Recipes
Vodka Cocktails
Variety in a Glass – Vodka Cocktails from Classic to Creative
Vodka is synonymous with uncomplicated drinks that offer a wide range of possibilities. The spectrum ranges from clear long drinks to fruity highballs and creamy after-dinner cocktails, thanks to its neutral character and ability to showcase fruit, herbs, coffee, or spices cleanly. Whether classic, fruity, simple, or bold, vodka can be used to mix cocktails for just about any occasion. Discover our vodka recipes now and find your new favorite from our wide selection.
Vodka has been part of European bar culture for centuries and has evolved from a traditional spirit enjoyed neat to a staple in modern cocktails. Its clean profile makes it particularly versatile and ensures that other ingredients shine through precisely. That’s exactly why vodka works just as well in simple drinks like Vodka Soda or Screwdriver as it does in classics like the Espresso Martini, Cosmopolitan, or Bloody Mary. When you mix cocktails with vodka, you have a spirit on hand that adapts flexibly to the occasion, your taste, and the season.
Classic Vodka Cocktails
Espresso Martini
An intense after-dinner cocktail with a robust coffee aroma and subtle sweetness. Vodka provides structure, while espresso and coffee liqueur add depth and character to the drink. Perfect as a finale to a meal or for long nights.
Preparation: Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice until a fine layer of foam forms. Strain into a well-chilled martini glass and garnish with coffee beans.
Ingredients
- 4 cl vodka
- 2.5 cl espresso (chilled)
- 1 cl coffee liqueur
- 1 cl simple syrup
Black Russian
A simple, aromatic short drink with a clean finish. The combination of vodka and coffee liqueur creates a slightly sweet, robust drink that works particularly well after a meal.
Preparation: Fill a tumbler with ice, add the vodka and coffee liqueur, and stir briefly.
Ingredients:
- 4 cl vodka
- 2 cl coffee liqueur
White Russian
The creamy version of the Black Russian. Smooth with a distinct coffee flavor. The combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream makes this classic a popular dessert drink with a pleasant sweetness.
Preparation: Fill a tumbler with ice, add the vodka and coffee liqueur, and stir gently. Carefully pour the cream into the glass over the back of a spoon.
Ingredients:
- 6 cl vodka
- 2 cl coffee liqueur
- 2 cl cream
Bloody Mary
Spicy, bold, and unmistakable. The Bloody Mary combines vodka with tomato juice and savory spices to create an intense drink that is particularly well-known as a brunch cocktail or “hangover cure.”
Preparation: Gently shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a highball glass over ice. Garnish with celery or lemon.
Ingredients:
- 6 cl vodka
- 12 cl tomato juice
- 2 cl lemon juice
- 2 dashes Tabasco
- 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper
Content: 0.7 Liter (€49.29* / 1 Liter)
Cosmopolitan
Fresh, elegant, and with a delicate balance of sweetness and acidity. Cranberry and lime add vibrant fruitiness, while Triple Sec provides depth. A modern classic that’s easy to enjoy yet still stylish. Ideal as an aperitif or for the evening.
Preparation: Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.
Ingredients:
- 4 cl vodka
- 1.5 cl Triple Sec
- 4 cl cranberry juice
- 1 cl lime juice
Vodka Martini
Clear, dry, and stylish. Ever since James Bond, this drink has stood for minimalism in the glass and maximum impact in presentation. A straightforward cocktail that focuses on the essentials.
Preparation: Stir the vodka and vermouth with ice until cold, then strain into a well-chilled martini glass. Serve with lemon zest or an olive./p>
Ingredients for 1 drink:
- 7.5 cl vodka
- 1.5 cl dry vermouth
Long Island Iced Tea
Robust, complex, and surprisingly well-balanced. Despite the combination of several spirits, the drink is harmonious and is rounded out by cola, both visually and in terms of flavor.
Preparation: Shake all ingredients except cola with ice, strain into a glass, and top off with cola
Ingredients:
- 2 cl vodka
- 2 cl rum
- 2 cl gin
- 2 cl tequila
- 2 cl Triple Sec
- 2 cl lemon juice
- Coke
Vodka Sour
Fresh, well-balanced, and with a classic sour profile. Lemon juice adds lively acidity, simple syrup provides balance, and vodka keeps the drink clean and straightforward. Egg white creates a delicate, creamy texture that gives the cocktail extra depth.
