Vodka is not only a great summer liquor, it’s perfect year-round. Below is my roundup of the best vodka cocktails for summer and beyond. Cheers!
Keep Calm & Drink On: Best Vodka Cocktails
Summer Radler with Strawberry Vodka
by The Modern Proper
Ingredients:
½ pint strawberries (stems removed)
1 cup vodka
½ cup water
½ cup sugar
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (roughly 4 large lemons)
6 11.2 oz of Hoegaarden (or similar white or wheat beer), chilled in the fridge for at least 24 hours
Directions:
In a blender set to low, blend the vodka with the strawberries just until pureed. Using a fine mesh or cheesecloth-lined strainer set over a bowl, strain the vodka. Place in the fridge to chill. To make the simple syrup, heat the water and sugar in a small pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Simmer just until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat. Add one cup of ice water to the simple syrup in the pan and pour into a heat-proof container. Once the simple syrup is chilled, add the lemon juice. Keeping all components cold will ensure that your radler will be nice and refreshing! To make each drink, pour ½ a bottle of Hoegaarden into a pint glass, add to that ¼ cup of the strawberry vodka and ½ cup of the lemonade. Top with the other ½ of the beer. Garnish with a lemon wedge or strawberry and serve.
Basil Fig Vodka Smash
by With Food and Love
Ingredients:
½ cup basil leaves
1 cup fresh figs, diced
1 tbsp honey
4 oz vodka
Club soda
Ice
Directions:
Muddle together the basil, fig, and honey until the figs are completely broken down and in a smooth jam-like consistency. Then add in vodka and stir to combine well. Allow the mixture to sit for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain the mixture by pressing the pulp to extract all the liquid. When you are done, discard the pulp. To assemble the drinks, divide the mixture (strain again if desired) into four cups and top with ice. Top with club soda and stir. Garnish with more fresh basil.
Watermelon Mint Twist
by Nutrition Stripped
Ingredients:
1 bottle watermelon juice
1 oz vodka
1 tbsp freshly juiced lemon
2 mint leaves
Optional garnishes: fresh mint, lemon zest, cube of watermelon
Directions:
Pour all ingredients in a shaker with a small handful of ice and shake for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Serve over watermelon cubes or ice. Enjoy immediately.
Rosemary Pomegranate Martini
by Kale & Caramel
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka
¾ cup pomegranate juice
1 tsp honey
1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves plus rosemary sprigs for garnish
Ice for shaking and for serving, if desired
Pomegranate arils for garnish
Directions:
Pour pomegranate juice, honey, and rosemary into a shaker. Muddle rosemary leaves against bottom of shaker and into juice until they become fragrant. Add ice and vodka. Shake vigorously. Strain and serve, up or on the rocks. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and fresh pomegranate arils.
Boozy Green Tea Mint Cooler
by Heart of a Baker
Ingredients:
1 cup water
2 green tea bags
¼ cup fresh mint
1 tbsp cane sugar
3 oz vodka
1 can or bottle of your favorite ginger beer
Directions:
In a microwave-safe bowl, place the 1 cup water and 2 tea bags in the bowl. Heat for 2 minutes, then set aside to cool for at least 5 minutes. To make the cocktails: In 2 highball/cocktail glasses, muddle together the mint and sugar. Add a few ice cubes. Divide the vodka evenly between the two glasses, then divide the cooled green tea between the glasses and stir to make sure everything is combined. Top with your favorite ginger beer until glasses are full. Serve immediately.
Tweet me a link to your favorite vodka cocktail recipe @lorenridinger.
