The vodka soda is a refreshing and flavorful drink that combines the crispness of soda water with the smoothness of vodka, resulting in a delightful and easy to customize cocktail. With just a few ingredients and a quick mix, this cocktail offers a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy a classic spirit.
If you’re looking for a summer spritz, you might also enjoy an alcoholic variation of my pink lemonade.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Versatile and customizable. Vodka soda serves as a blank canvas for creativity, allowing you to customize it with your choice of flavored vodka, various soda mixers, or, as I prefer, garnishes like citrus wedges or fresh herbs.
- Low in calories and sugar. This drink is a hydrating, low-calorie and low-sugar option compared to many other cocktails, making it a healthier choice if you’re mindful of your calorie intake or trying to limit your sugar consumption.
- Easy and quick to make. With just two main ingredients—vodka and soda water—this beverage is incredibly easy to make. It requires minimal preparation and mixing, making it a convenient go-to cocktail when you want a quick and fuss-free drink.
Ingredients needed
- Vodka. The main ingredient in a vodka soda, providing the alcoholic component and adding a smooth and clean taste to the drink. If you’re feeling fancy, you could splurge on some delicious Grey Goose, but Tito’s, Smirnoff and Absolut all work just as well!
- Soda water. Also known as carbonated water or sparkling water, soda water adds effervescence and a refreshing fizz to the cocktail, balancing the strength of the vodka.
- Ice cubes. Ice cubes are essential to chill the drink and keep it cool, providing a refreshing and enjoyable sipping experience.
- Garnishes. A wedge of citrus (such as lemon or lime) or a sprig of fresh herbs (such as mint or rosemary) can be added to enhance the aroma and flavor profile of the drink. My favorite combination is a slice of blood orange and a sprig of rosemary.
How to make vodka soda
Step 1 – Pour the ingredients. Fill a glass with ice cubes. The amount of ice can vary based on your preference for a chilled drink. Pour 1.5 ounces (45 ml) of vodka into the glass. Adjust the amount of vodka based on your desired strength. Top up the glass with 4 to 6 ounces (120-180 ml) of soda water. Adjust the amount of soda water based on your preference for a stronger or lighter drink.
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Step 2 – Mix and garnish. Gently stir the ingredients in the glass to mix the vodka and soda water. This helps distribute the flavors evenly. Garnish the drink with a simple citrus wedge, such as lemon or lime, or a sprig of fresh herbs like mint or basil. Squeeze the citrus wedge into the drink to release its flavors.
I prefer a simple garnish of lime, or a more complex garnish of blood orange and rosemary. Give the drink a final gentle stir and serve immediately.
Tips to make the best recipe
- Choose a high-quality vodka. Opt for a good quality vodka that you enjoy, as it plays a significant role in the overall taste of the drink. Look for smooth and clean-tasting vodkas that complement the soda water.
- Chill the ingredients beforehand. Ensure both the vodka and soda water are chilled before mixing. This helps maintain the refreshing temperature of the drink and prevents dilution from melting ice cubes.
- Use the right glassware. Serve your vodka soda in a tall glass or a highball glass to accommodate the ice, vodka, and soda water properly. The glass should have enough room for the drink to be mixed and garnished comfortably.
- Experiment with garnishes. Elevate your vodka soda creating a signature garnish from citrus wedges or herbs. These additions will enhance the aroma and taste of the drink. You can even use a muddler to deconstruct the garnish slightly at the bottom of the glass before mixing for an extra punch.
Recommended tools
- Cocktail stirrer.
- Muddler. To crush herbs in your cocktail prior to mixing.
- SodaStream. Perfect for carbonating water (making soda water) whenever you need!
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Frequently asked questions
While the classic vodka soda recipe calls for soda water, you can certainly experiment with other mixers such as tonic water or flavored soda water to add variety and different taste profiles to your drink.
Absolutely! Using flavored vodka can add a delightful twist to your vodka soda. Popular options include citrus, berry, or even herb-infused vodka. Feel free to explore different flavors and find your favorite combination.
For a vodka soda, it is generally preferred to gently stir the drink rather than shaking it. Shaking can introduce more air and potentially cause excessive fizziness. Stirring ensures a well-mixed and balanced drink.
Yes, you can easily scale up the recipe to make a larger batch of vodka soda. Simply adjust the quantities accordingly, maintaining the desired ratio of vodka to soda water. Prepare the drink in a pitcher or punch bowl, and serve it over ice when ready.
Vodka Soda
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces vodka 45 ml
- 6 ounces soda water 180 ml
- 1/2 cup ice
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice cubes. The amount of ice can vary based on your preference for a chilled drink. Pour 1.5 ounces (45 ml) of vodka into the glass. Adjust the amount of vodka based on your desired strength. Top up the glass with 4 to 6 ounces (120-180 ml) of soda water. Adjust the amount of soda water based on your preference for a stronger or lighter drink.
- Gently stir the ingredients in the glass to mix the vodka and soda water. This helps distribute the flavors evenly. Garnish the drink with a simple citrus wedge, such as lemon or lime, or a sprig of fresh herbs like mint or basil. Squeeze the citrus wedge into the drink to release its flavors.
- I prefer a simple garnish of lime, or a more complex garnish of blood orange and rosemary. Give the drink a final gentle stir and serve immediately.
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