Things To Do With Your Vodka Besides Drink It
As anyone living outside of Russia or a college campus knows, vodka isnt often lauded as a bartenders favorite spirit. Yes, it is flavorless, which makes it easy to mix with. And, yes, it could be described as odorless . But more often, its compared to rubbing alcohol or dismissed as the poison of choice for uneducated drinkers.
While vodkas drinkability is purely a matter of opinion, its plainness makes it a prime candidate for alternative usesfrom cooking and cleaning to repelling insects and treating poison ivy.
Left with a friends near-empty bottle of vodka? There are countless ways to use it around the house. The next time youre tempted to dump the dregs down the drain, recall these 10 tips so it doesnt go to waste.
Full disclosure: This only works with classic, unflavored vodka, so youll have to find another use for the rest of that whipped creamflavored booze.
The Drink Recipes Every Vodka Drinker Needs
The Spruce
Vodka may be the most mixable and useful liquor in the bar. The spirit’s clear, clean taste pairs well with any flavor, from sweet to savory and dry to spicy. Featured in thousands of cocktail recipes that vary in character, ingredients, and style, there is a vodka cocktail for every drinker and occasion.
Within that extensive list of vodka drinks, some standouts are considered essential. These are the most popular of those recipes and the drinks that everyone should taste at least once.
Basic Guidelines For Pairing With Baileys
When you sip on a glass of Baileys, it feels almost like youre drinking an ice cream float. The drink is flavorful and dense but also simple enough to blend with other drinks.
This spirit is great to enjoy on its own, but its even better when mixed with other drinks. No matter what you choose to mix it with, its sure to be delicious.
The only hard rule to abide by when mixing Baileys is to avoid citrus notes. Any drinks containing high citric acid levels should be left alone, as they can cause your Baileys to curdle. Simply put, dairy and citrus dont work well together, and fruit can be questionable, as well.
Guess what that means? Yup, you guessed it. No sodas or juices.
The concoctions youll create with this creamy drink definitely differ from your conventional cocktails. In many ways, Baileys mixed drinks are a lot more fun to experiment with.
Also Check: Best Mixers For White Rum
How Strong Is A Screwdriver
The strength of your screwdriver will ultimately depend on how much orange juice you pour, but it is generally a low-proof cocktail. When made according to the recipe with 80-proof vodka, it should have an alcohol content of around 10 percent ABV . It’s like drinking a glass of light white wine, only fruitier.
Ice Cream And Baileys
Dont be fooled into thinking that Baileys is meant for just hot drinks. There are a ton of cold options to mix with this liqueur. And ice cream is one of them.
Now, this recipe isnt exactly a cocktailits more of afloat. Without a doubt, this is one of the more unique mixed drinks youll taste in your lifetime.
To make your float, add one scoop of ice cream into an empty glass. The best type of glass to use is a vintage ice cream parlor glass.
Pour a shot or two of Baileys into the glass. You can add more later, but start out with just a shot or two until you can nail down the drinks flavor.
You can use basically any type of ice cream, but the best flavors to use are chocolate, strawberry, and rocky road. For a more unique flavor profile, you can use flavors like peanut butter, pumpkin, or cookies and cream. Once youve got all your base ingredients in your glass, its time to mix it up.
Use a spoon or a blender to mix your drink until youve reached your desired consistency. For a thicker, fuller drink, stir lightly. For a smoother, more liquid drink, stir vigorously.
You can also add syrup to the mix, like hot fudge, caramel, or butterscotch. In addition, you can add fruit toppings like banana, peaches, or strawberries, as well as nut toppings like peanuts, walnuts, or almonds. Whipped cream works well, too.
Also Check: Good Things To Mix With Crown Apple
Best For Dirty Martini: Dirty Sue Premium Olive Juice
Courtesy of Total Wine
While The Chart Room isnt what youd typically consider a Martini bar, the regulars who come in know exactly what they want and expect the best version of whatever their drink of choice is, says Lisa Zumpe of New Orleans’ The Chart Room.
I can think of one guy who comes in every Wednesday at 8 p.m.you can set your watch by itdrinks exactly two dirty Martinis, and goes home. I wouldnt even think of sticking my fingers in the garnish tray to add juice to his drink or pouring brine out of a jar of olives. Hed never speak to me again! Dirty Sue makes my customers happy, so it makes me happy.
Best Cosmo: Stirrings Simple Cosmopolitan
Courtesy of Amazon
In case you havent heard, the Cosmopolitan is coming back into fashion after a long hiatus. But the key to making this blend of vodka, cranberry, lime, and triple sec is using high-quality ingredients. If you dont have everything on hand, this mixer from Stirrings is your best bet to craft a satisfying drink. The ingredients include cane sugar, cranberry juice, and key lime juice, resulting in a well-balanced blend of sweet and sour. This is a great mixer to keep stocked in your home bar.
