Vodka gets a bad rap among cocktail connoisseurs for its neutral taste, but when used with the right mixers, it delivers a balance of zest and sweetness, aromatic complexity, and crisp acidity. Club soda and tonic water pair perfectly with vodka, enhancing its taste while adding bubbly fizz. And fresh juices—especially orange, like in a Screwdriver—can smooth out vodka’s sharp edges.

1. Cranberry Juice

The light taste of vodka combined with cranberry juice makes this a great option for anyone following a low-calorie diet. Cranberry juice also boasts some serious health perks, including being a natural urinary tract infection remedy.

To make this drink a little more festive, top with sparkling water instead of soda. Or, swap out the vodka for tequila to create a cranberry margarita. You could also replace the cranberry juice with lime juice or champagne for a cranberry mimosa.

Be sure to use high-quality vodka to get the best flavor. A smooth Tito’s or Prairie Organic works well. And this recipe is so easy, you can easily make more drinks if you have extra ingredients on hand. For a non-alcoholic version, omit the vodka and puree the cranberries with honey or agave nectar for a refreshing, summery mocktail.

2. Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate juice adds a vibrant pop of color and sweet-tart flavor to cocktails. It’s also rich in antioxidants. Like cranberry juice, it pairs well with vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and sparkling wine. It’s the perfect way to elevate a cosmopolitan, or try this festive, winter-inspired Pomegranate Martini.

The sassy cousin of the Cosmopolitan, this ruby-red cocktail is kissed with the sweet-tart juice of pomegranates and the citrusy notes of orange liqueur. Serve it with a sprig of rosemary for a festive and celebratory drink.

Instead of buying grenadine syrup (which is made with a mixture of red dyes and corn syrup), you can make your own fresh pomegranate syrup with just a little sugar. Just use fresh pomegranate juice, and simmer it with some sugar until it thickens.

3. Apple Juice

Apple juice is a versatile and refreshing mixer that offers natural sweetness, subtle tartness, and unique texture in cocktails. It can be paired with dark spirits to create warm-weather refreshers, such as the sharp and sweet Apple Mojito or with light liquors, like cocktail drink with vodka, to craft refreshing spritzers.

It also pairs well with a variety of fresh ingredients to create a diverse array of cocktail recipes, such as the zesty Virgin Mojito or the exotic Dive into Paris Spritz. It’s a versatile choice for all age groups and cocktail enthusiasts. Combine 50ml of vodka and 125ml cloudy apple juice in a shaker. Shake with ice cubes until the outside of the shaker feels cold. Serve in a tall glass and garnish with an apple slice.

4. Espresso

If you love coffee, this cocktail may be perfect for you. It’s a fun way to have your caffeine fix while out with friends or during a night in.

Coffee lovers can take this drink to another level by adding Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlua for a creamy and indulgent twist. Or try substituting the vodka with vanilla for a sweeter and lighter version.

Make sure the espresso is cold so it doesn’t melt the ice and dilute the drink too much. And garnish with a few whole espresso beans for a pretty presentation. It also adds a bit of flavor and texture. A light dusting of cocoa powder is a great finishing touch. Enjoy! – Recipe by Lauren Davidson. Copyright 2022. All Rights Reserved.

5. Lemon Juice

Lemons add brightness and balance to almost any drink. They are full of vitamins, especially C. Using lemon peels, rather than juice, in vodka nemiroff is a great way to make sure you’re getting the most flavor from this citrus. Lemon peels contain essential oils that can add a much more intense flavor than juice alone. A lemon drop martini is a classic example. It may have gotten a bad reputation during the 1990s college-bar shooter phase, but it is a refreshing and zesty member of Prohibition-era cocktail royalty.

To make one, shake 2 ounces of vodka with 3/4 ounce lemon juice and 1/4 ounce simple syrup. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist. You can substitute a lime wedge in a pinch if you don’t have a lemon twist handy.

Conclusion

Vodka is often considered a boring spirit compared to gin’s botanicals or mezcal’s smoky flavors, but this neutral spirit is a great partner for sweet and savory mixers. From classic Screwdrivers to tropical beach cocktails, vodka can be a star of any drink menu.