What Goes Well With Vodka?

When considering the perfect food and drink pairing to complement vodka, one might find themselves pondering over what to have with vodka.

Vodka is a staple in the world of spirits, renowned for its versatility in cocktail creation. This clear liquor pairs well with a variety of sodas and juices, making it a popular choice for bars, restaurants, and special events.

However, vodka’s strong and sometimes bitter taste can be a bit much for casual drinkers, leading many to seek out mixers that can mask or enhance its intensity.

In this guide, we’ll explore the 12 best drinks to mix with vodka, ranked from good to great.

Most Popular Vodka Mixers

12. Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola is a unique and sought-after flavor that pairs well with vodka. Its earthy sweetness and fizzy carbonation easily mask stronger flavors like those found in vodka.

Cherry-flavored Coke or a splash of grenadine can add a touch of sweetness to your vodka cocktail. Remember, though, to balance your alcohol consumption with plenty of water.

11. Red Bull

Red Bull and vodka is a club favorite, offering an energy boost alongside a flavorful drink.

The strong taste of Red Bull takes center stage when mixed with vodka, making it a great choice for those who prefer not to taste any alcohol in their drink. It’s also incredibly simple to make at home or order at a bar.

10. Pineapple Juice

For a sweeter mixer, pineapple juice is a dependable choice. It transforms a standard cocktail into a tropical delight with its fruity and sweet nature. Pineapple juice is also rich in antioxidants, manganese, and vitamin B. When making fruity vodka cocktails at home, opt for fresh-squeezed pineapple juice when possible.

9. Orange Juice

Orange juice is a classic mixer with vodka, resulting in a fruity cocktail known as a screwdriver.

The bright, citrus-forward flavors of orange juice make this cocktail refreshing enough to be enjoyed during the day. For a sweeter and more decadent drink, use fresh orange juice.

8. Tomato Juice

Tomato juice and vodka create the beloved brunch cocktail, the Bloody Mary.

This savory drink has a dynamic flavor profile thanks to a variety of spices and sauces, with tomato juice as the star.

Tomato juice is also a great source of vitamin C and is packed full of antioxidants.

7. Ginger Beer

Ginger beer, a nonalcoholic beverage that is aromatic and slightly spicy, neutralizes the intensity of vodka, adding a new layer of texture and taste to the drink. Ginger beer and vodka are the basic ingredients in a popular cocktail known as the Moscow Mule.

6. Grapefruit Juice

Grapefruit juice is a tart and slightly bitter mixer that results in a cocktail known as the Greyhound when mixed with vodka. It’s a popular option for brunch and is a solid alternative for when you want to switch things up from the usual orange juice.

5. Soda Water

For those who don’t mind the taste of vodka, a simple mix of soda water and vodka is a great choice. Soda water adds a new texture to your drink without altering the taste, making it a healthier alternative to soda.

4. Lemonade

Lemonade is a sweet and slightly sour mixer that can mask the taste of vodka with ease. Spiked pink lemonade or regular lemonade is refreshing and fruity, making it a fun cocktail for parties or outdoor gatherings.

3. Iced Tea

Iced tea mixed with vodka is a great option for those who prefer a lighter, more flavorful drink. The level of sweetness in your iced tea can greatly affect the overall taste of your cocktail, so adjust according to your preference.

2. Tonic Water

Tonic water is slightly bitter due to the quinine added to it, and it doesn’t do much to mask the taste of vodka. However, some people prefer the added flavors and carbonation of tonic water to the flavorless soda water.

1. Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice is one of the most classic and consistent mixers when it comes to vodka. It balances out the bitterness of vodka without being too sweet, thanks to its tartness, making a great Cape Codder (Cranberry Vodka).

Cranberry juice is also a great source of vitamins E and C and is said to aid in digestion. For a festive touch, add a splash of soda water for some carbonation.

Best Chasers for Vodka

Chasers are drinks consumed immediately after taking a shot of hard liquor, like vodka, to help mask its strong taste. Here are some of the best chasers for vodka:

• Citrus Juice: Lemon or lime juice can help cleanse the palate and counteract the harshness of vodka. A small wedge of lemon or lime can also serve the same purpose.
• Cranberry Juice: Its tartness and sweetness make cranberry juice an excellent chaser for vodka. It’s also used in many vodka cocktails, like the vodka cranberry.
• Ginger Beer or Ginger Ale: The spiciness of ginger beer or the sweetness of ginger ale can help soothe the burn of vodka.
• Pickle Juice: This might sound unusual, but the salty, tangy flavor of pickle juice can be a great palate cleanser after a shot of vodka.

Best Sodas to Mix with Vodka

Soda is a popular mixer for vodka due to its fizziness and variety of flavors. Here are some of the best sodas to mix with vodka:

• Tonic Water: When mixed with vodka, tonic water makes for a simple, refreshing drink. Add a squeeze of lime for a twist.
• Club Soda: Club soda is a great mixer if you want to let the flavor of your vodka shine through. Add a splash of cranberry or lime juice for a bit of flavor.
• Cola: Vodka and cola is a classic combination. The sweetness of the cola can help mask the strong flavor of vodka.
• Lemon-Lime Soda: The citrusy flavor of lemon-lime soda pairs well with vodka, making for a light and refreshing cocktail.
• Ginger Ale: For those who prefer a sweeter cocktail, ginger ale is a great choice. The sweetness and spiciness of the ginger ale complement the vodka.

Best Mixers for Vodka

In addition to chasers and sodas, there are other mixers that pair well with vodka:

• Fruit Juice: Fruit juices, such as orange, pineapple, or grapefruit juice, are classic mixers for vodka. They add sweetness and can be used to make a variety of fruity cocktails.
• Tomato Juice: As the base for a Bloody Mary, tomato juice is one of the most famous mixers for vodka. It creates a savory cocktail that can be customized with a variety of spices.
• Coffee: For a twist, try mixing vodka with cold brew coffee and a bit of cream for a cocktail reminiscent of a White Russian.
• Tea: Iced tea can be a refreshing mixer for vodka. Add a bit of lemon juice and honey for a vodka-infused take on an Arnold Palmer.

Flavors That Pair Well With Vodka

In addition to specific ingredients, there are also certain flavors that pair well with vodka:

• Sweet: Vodka can balance sweet flavors without overpowering them, making it a good choice for cocktails made with sweet fruit juices or liqueurs.
• Sour: Sour flavors, like those from citrus fruits, can brighten the flavor of vodka and add a refreshing element to vodka-based cocktails.
• Spicy: Spicy flavors, like those from ginger beer or hot sauce, can add a kick to vodka cocktails and complement the vodka’s clean flavor.
• Savory: Savory flavors, like those from tomato juice or Worcestershire sauce, can create a complex, flavorful cocktail when paired with vodka.

Key Takeaways

Vodka is a versatile spirit that pairs well with a wide variety of ingredients and flavors, from citrus fruits and tomato juice to sweet, sour, spicy, and savory flavors. By understanding what goes well with vodka, you can create a range of delicious cocktails to suit any taste.