23 Vodka Cocktails That'll Take You From Brunch To Post Dinner Toasts
These easy-sipping cocktails are fit for any occasion.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Though we're more often than not pouring a refreshing tequila cocktail or spirited bourbon drink, we love vodka cocktails because they highlight the other ingredients in the drink. The clear liquor offers endless versatility to what you can mix with it. And any good host knows there should always be vodka on the bar cart, right beside the Kentucky bourbon and Tennessee whiskey of course.
From martinis to mules, there are endless ways to shake it up with vodka. The spirit's simple, clean taste lends itself to savory and sweet whether it's a Bloody Mary or White Chocolate Martini. You can even add a splash to just about any of your favorite non-alcoholic punches. From long-standing classic recipes to new creations, like our Pickletini, here are 23 vodka cocktail recipes that won't disappoint.
Long Island Iced Tea
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Though you might think this ultra-refreshing drink came from New York, it actually hails from the Tennessee hills. Which also means it includes Tennessee whiskey as one of the ingredients alongside vodka. Let's just say this isn't one to guzzle down.
French 76
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
This twist on the classic French 75 cocktail swaps out the gin for vodka, to allow the lemon taste in the cocktail to really shine. The lemon flavor takes the back seat in the French 75 cocktail, as the gin gives off a strong floral flavor. Think of the French 76 as a light, sparkling lemonade.
Southern Pickletini
Move over olives, there's a new happy hour martini on the rise! If you like pickled okra (or anything pickled really), you'll love this savory, slightly tangy drink that uses the pickled vegetable juice. You can also substitute the okra for pickles.
Vodka Cherry Limeade
With a few bar staples, this five-ingredient limeade couldn't be easier to throw together. Best of all, you can easily turn the recipe into a big-batch cocktail for easy serving.
White Chocolate Martini
If you like espresso martinis, you'll be excited about this indulgent caffeine-free dessert drink. It's smooth and creamy thanks to vanilla vodka, heavy cream, and white chocolate liqueur. While it feels extra fitting during the holidays, this is one we're happy to make any time of year.
Garden Pleasures Cocktail
Light and bright, this fizzy cocktail is the perfect boozy refreshment for spring or summer. It's balanced with herbaceous notes from the green tea and basil, a zesty hint thanks to fresh squeezed lemon juice, and a touch of sweetness with honey.
Classic Bloody Mary
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
This Bloody Mary recipe has you covered for everything from brunches and tailgates to hair of the dog pick-me-ups. The homemade version, especially this simple one, is always better than store-bought mix.
Lemon Drop Martini
From looks to taste—this fresh, slightly tart cocktail is all about easy elegance. It only takes 4 ingredients and 5 minutes to prepare, and if you want to go the extra mile be sure to sugar the rim.
Classic Transfusion Cocktail
Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke
This golf course favorite has made its way beyond the greens and to our front porches. If it's designed to be enjoyed outside, no matter the tee time, then it's perfect for at home sipping too.
The Chilton Cocktail
Not unlike the simplicity of a ranch water, this refreshing cocktail is just three ingredients—lemon juice, vodka, and soda water. As the signature drink of Lubbock, a West Texas city, legend has it that it's named for the person whom it was first served to.
Azalea Cocktail
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Though this pineapple, lemon, and grenadine cocktail is most famous for being served at the Masters Tournament each April, we're just as happy enjoying it poolside or in a rocking chair.
Cranberry Mules
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christine Keely
This is a few-and-far-between cocktail that you can actually prepare a day in advance. Just wait to top it with freshly opened ginger beer to maintain the fizz. For extra flavor, this recipe calls for ginger liqueur as well.
Big-Batch Cajun Lemonade
This refreshing drink isn't quite your run-of-the-mill lemonade. With a mix of vodka and rum, a kick from a touch of Tabasco, and sweetness from frozen lemonade concentrate—this big-batch cocktail is party-approved.
Kentucky Oaks Lily Drink
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
With cranberry juice, lime juice, triple sec, and vodka this Kentucky Oaks signature drink is just as good when served at home as it is on the racetrack.
The Dogwood Cocktail
No matter the time of year, this citrusy cocktail with white grapefruit juice, elderflower liqueur, rosemary, and lemon will quench your thirst.
Pineapple-Sweet Tea Punch
Upgrade your sweet tea with pineapple, lime juice, and vodka for the ultimate tropical cocktail. The citrus cuts the sweetness of the pineapple making this punch a crowd-pleaser.
Lucy Buffett's Bama Breeze Cocktail
Whether it's a lazy summer afternoon or you're mixing something up for a party, this simple refreshment made with cranberry juice and ruby red grapefruit-flavored vodka will do the trick.
Moscow Mule
What's not to enjoy about a classic Moscow mule? The combination of ginger beer, lime juice, and vodka is a refreshing one that we'll never tire of no matter if it's a hot summer day or cozy fall evening.
Raspberry Beer Cocktail
Charles Walton IV
It's hard not to love a non-fussy, big-batch cocktail especially when you can make it days in advance. Get the pool party started with this equally fruity and fizzy raspberry, lemonade, beer, and vodka cocktail.
Bloody Bull Cocktail
If you like our classic Bloody Mary, we recommend you give this unexpected version a try. A smidge of beef broth concentrate adds a unique umami flavor that you can't quite place, but will leave you wanting more.
Tropical Itch
Prepare to be transported to white sand beaches and crystal blue waters with just one sip. A few expected tropical drink ingredients like rum and fruit juice are met by orange curaçao, bitters, orgeat syrup, and vodka for an unexpectedly delicious drink.
Honeysuckle-Watermelon Cocktail
Chris M. Rogers
Go the extra mile by using honeysuckle vodka to give this colorful cocktail delicate floral notes. Be sure to strain the watermelon juice so the result is a clean, easy-to-sip drink.
Honey Deuce
While the Kentucky Derby has the mint julep, the U.S. Open proudly serves this fun, four-ingredient drink. Raspberry liqueur and fresh melon take this four ingredient spiked lemonade to a whole new level.
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