Finding drinks to mix with vodka is pretty easy as this is one spirit that has a very neutral taste, letting the different flavors of whatever you’re mixing with it shine through.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say they didn’t like the taste of vodka unless maybe they are taking a warm sip right from the bottle or shot glass, which you won’t find me doing!
But for those who don’t like the taste of alcohol in general, this subtle spirit is the way to go.
As it’s always important to have some nibbles when you’re serving alcohol, here’s a list of 40 of our favorite appetizers for a crowd.
Why not pick out five and pass out the recipes for a fun party idea?
Why We Love Cocktails with Vodka
Unlike alcohol like tequila or bourbon, you really don’t have to worry about pairing well because you’ve pretty much got a blank slate with this clear spirit.
What You Need to Make Vodka Cocktails
For the most part, you’ll need the following.
Vodka: We like top shelf brands like Tito’s, Grey Goose or Absolut.
Ice: Whether your serving it up or on the rocks, you’ll probably want it chilled.
Fruit juices or soda of your choice: For some cocktails you’ll be using both. Think cranberry juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice, or pineapple juice for a fun tropical drink. You have a lot of options for soda, too, like ginger ale, lemon lime soda, club soda, or tonic water.
Premade Mixers or Sour Mix: You can buy these but, honestly, you can usually make them with ingredients you probably have on hand like lemon juice and simple syrup.
Garnishes: Yes, they are optional, but it’s so much more fun to serve a pretty drink! It’s a good idea to have a variety of fresh fruit garnishes like a lemon wedge, slice of lime or pineapple for a tropical drink. Even a maraschino cherry adds fun to a simple drink!
A cocktail shaker is good to have on hand for those drinks that need a good shake to get the flavors mingling. This cocktail shaker set gives you everything you need and isn’t much more than the shaker alone.
A muddler is nice, too, but you can use other things to muddle the fruit if you don’t have one.
Let’s get to those best mixers for vodka cocktails!
1
Raspberry Moscow Mule
A classic Moscow Mule has cranberry juice, but we decided to switch it up with candied ginger and soda water instead of the ginger beer usually used. The candied ginger is easy to make, and we also added a little ground ginger to get that stronger ginger beer flavor.
You really can mix anything with vodka, and the proof is in the pudding! These pumpkin pudding shots are so good, great for any time of year, but an especially fun treat around pumpkin spice season!
Believe it or not, Jello is a perfect mixer for vodka! Make this treat for a party and everyone will rave! Let's keep it between us how easy these are to make!
We love this version of the classic cocktail, with tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce and spices. We've change it up a bit to give it a southwest flair, and added bacon!
These aren't shots like you might have had in the past (college days, anyone?) but just served in shot sized glasses! Delicious and fun, but remember they're boozy so for adults only!
I like a classic margarita on occasion, especially if I'm in Mexico (preferably at Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen!) But sometimes tequila doesn't like me, so I know I'm safe with this version with vodka instead!
These Pumpkin Jello shots just scream Fall, and they are so pretty, aren't they? Easy to make and a good choice for a tailgate or any gathering where you're looking for a boozy treat.
This Green Apple Martini is refreshing and delicious, fun for any party. The color is just the right shade of green apple, too, thanks to Sour Apple Pucker.
Mojitos are usually made with rum, but we love them with vodka, too. We happened to be out of rum and I was feeling like a Mojito, and we've decided we like it even more!This delicious cocktail uses fresh raspberries, mint, and soda water. We added a lime wedge, mint, and raspberry garnish.
Everyone loves this cocktail! Iced tea is another great mixer with vodka, but this one has rum, too. Sip it slowly as it's a bit strong, but so refreshing!
This particular Moscow Mule was made for the holidays, but it's good any time of year. I usually buy a couple of extra bags of cranberries when they are available and freeze them for things like this. They also make a fantastic homemade cranberry salsa!
This peach cosmo offers a delicious twist on the classic cosmopolitan. The addition of peach schnapps and peach juice to this vodka-based drink gives it a tasty, fruity kick.
Fruity, gingery, refreshing, and delicious! These Blueberry Moscow Mules are the perfect drink any time of the year. Made with fresh or frozen blueberries!
A truly great Bloody Mary is more than tomato juice and a couple of spices – it is a statement on the day to come. Will the day be filled with adventures or spent slowly sipping bloodies on the couch as the game passes by?
This Strawberry Lemonade Vodka Club Soda is a light, refreshing cocktail that combines sweet strawberries, zesty lemon, and crisp soda with a splash of vodka for a perfectly balanced summer drink. Easy to make and beautifully pink, it’s ideal for patio days, backyard barbecues, or any moment that calls for a cool, vibrant sip.
Spiked Strawberry Lemonade is a grown-up drink recipe for a childhood favorite! This pink lemonade vodka is sweet, tangy, and SO refreshing! It's the perfect cocktail for sipping!
Easy Lemon Drop Jello Shots – In Cups or Lemon Wedges!
These lemon drop jello shots are the yummiest jello shots ever! They’re sweet, a little tart, and taste just like the classic candy. All you need is lemon gelatin, fresh juice, and vodka.
No matter where you enjoy a Cake By the Ocean cocktail, one thing’s for sure ~ it’s just plain fun to drink. With its fruity tropical flavors, tasty cake vodka, and playful sprinkles rim, I dare you to try to drink this fun cocktail and not smile!
The Vodka Collins is exactly what it sounds like – a Tom Collins, but with vodka instead of gin. It came about in an era when cocktails were just starting to incorporate vodka, same as the Cosmopolitan and the Screwdriver.
When making any of these best vodka mixers or any cocktails, always make sure to have plenty of ice on hand. We have this tabletop ice maker and it’s amazing! (We bought two that we returned before this one, so this is the one to buy!)
You don’t have to get elaborate with your drinks. A simple Vodka Cranberry aka Cape Codder, classic screwdriver, or dry martini are all great options when you don’t feel like getting fancy.
Though I usually like to serve cocktails in a highball glass, or a martini in a martini glass, these vodka drinks are better served in something that isn’t breakable if you’re outside, especially by the pool.
Set up a garnish station so people can add what they want to their drinks. I like to keep back-up containers in the fridge so I can easily replenish when I need to.
Note: One mixer I do not recommend is Red Bull. I don’t think it’s a good idea to mix it with alcohol at all.
