While the definition of the perfect cocktail really is a matter of preference, very few can turn down the charm of a Cosmopolitan or the sheen of a Martini. Well-made vodka cocktails aren’t simply drinks that keep you company at parties, but also double up as libations that work for intimate gatherings at home. Thanks to its neutral flavour, experimenting with a variety of ingredients becomes easy – although the foundations are what makes a great cocktail night in click. Sample any of the following vodka classics at home, using the measurements listed beneath each of them, for a crisp and potent drink.
Moscow Mule
Originated in the 1940s and featuring a blend of vodka, ginger beer and lime juice – the Moscow mule is a visually stunning cocktail popularised by John G. Martin, Jack Morgan and Sophie Berezinsky in the United States by serving them in copper mugs. While Berezinsky had brought a surplus of the mugs from her family copper manufacturing plant in Russia, Morgan owned a bar and produced his own ginger beer on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip whereas Martin lead a successful company that manufactured vodka.
Measurements
- 50ml vodka
- 150ml ginger beer
- 15ml fresh lime juice
- Lime wedge, for garnish
Martini
From James Bond to Dean Martin, the vodka Martini is a chic cocktail with a timeless appeal. Though Martinis were traditionally made with gin and vermouth, the popularisation of vodka in 1950s America, led people to adapt the original recipe with vodka as a base for the classic cocktail. Shaken or stirred, it’s sure to be a hit with your guests!
Measurements
- 60ml vodka
- 10ml dry vermouth
- Lemon twist or olive, for garnish
Screwdriver
Embodying simplicity at its finest, the screwdriver cocktail consists of two ingredients but has had overwhelming success as a bright, citrus-driven cocktail. Thought to have originated during the second World War, when American marines and airmen stationed abroad were looking for a simple cocktail to enjoy with wartime restrictions in place, the much-loved brunch staple is perfect to make with fresh citrus fruit when in season.
Measurements
- 50ml vodka
- 100ml fresh orange juice
- Orange slice, for garnish
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Cosmopolitan
For those who love a sweeter drink, the Cosmopolitan is a delightfully fruity option made with vodka, triple sec and cranberry. Made popular by the TV show Sex and the City, the bright pink cocktail has been the drink of choice for most people who wish to let their hair down and simply enjoy a few moments in high spirits.
Measurements
- 40 ml vodka
- 15ml triple sec
- 30ml cranberry juice
- 15ml fresh lime juice
- Orange or lime twist for garnish
Bloody Mary
Dating back to 1920s Paris where a bartender invented the drink at a New York bar which doubled up as a celebrity hotspot, the spiced, tomato-based cocktail offered a great pick-me-up for anyone who might’ve had a little too much to drink the night before. With layers of spice, umami flavours and one of the few savoury drinks to gain classic status, have fun with the garnishes for your cocktail – from crispy bacon to mini grilled cheese wedges.
Measurements
- 50ml vodka
- 100ml tomato juice
- 15ml lemon juice
- Dash of Worcestershire sauce
- Dash of hot sauce
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- Celery stick and lemon wedge, for garnish
Long Island Iced Tea
Despite its name, most people would be surprised to discover that the Long Island Iced Tea has no actual tea in it. Reportedly created in the 1970s by a bartender Long Island, New York, the cocktail gained popularity due to its mix of various spirits, making it a potent and delicious sip that looked deceptively harmless like an iced tea.
Measurements [Serves 2]
- 15ml vodka
- 15ml white rum
- 15ml silver tequila
- 15ml triple sec
- 15ml gin
- 25ml fresh lemon juice
- 25ml simple syrup
- A splash of cola
- Lemon wheel, for garnish