Preparation: First shake all ingredients without ice, then shake vigorously with ice. Double strain into a glass over ice and serve with lemon zest.
Ingredients:
- 5 cl vodka
- 3 cl lemon juice
- 2 cl simple syrup
- 1 egg white (optional)
Pornstar Martini
Fruity, intense, and with a modern bar vibe. Passion fruit adds exotic freshness, vanilla brings a soft sweetness, and vodka gives the drink structure. The accompanying splash of sparkling wine makes it special and clearly sets it apart from classic martinis.
Preparation: Shake all ingredients except the sparkling wine vigorously with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with passion fruit and serve the sparkling wine separately or lightly poured over the drink.
Ingredients for 1 drink:
- 3.5 cl vodka
- 3.5 cl passion fruit liqueur or purée
- 1.5 cl lime juice
- 1.5 cl vanilla syrup
- 3 cl passion fruit juice
- 4 cl sparkling wine
Simple Vodka Cocktails
Moscow Mule
Spicy, tangy, and pleasantly spicy. Ginger beer adds character, lime brings freshness, and vodka ties it all together. A timeless cocktail that’s especially refreshing on warm days and delights with its crisp flavor profile.
Preparation: Pour all ingredients into a long drink glass filled with ice and stir briefly.
Ingredients:
- 5 cl vodka
- 1 cl lime juice
- 10 cl ginger beer
Harvey Wallbanger
Fruity and slightly playful with an aromatic twist. Orange juice and vodka form the base, while Galliano adds depth with subtle herbal and vanilla notes. A classic long drink with a little more character in the glass.
Preparation: Pour vodka and orange juice into a glass with ice and stir. Carefully pour the Galliano over the top.
Ingredients for 1 drink:
- 4 cl vodka
- 10 cl orange juice
- 1 cl Galliano
Appplenade
Fresh, fruity, and pleasantly light. Apple juice adds a subtle sweetness, while lemony vodka provides a crisp, lively note. A simple long drink that’s quick to make and works especially well in warm weather.
Preparation: Fill a highball glass with ice, add all ingredients, and stir briefly.
Ingredients:
- 4 cl Laplandia Lemon
- 10 cl apple juice
- 1 cl lemon juice
Blue Lagoon
Fresh, fruity, and a real eye-catcher in the glass. Blue Curaçao provides the intense color and a subtle orange note, while lemonade adds freshness and a zesty kick to the drink. A simple cocktail that immediately impresses both visually and in taste.
Preparation: Briefly shake the vodka and Blue Curaçao with ice, strain into a glass filled with ice, and top off with lemonade.
Ingredients:
- 3 cl vodka
- 3 cl Blue Curaçao
- Lemonade
Sea Breeze
Fresh, slightly tart, and pleasantly balanced. Cranberry and grapefruit bring a lovely combination of sweetness and bitterness to the glass, while vodka ties it all together. An uncomplicated classic that works especially well as a refreshing aperitif.
Preparation: Fill a highball glass with ice, add the vodka and grapefruit juice, stir briefly, and top off with cranberry juice.
Ingredients:
- 3.5 cl vodka
- 5 cl grapefruit juice
- 2.5 cl cranberry juice
Chocolate Martini
Süß, cremig und mit intensivem Schokoladenaroma. Vodka und Kakaolikör ergeben zusammen einen einfachen Dessert-Cocktail, der besonders nach dem Essen überzeugt. Ein unkomplizierter Drink für alle, die es weich und schokoladig mögen.
Zubereitung: Vodka und Kakaolikör mit Eis kalt rühren und in ein vorbereitetes Cocktailglas abseihen. Nach Wunsch mit Schokolade garnieren.
Zutaten:
- 6 cl Vodka
- 4,5 cl klarer Kakaolikör
Vodka Long Drinks
Skinny Bitch
Light, crisp, and intentionally simple. Vodka, soda, and a splash of lime make for a refreshing drink without any unnecessary sweetness. Perfect for warm days or as an easy-going companion throughout the evening when you want something fresh and not too heavy.
