As far as alcohol goes, vodka remains one of the most versatile bases for a wide range of mixed drinks. Although the vodka soda will remain a standing favorite for people looking for a light complement to their drink, the gorgeous simplicity of vodka lends itself to more flavorful and bright combinations. What are the best mixers for vodka?
Picking Your Vodka Mixers
Typically, juices are the best mixers for vodka. Fruit juices, arguably, makes for the best vodka mixers due to the wealth of flavor and the range of possibility that they bring. Almost any juice you enjoy will do, but it is important to keep in mind how much of the vodka you would still like to taste. The stronger the juice, the more dangerous the drink. To learn more about commercial-grade juice equipment, make sure to take advantage of SC Beverage’s 20 years of experience!
1. Cranberry
Cranberry juice is a no-brainer when it comes to classic vodka pairings. The juice is strong enough to mask a sub-par vodka if you’re not feeling like splurging. However, if you reduce the ratio of juice to vodka, then the cranberry becomes a delicious highlight to an excellent bottle as well.
Top Rated Vodka/Cranberry Cocktails: Cosmopolitan, Cape Codder
2. Grapefruit
Grapefruit juice can be a difficult mixer for vodka to get right due to its high acidity. However, it can create a brilliant kick when mixed correctly, especially if you’re using a second, sweeter fruit juice to balance your flavors.
Top Rated Vodka/Grapefruit Cocktails: Greyhound, Blushing Lady
3. Pineapple
Whether crushed or juiced, pineapple is sure to give your cocktail a tropical feeling right off the bat. Like vodka cocktails that use grapefruit juice, most of your pineapple-based cocktails will be trios, meaning they will use two or more fruit juices to achieve the desired flavor and consistency. If you want mixers for vodka that will give you an island vibe, pineapple is for you.
Top Rated Vodka/Pineapple Cocktails: Pearl Harbor, Bay Breeze
4. Orange
Orange juice is, without a doubt, one of the most widely used mixers for vodka cocktails. Although the screwdriver, fuzzy navel, and kamikaze have been highlighted here for their massive popularity, the list of possible cocktails is enormous. Orange juice is rather unique in its balance of sweet and sharp flavors, so it’s no wonder that it remains the juice most often associated with vodka.
Top Rated Vodka/Orange Cocktails: Screwdriver, Fuzzy Navel, Kamikaze
5. Tomato
If you aren’t a fan of savory cocktails, you may want to skip this one. Tomato juice is the key ingredient in the iconic Bloody Mary vodka cocktail and remains one of only a couple of drinks you can graciously order over breakfast or brunch. This mixer for vodka is a wonderful, vitamin-enriched way to get through an early breakfast with family even if you don’t have a sweet tooth.
Top Rated Vodka/Tomato Cocktails: Bloody Mary
6. Lemon
If you’re surprised to see lemon on this list of mixers for vodka and you’re over twenty-one, then you haven’t really lived yet. The lemon drop martini is a classic party drink that will elevate even the smallest of get-togethers. It’s essentially your chance to go full James Bond without having to drink a flavorless cocktail with an olive in it. Just enjoy the sugared rim and your new-found elegance.
Top Rated Vodka/Lemon Cocktails: Lemon Drop Martini
7. Lemonade
Most of us are familiar with the classic Arnold Palmer, a mix of lemonade and sweet ice tea. There are few things more refreshing on a summer’s day, with the possible exception of the John Daly. Named after another famous golfer, this drink spices up the traditional Arnold Palmer with a shot of vodka to make for a delicious and dangerously sneaky cocktail. If you’re looking for a simpler mix, then opt for a sweet tea flavored vodka.
Top Rated Vodka/Lemonade Cocktails: John Daly
