A wise man once said vodka goes with just about anything. While this is true, some best vodka mixers just work better than others. A working horse spirit, vodka offers the perfect backbone for any number of drinks. Better still, you don’t need a PhD in mixology to enjoy its versatility. Stereotypes say the clear spirit is only good for shots straight out of the freezer, or sipped as a Vodka martini or alongside some caviar. These things are true as far as they go, but that doesn’t fully explain vodka’s vast potential.
We’ve assembled your go-to list of complementary vodka mixers to choose from when you’re thirsty for a vodka cocktail. They range from classics to the unexpected and everything in between. So, take the leash off your favorite bottle at home and let it run free, mingling in the glass with these 18 great options.
Soda water
Whether it’s called carbonated water, sparkling water, seltzer, or soda water, the liquid is all the same, and it’s one of the best mixers for vodka. The water helps cut the spirit’s strength without diluting flavor while the effervescence adds just a little extra to a cocktail. Grab a flavored seltzer and it kicks things up a notch, all without adding calories. La Croix, anyone? We’ve even found the best sparkling waters for you already.
Tonic water
One of the quintessential mixers, no bar is complete without it. Tonic water can be used with nearly any spirit, but is most notable for its starring roles in drinks like the vodka tonic (and, of course, a gin and tonic. Its bitterness comes from quinine, a medicine first used to help fend off malaria. The one thing to remember is that tonics can be high in sugar, so make sure to look at the label before you purchase.
Cranberry juice
In a pinch, cranberry juice and vodka are all that you need for a simple yet effective drink. Depending on the amount, the cranberry can be a light accompaniment, or it can completely mask the cheap vodka. Just be aware that college flashbacks are likely to occur.
Lemon-lime soda
For a little more sweetness (or for when soda water and lime just won’t cut it), turn to lemon-lime soda. There are hordes of options on the market, all with their own unique tastes, so the flavorful addition can be customized to a drinker’s palate and preference.
Lemon juice or lime juice
Using something as simple as a little bit of citrus juice will liven your vodka right up. If you can freshly squeeze your juices, all the better. To take it a step further, add a little sugar and some soda water and you’ll have yourself a vodka gimlet (with lime juice) or a lemon drop (sans the soda water).
Tomato juice or Bloody Mary mix
Yes, you’ll need a few more flavoring agents to really make it a truly tasty beverage, but at its base, a Bloody Mary is essentially just tomato juice and vodka. This savory delight works best when you’re hungover or when you are out at a bottomless brunch. If you want to make one at home with full flavor, we suggest having plenty of one of these Bloody Mary mixes on hand.
Orange juice
Mixing vodka and orange juice is as easy as it is satisfying. It’s the breakfast of champions and delicious any hour of the day, especially over a few ice cubes to dilute things a bit and stretch out the experience. You’ll fend off scurvy with plenty of vitamin C while taking on a pleasant buzz. And while the corner store mega brand will do, we highly suggest some fresh-squeezed stuff or even making your own at home.
Pineapple juice
Vodka isn’t often associated with tropical cocktails since most are left to rum or tequila, but a pour of tropical fruit with a splash of vodka is as cool as an ocean breeze. For pineapple juice, start with the two-to-one mixer-to-vodka ratio and adjust from there, especially if you actually like tasting the vodka when you drink it. Other tropical fruit flavors (guava, mango, or coconut, for example) also pair really well
Lemonade and iced tea
You could go with one or the other, or you can shake things up (literally) and make a John Daly. Use an ounce or two of vodka and equal parts lemonade and iced tea for a perfect porch sipper. The refreshing nature of the tea, the sweet and citrusy lemonade, the punch of a nice helping of vodka — there is little better when it’s 100 degrees and you have to be outside.
Grapefruit juice
If you’ve never had a Greyhound, do yourself a favor and whip one up. It’s a match made high in the stars, the punchy grapefruit rounded out by the smooth sting of vodka. Grapefruit works especially well with cheaper, more ethanol-driven vodkas as the citrus packs a wallop and can tame even the most flammable of vodkas.
Ginger beer
We’ve got a full rundown on which ginger beers you should be using, but if you’ve never had a Moscow mule, there is no better time than the present to try one. The sharp, spicy flavor of ginger beer does not get masked by the vodka, giving you a zesty drink that’ll perk you up. Just make sure you have a copper mug on hand.
Red Bull
Caffeine and alcohol? Why not, right? Sometimes, when you’re getting ready to go out for the night, you need a little pick-me-up while still working on your base buzz (heaven forbid you arrive at the bar completely sober). The combination of the light and fizzy Red Bull with vodka does just that — you are awake and energetic and yet still feel loose and ready to tackle whatever the night may have in store for you.
Cola
A vodka and coke is a fine way to gussy up a reliable soda. In a way, the spirit seems to activate some of the less pronounced flavors of cola, showing off its nuance and making a two-ingredient drink feel a lot more like a bona fide cocktail. Drop a maraschino cherry in for good measure.
Earl Grey tea
The bergamot in Earl Grey plays beautifully with vodka, injecting the spirit with zesty, tea leaf notes and a kick of earth. You can throw it in a cup of hot tea or whip up a pitcher of iced Earl Grey. If there’s too much bitterness for your palate, hit your elixir with some simple syrup or a squirt or two of honey or agave syrup.
Chai
A little sweet, a tad spicy, a bit milky, chai has it all. The Indian staple is stellar with vodka too, bringing out the baking spice notes of the beverage. As with Earl Grey, it’s great hot or cold. The best incarnation? Work the chai into a proper White Russian and live like a king.
Beef broth
Yeah, we said it, though we weren’t the first. Mixing beef broth and vodka (with a few other ingredients) results in a Bull Shot, which was meant to act as a savory cocktail for those who don’t like Bloody Marys. Check out how to make one here (where we use St. George Green Chili Vodka, the Best Flavored Vodka from The Manual Spirit Awards.)
Beet juice
Most people jump right to the green family of veggies when thinking of things like smoothies, raw juices, or grassy cocktails. But beet juice is equally good, if not better, and all the more colorful. Its rustic flavor profile shines with some vodka in the mix, and the end result is a bit healthier than your typical vodka mixed drinks affair.
Chocolate milk
Scratch the itch to be a kid again while drinking like an adult. Vodka works great with chocolate and also flattens a bit of the thickness offered by the milk. It’s an easy-sipping dessert or just a refreshing drink to try on a particularly hot day. Naturally, you should enjoy it with a curly straw.
Should vodka be refrigerated?
Before you turn to your vodka mixers and stir up a drink, you should know how to take care of your vodka. Whether you should refrigerate it or not depends on a few factors.
With unopened vodka, there’s no need to refrigerate it. Its high alcohol content (usually around 40%) acts as a preservative, so a cool, dark place like a pantry or cabinet is sufficient. However, with opened vodka, it’s more of a personal preference. Refrigerating vodka can slow down oxidation and potentially preserve its taste for longer, though some argue it can dull the flavor slightly.
It’s also important to note that if you enjoy your vodka super cold, storing it in the refrigerator will ensure it’s ready to serve without the need for much ice, which can dilute the taste of your vodka mixed drinks. Just keep in mind the potential for slightly muted flavors. If you prefer your vodka at room temperature, keeping it out of the fridge is fine. Some people claim that chilled vodka is smoother and less harsh on the palate, while others prefer the room-temperature experience.
