- Vodka is one of the most versatile spirits and is perfect for showcasing other ingredients.
- Some of the most iconic cocktails — from Moscow mules to bloody Marys — use vodka as their base.
- Vodka is best known for its use in easy-sipping drinks, but can also shine in more complex pairings.
Vodka is one of the world's oldest and most popular spirits. Its history is a bit hazy, but it is believed to have originated in Eastern Europe in the middle ages, most likely around modern Poland. In more recent history, vodka is known for its neutrality, being a mostly tasteless and odorless spirit.
Vodka can also be distilled from a wide variety of starch sources. "There's no regulation when it comes to vodka production. As long as it's a neutral spirit, you can make it out of potato, corn, barley, rye, you can make it out of anything," says Leandro DiMonriva, co-creator and host of cocktail tutorial series, The Educated Barfly.
Traditionally, vodka is primarily enjoyed neat (without ice or mixers), though it has become a popular base spirit for cocktails. Vodka's really started to work its way into the cocktail canon after the repeal of prohibition in 1933 as an occasional replacement for gin in some common drinks.
Its rise to prominence really began to take off in the mid 20th century thanks to clever marketing and how easy it is to mix with other ingredients. Over the next few decades, the spirit became most famous for its use in easy-to-drink, sugary cocktails served in nightclubs.
"The superpower of vodka is that it is so versatile," says DiMonriva. "When you talk about flavor pairings, it's all about everything else that's in the drink and not necessarily the vodka."
It's easy to get creative with vodka, but if you don't know where to start, here are 13 essential vodka cocktails that cover the history of vodka and showcase its versatility as a base spirit.
1. Moscow mule
This iconic vodka cocktail was created in the early 1940s at the Cock 'n Bull pub in Hollywood. It's credited to a collaboration with John G. Martin of the Heublein company, distributors of Smirnoff vodka at the time, and John A. Morgan, owner of the Cock 'n Bull.
The simple combination of ginger beer, lime juice, and vodka served in the iconic copper mug was a huge success. "It became such a hit it spread to New York and then became part of the drinking lexicon," DiMonriva says. To make a Moscow mule, mix the lime juice and vodka in the mug. Fill with ice and then top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wedge or lime wheel.
2. White Russian
Though it first appeared on the scene in the early 1960s, the white Russian will forever be linked to Jeff Bridges' character, The Dude, in the cult classic film "The Big Lebowski."
This cocktail requires no fancy barware and can be built in the serving glass. Mix the vodka and coffee liqueur then fill the glass with ice. Top with heavy cream and serve. Omit the cream and you have yourself a black Russian.
3. Harvey Wallbanger
The Harvey Wallbanger has a reputation as a "disco cocktail" due to its extreme popularity in the 1970s. Add all of the ingredients to a glass and add ice. Stir gently to mix and garnish with a slice of orange.
Galliano is a vanilla- and anise-flavored liqueur that adds complexity to what would otherwise just be a screwdriver — that is, just vodka and OJ. Alternatively, the Galliano can be floated on top of the cocktail once the other ingredients have been mixed. Just pour it gently over the back of a spoon to ensure an even pour.
4. Salty dog
The salty dog is the perfect summer cocktail for cookouts or any outdoor party. It's extremely easy to make, too. Start by salting the rim of a highball glass, then mix the vodka and grapefruit juice in the glass. Fill with ice and garnish with a lime wheel. If you want to skip the salted rim, the drink becomes a greyhound.
5. Chi Chi
Vodka definitely isn't the first spirit you think of when making tropical drinks. This twist on the piña colada was invented by one of the originators of the Tiki cocktail scene, Donn Beach, (better known as Don the Beachcomber).
To make a chi chi, add all of the ingredients into a shaker and shake vigorously with ice. Pour into a glass with crushed ice and garnish with a pineapple wedge.
6. Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is famous for being a spicy, savory "hair-of-the-dog" cocktail most commonly served with brunch. There are so many different ways to approach this drink, almost every aficionado of this cocktail has their own approach or proprietary recipe.
To make a simple, yet satisfying version, put all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until combined. Finely strain the mix into a glass over ice and garnish with a celery stalk.
There really are no rules when it comes to Bloody Mary garnishes, so feel free to experiment and add whatever you feel like. Common additions are green olives, citrus, and pickle spears, but it's becoming more common to see elaborate and Instagram-worthy garnish spreads.
7. Lemon drop
"The lemon drop is basically a club drink, but it can be done very nicely," says DiMonriva. "It's a lemon sour. For some complexity add a little dry Curaçao to add some dry orange bite and extra sweetness."
Coat the rim of a coupe glass in lemon juice, then dip in sugar to coat. Mix the vodka, lemon juice, Curaçao, and simple syrup with ice into a cocktail shaker and shake until chilled. Strain directly into the glass and serve. You can also intensify the lemon flavor and aroma by expressing the oil from a slice of lemon peel over the surface of the drink.
8. Russian spring punch
This drink, recommended by DiMonriva, was created in the 1980s by the late great British cocktail master Dick Bradsell. "It's a fantastic drink — one of my favorite vodka drinks," says DiMonriva, "It's a vodka sour lengthened with the addition of champagne and crème de cassis."
To make the Russian spring punch, add the vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and crème de cassis to a shaker, shake thoroughly, then strain over ice into a collins glass. Top with champagne and garnish with a lemon slice and a raspberry.
9. Cosmopolitan
The cosmopolitan was developed in the late 1980s around the same time Absolut's lemon-flavored vodka, Absolut Citron, debuted on the scene. Of course, it is now best known for being featured as a go-to cocktail on "Sex and the City."
To make a cosmopolitan, mix all of the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker and shake thoroughly until chilled. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a twist of citrus peel. The cosmopolitan is traditionally made with Absolut Citron, but you may substitute with any citrus-infused vodka.
10. Espresso martini
The vodka espresso (also known as the espresso martini) is the perfect drink to pair with dessert for an after-dinner jolt of caffeine. This cocktail is also attributed to the iconic London bartender, Dick Bradsell.
To make, combine the ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake. Pour into a chilled martini glass and garnish by floating a few coffee beans on the surface of the drink. To make sure the espresso martini isn't over-diluted, let the espresso cool before shaking so it doesn't melt too much ice. If you don't have espresso, you could easily replace it with a strong cold brew concentrate.
11. Ivy gimlet
This cocktail comes recommended by DiMonriva. Lightly muddle mint in the base of a shaker, then top with other ingredients. Shake with ice for eight to 10 seconds and double strain into a coupe, cocktail, or Nick and Nora glass. "It's basically a vodka gimlet with mint to give it some added herbaceousness and complexity," DiMonriva says.
12. Appletini
The Appletini was created in the late 1990s at Lola's bar in West Hollywood, California. "There's a lot of new nicely balanced, gussied up versions of the Appletini," says DiMonriva. In his rendition, he suggests using freshly made juice squeezed from green apples. To make, add all of the ingredients to your cocktail shaker with ice and shake. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with an apple fan or a slice of apple.
13. Cocktail culture
This unique cocktail was created by James Beard award-winning bartender James Meehan in 2014. The cocktail is inspired by a popular Indian drink called lassi that is made with yogurt. To make, shake all of the ingredients well with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Use a spray bottle to spritz the top of the cocktail with high-quality vanilla extract.
Insider's takeaway
Although vodka hasn't been used as a base spirit for as long as whiskey or gin, it has become an important ingredient in the cocktail world. Some of the most recognized cocktails in popular culture are vodka-based. Its neutrality makes it an extremely versatile ingredient that pairs well with many ingredients. Whether you want a drink with brunch or one with dessert, there's a vodka cocktail for every occasion.