Don’t Miss: Kirkland Spiced Rum Carbs
The Real Drink Recipe
A proper Vodka Cranberry also uses a touch of Roses sweetened lime and some orange juice to bring out the best of the cranberry flavor.
Because vodka doesnt really change the flavor of the cranberry juice, this cocktail would just taste like straight cranberry juice without some help. The orange and lime add hints of something sharp and bright.
This cocktail recipe is pretty light on the alcohol, so feel free to vary it according to your taste and tolerance. The only alcohol in this drink is vodka, so you can add a little more if you prefer.
You can also leave it out completely when you want a mocktail. That makes it great for parties where some guests might not be drinking.
If youre making it as a virgin cocktail, you might want to add a little more of the orange and lime to make it extra special. It doesnt take much just a few dashes, or maybe half an ounce.
What Kind Of Juice Is Good With Vodka
7 Of The Best Vodka Mixers
- Vodka Orange Juice The basic message is to keep it simple.
- Pineapple Juice.
The options are endless, however, here are the best foods that pair with caramel!
Also Check: Super Expensive Tequila
How To Mix Vodka
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Jessica Gibson is a Writer and Editor who’s been with wikiHow since 2014. After completing a year of art studies at the Emily Carr University in Vancouver, she graduated from Columbia College with a BA in History. Jessica also completed an MA in History from The University of Oregon in 2013.There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.The wikiHow Video Team also followed the article’s instructions and verified that they work. This article has been viewed 15,496 times.Learn more…
Vodka is one of the most popular alcohols to use for mixed drinks. Its clean, pure flavor is easy to combine with juice, soda, or flavored liqueurs, and you probably already have several easy mixers on hand. For a quick drink, choose 1 or 2 mixers, such as cranberry and pineapple juice, to stir into vodka or branch out and make a Bloody Mary, cosmo, or another fun vodka cocktail.
Tomato Juice Or Bloody Mary Mix
Yes, youll need a few more flavoring agents to really make it a truly tasty beverage, but at its base, a Bloody Mary is essentially just tomato juice and vodka. This savory delight works best when youre hungover or when you are out at a bottomless brunch. If you want to make one at home with full flavor, we suggest having plenty of one of these Bloody Mary mixes on hand.
Also Check: Kylie Tequila Bottle
Best For A Bloody Mary: Filthy Food Bloody Mary Mix
Courtesy of Amazon
For Bloody Marys, I think Filthy is making a great mix, says lead bartender, Jose Gill, of American Social in Miami.
It comes in convenient pouches which you can take on the go with you and packs a bit of a spicy punch with the addition of horseradish and cayenne pepper in the recipe. No preservatives or artificial ingredients are included, making this a great option for your next batch of Bloody Marys.
Because You Really Don’t Want To Drink It Straight
Get more Spoon in your feed.
Have you ever thought you’ve found your favorite chaser just to realize that it doesn’t mask the awful taste of vodka anymore? Not to worry, there are plenty more drinks out there that you might not know about. Some vodka mixers aren’t as well known, but they’re ones you have to try nonetheless.
It doesn’t matter if you need a quick chaser or if you’re making a mixed drink, all of these vodka mixers will do the trick. Just find what you like and stick with it. Who knows, maybe you’ll even switch it up a bit.
Read Also: Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum Carbs
Best Overall: Spindrift Cucumber Flavored Water
Courtesy of Amazon
You can mix almost anything with vodka, as this spirit is often a blank canvas that will take on the characteristics of its companions in a cocktail. The best overall option to try is Spindrifts cucumber-flavored seltzer. Its made using real cucumbers and provides a bright but subtle mix of fresh flavors without the cloying sweetness of othered flavored seltzers.
Spindrift is widely available and inexpensive, so theres no reason not to keep a six-pack at home to whip up a round of drinks at a moment’s notice.
Best Syrup: W& p Craft Moscow Mule Syrup
Courtesy of Amazon
The Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime. W& P makes this already simple drink even easier with this cocktail syrup, and the fact that its a concentrated syrup means you get more bang for your buck.
Made using fresh ginger, lime juice, and cane sugar, only a half-ounce is needed per drink. An 8-ounce bottle makes 16 drinks. You’ll just need some soda to round out this spicy party!
Read Also: Devotion Vodka Nutrition Facts
Top 19 Vodka Mixers For A Perfect Home Bar
May 5, 2020
- Pin
Because vodka is largely flavorless, it can be combined with any number of mixers, especially those with a strong flavor of their own. For example, adding any type of juice or any type of soda to vodka works just fine. Even so, there are some vodka mixers are better than other, so in this list were focusing on the most powerful and the most interesting mixers.
