredients:
- 2.5 oz of high quality vodka
- 0.5 oz of dry vermouth
- Lemon twist
Method: Pour vodka and vermouth into a mixing glass, add ice and stir for about 15-20 seconds. Strain into a chilled martini glass and gently express a lemon peel over the top of the drink, then garnish with the lemon zest.
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