Preparation: Fill a highball glass with ice, pour in the vodka, top off with soda water, and add lime juice.
Ingredients:
- 6 cl vodka
- 15 cl soda water
- 1 cl lime juice
Vodka Lemon
Sparkling, slightly bitter, and pleasantly refreshing. The combination of vodka and bitter lemon creates a simple classic with a clean finish. Ideal for relaxed evenings or as a quick drink that’s easy to make.
Preparation: Fill a highball glass with ice, pour in the vodka, and top off with Bitter Lemon. Stir briefly.
Ingredients:
- 4 cl vodka
- 15 cl bitter lemon
Screwdriver
Fruity, straightforward, and uncomplicated. Orange juice adds natural sweetness, while vodka provides a clean base for the drink. Often known simply as “Wodka O” in this country, the international name sounds much better. A classic that’s quick to mix and always works.
Preparation: Fill a highball glass with ice, pour in the vodka and orange juice, and stir briefly.
Ingredients for 1 drink:
- 5 cl vodka
- 12 cl orange juice
Vodka Energy
Sweet, invigorating, and a staple of the club scene. The energy drink adds fizz and carbonation, while the vodka packs a punch. A quick, easy drink for long nights and anyone who likes it intense.
Preparation: Fill a highball glass with ice, pour in the vodka, and top it off with energy drink.
Ingredients:
- 4 cl vodka
- 15 cl energy drink
Vodka Tonic
Tart, fresh, and with a clean profile. Tonic water adds subtle bitterness and carbonation, while vodka forms the base. A simple long drink with a sophisticated flavor and pleasant freshness.
Preparation: Fill a highball glass with ice, pour in the vodka, and top off with tonic water. Stir briefly and serve with a lime wedge.
Ingredients:
- 4 cl vodka
- 10 cl tonic water
- Lime slice
Arctic Mule
Cool, fresh, and with a subtle hint of mint. The combination of flavored vodka, lime, and ginger ale creates a light, sparkling drink with a pleasant freshness. Ideal for relaxed evenings or as a refreshing starter.
Preparation: Fill a highball glass with ice, add the vodka and lime juice, top off with ginger ale, and stir briefly.
Ingredients for 1 drink:
- 4 cl Laplandia Mint
- 1 cl lime juice
- 10 cl ginger ale
Vodka and Coke
Strong, sweet, and a true party classic. The combination of vodka and Coke is simple, quick to mix, and practically always a hit. An ideal drink for social gatherings and relaxed evenings without much effort.
Preparation: Fill a highball glass with ice, pour in the vodka, and top off with cola. Stir briefly and garnish with a slice of lemon if desired.
Ingredients for 1 drink:
- 4 cl vodka
- 12 cl cola
- Lemon slice (optional)
Content: 0.7 Liter (€18.50* / 1 Liter)
Fruity Vodka Cocktails
Sex on the Beach
Fruity, sweet, and with a characteristic color gradient in the glass. Peach liqueur and fruit juices provide tropical notes, while vodka forms the base. A party classic that’s easy to enjoy and instantly puts you in a vacation mood.
Preparation: Pour vodka and peach liqueur into a glass with ice, add pineapple juice, and then slowly pour in the grenadine.
Ingredients:
- 3 cl vodka
- 3 cl peach liqueur
- 6 cl pineapple juice
- 1 cl grenadine
Appletini
Fresh, slightly tart, and with a distinct apple flavor. Made famous by the TV series Scrubs, where the drink is a frequent topic of discussion. A modern classic with high name recognition.
Preparation: Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.
Ingredients:
- 5 cl vodka
- 2.5 cl apple liqueur
- 2.5 cl lime juice
Retro Colada
Fruity, smooth, and with a tropical twist. Coconut vodka meets cranberry, creating a balanced blend of sweetness and freshness. A simple cocktail that really shines in the summer.
Preparation: Add all ingredients to a glass with ice and stir briefly.