Its also worth mentioning that vodka still has some impact on your drink. For one thing, it imparts an alcoholic kick. The vodka also impacts the texture of your drink.
Some vodkas, particularly low-quality ones, do have a little flavor as well. Any flavor comes from impurities and is generally undesirable. If youre using a fairly intense mixer, like cranberry juice, then low-quality vodka isnt likely to be a problem.
On the other hand, if you are using a more subtle mixer like soda water, the quality of your vodka will make a difference. You dont need to be extravagant, but try to avoid the cheapest of the cheap.
When youre looking at mixers, also consider the strength of the final drink that you want. If the mixer is on the mild side, then the alcoholic undertone of the drink will be quite distinct. This undertone tends to be masked by stronger mixers, to the point that you might not notice it at all.
- Starbucks Refreshers
If You Like This Drink
Before we get to the recipe: there are a few other drinks you should check out.
If you like this drink, you should also check out the Desert Shield, which blends vodka and cranberry with cranberry liqueur. If you want pure cranberry flavor, thats the drink for you.
Theres also the Crystal Cranberry, which features amaretto, Crown Royal, gin, cranberry juice and more. It does make a change from this drink, but the taste of it is wonderful.
Theres also the C& T Cocktail, which blends cranberry and gin with Absolut Mandarin and more. That one is so good.
And you may also want to try the Long Beach Iced Tea, which is very strong and very tasty. It features cranberry juice, triple sec and lots of white liquors.
Also Check: Where To Buy Van Winkle Bourbon
What To Mix With Baileys
Baileys is an alcohol-infused Irish cream liqueur known for its sweet, savory notes of vanilla and cocoa and its milky texture. According to the brand, Baileys is the worlds first cream liqueur.
The intention in creating this special drink was to combine elements of dairy cream with Irish whiskey. In 1792, the founders of the brand set out to create the perfect expression of this idea. Within two years, they were able to come up with the first official recipe for the drink.
Every year, about 200 million liters of fresh Irish milk are used in the production of Baileys. Thats enough milk to make 3.3 billion milkshakes. Dairy is the main component of this drink and is what gives it its creaminess.
Wondering what you can mix with this decadent drink? Keep reading below with Saucey for our favorite ingredients to mix with Baileys.
Must Be 21 Or Older To Use Saucey
Unfortunately, you can only use this service if youre 21 or over. Saucey is very careful about making sure we operate within the parameters of the law. ID checks are important for every single delivery. Your delivery person will use a scanner to check your drivers license, passport, or state-issued ID card. Your order will be handed to you only once your age has been verified via an identification scan.
Once thats good, now youre ready to drink your beer, whiskey, vodka, wine, or whatever else you ordered.
Also Check: Patron Tequila Different Types
From Sodas To Syrups To Tonics These Top Mixers Will Up Your Vodka Game
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the bestproducts youcan learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
Vodka was until recently, by legal definition, a flavorless, odorless spirit . Of course, fans of this clear spirit would disagree, arguing that each brand has different flavors depending on the grains used in the mash bill, how many times its been distilled, and what country it comes from. And vodka enthusiasts also know how well it works in a variety of cocktails, from the Moscow Mule to a Screwdriver to the humble Vodka & Tonic.
There are many different vodka mixers to choose from, ranging from simple flavored seltzer to a one-step Cosmopolitan combination of cranberry and lime juice. We spoke to some bar industry experts and gathered our own picks of the best vodka mixers that you can buy now.
How Do You Make It
3 1/2 ounces cranberry infused vodka
A cranberry vodka martini is best served chilled and strained. To make the premier yet simple cranberry vodka martini, mix three and a half ounces cranberry-infused vodka and half an ounce cranberry juice. Shake gently and strain into a chilled martini glass. You can garnish with an orange to offset the tartness. Serving the crantini with a sugar-rimmed glass is always a hit with the ladies.
Read Also: Is There Sugar In Flavored Vodka
Iced Tea And Lemonade
Iced tea and vodka, third-wheeled by lemonade, create a light and refreshing summer drink. Its okay to solely use lemonade to mix with vodka . But if you want to include both, its called a John Daly, named after the American golfer and his infamous alcohol problems.
Popular Brands: Snapple Iced Tea With Lemon, Sweet Leaf Iced Tea, Country Time Lemonade Drink Mix
Best For Vodka & Tonic: Boylan Tonic Water
Courtesy of Amazon
Sure, the Gin & Tonic gets all the hype, but a Vodka Tonic can be just as tasty. Obviously, the tonic water you choose is going to have a big effect on your drink, so its important to pick a good one.
Boylan Bottling uses a blend of citrus to balance the bitterness from the quinine, bringing a crisp hint of sour to the mixer and making this tonic water stand out from the rest.
Don’t Miss: Best Tennessee Whiskeys