Ingredients for 1 drink:
- 4 cl Laplandia Coconut
- 8 cl cranberry juice
- 1 cl lime juice
Billy Wild
Fruity, fresh, and with a subtle depth. Lime adds a lively acidity, sugar syrup rounds it out, and cherry bitters provide an aromatic touch. A modern drink that seems simple but offers more in terms of flavor.
Preparation: Lightly muddle the lime with sugar syrup, add vodka and ice, and shake. Strain into a glass over ice.
Ingredients:
- 34 cl Laplandia Bilberry
- 1 cl sugar syrup
- 3 lime wedges
- 2 dashes cherry bitters
Content: 0.7 Liter (€35.00* / 1 Liter)
Mary Jane
Fruity, smooth, and with a subtle hint of vanilla. Pear liqueur adds a gentle sweetness, while lime provides a refreshing kick. A well-balanced cocktail with a pleasant roundness that works well both as an aperitif and in the evening.
Preparation: Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
Ingredients:
- 4 cl vanilla vodka
- 2 cl pear liqueur
- 2 cl lime juice
Pear Martini
Elegant, fruity, and slightly dry. The combination of vodka, pear, and vermouth creates a crisp, stylish drink with a delicate balance. Ideal for anyone who wants to combine classic elements with modern fruitiness.
Preparation: Stir all ingredients with ice until cold and strain into a martini glass.
Ingredients:
- 4 cl vodka
- 2 cl pear liqueur
- 1 cl dry vermouth
Cape Codder
Fruity, crisp, and pleasantly refreshing. Cranberry adds a slightly tart sweetness, while lime juice gives the drink a lively citrus note. An uncomplicated classic that works especially well as a light, refreshing long drink.
Preparation: Fill a highball glass with ice, add the vodka and lime juice, and top off with cranberry juice. Stir briefly and serve with a lime wedge.
Ingredients:
- 5 cl vodka
- 15 cl cranberry juice
- 1–2 cl lime juice
Berry Basil Smash
Aromatic with a fruity, herbal note. Berries add a juicy sweetness, while basil provides a surprisingly spicy freshness. A modern cocktail with a summery character and a lively interplay of flavors.
Preparation: Lightly muddle the berries, basil, and sugar in a shaker. Add lemon juice, vodka, and ice, shake vigorously, and strain into a glass over ice.
Ingredients:
- 4 cl vodka
- 2 cl lemon juice
- 1 tsp sugar
- 6 berries (e.g., raspberries or blueberries)
- 2 basil leaves
Toulouse Violette Royale
Fruity and floral with an elegant depth. This cocktail deliberately avoids the classic, juicy style, instead leaning toward the floral-fruity spectrum. Violet liqueur defines the aroma. Despite its delicate nature, it is stronger than its fruity counterparts.
Preparation: Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice and strain into a well-chilled cocktail glass.
Ingredients:
- 4.5 cl vodka
- 2 cl crème de violette
- 1 cl vanilla liqueur
- 0.5 cl pastis or absinthe
Questions & Answers About Vodka Cocktails
- Vodka with W or V?
-
Both are correct. “Vodka” is the internationally used spelling, while “Wodka” is common in German. There is no difference in meaning; both refer to the same spirit.
- What are the most popular cocktails with vodka?
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Some of the most well-known include classics like Moscow Mule, Cosmopolitan, Bloody Mary, and Espresso Martini. Simple long drinks such as Vodka Lemon or Screwdriver are also among the most ordered drinks worldwide.
- What are classic cocktails with vodka?
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Typical classics include Moscow Mule, White Russian, Black Russian, Cosmopolitan, and Vodka Martini. These drinks have been established in bars for decades and are a staple on any cocktail menu.
- What are simple vodka cocktails with few ingredients?
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Many vodka drinks only require two to three ingredients. Examples include Vodka Lemon, Vodka Soda (Skinny Bitch), Screwdriver, or Vodka Cola. They are quick to mix and perfect for beginners.
- What can you mix vodka with?
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Vodka is very versatile and can be mixed with juices like orange, cranberry, or pineapple, with soft drinks like cola or tonic, as well as with ginger beer or soda. Coffee, cream, or liqueurs are also popular ingredients for cocktails.