Vodka is one of the most versatile spirits because you can mix it with nearly anything.
And while we are big fans of a stiff drink like the Vodka Martini, sometimes we’re in the mood for an easy-to-drink libation. These six fruity vodka drinks are sweet without being too syrupy and easy to make for even the novice home bartender.
Baijiu A Drink
Baijiu A Drink
Courtesy of bartender Lam Cheng of DaDong NY
Ingredients:
- 1.25 oz. STOLI Vanilla Vodka
- .5 oz. Luzhou Ming River Baijiu
- 2 o.z Pineapple Juice
- .25 oz. Lime Juice
- .75 oz. Giffard Pineapple Liqueur
Preparation: Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a flute glass.
Apple Dream
Apple Dream
Courtesy of Mixologist Michelly Bari of Suzuki
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp. Green Apple Puree
- 2 tsp. Red Apple Puree
- 1 splash Lemon Juice
- 1 splash Apple Juice
- .25 cup Vodka
- 1 tbsp. Grand Marnier
- Cayenne Pepper Flakes (to Rim)
- Apple Slice (to Garnish)
Preparation: Add all liquid ingredients to a shaker tin with ice. Shake and double strain into a coupe glass rimmed with cayenne pepper flakes. Garnish with an apple slice.
“At Home” Frosé
“At Home” Frosé
Courtesy of Mondrian Terrace
(Serves: 4-6)
Ingredients:
- 1 750mL bottle Rosé
- 5 oz. Tito’s Vodka
- 2 oz. Marie Brizard Grapefruit Liqueur
- 2 oz. Marie Brizard Watermelon Liqueur
- .25 Peeled Grapefruit
- 1 cup Watermelon
- 1 tsp. Sugar
- 3 oz. Lemon Juice
- 3 oz. Orange Juice
- 4-6 Strawberries
- Pinch of salt
- Splash of Blue Curacao
- Orange Wedge (to Garnish)
Preparation: Add all ingredients, except the blue curacao, to a blender with 1 to 2 cups of ice (the more ice you add, the more solid the frosé). Blend and pour into glasses. Top with blue curacao for a splash of color and garnish with an orange wedge.
Baby Bison
Baby Bison
Courtesy of Sweet Liberty Drinks and Supply Co.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz. Bison Grass Vodka
- 1.5 oz. Apple Juice
- .5 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
- .5 oz. Aperol
- Cinnamon Stick (to Garnish)
Preparation: Shake all ingredients, save for the garnish, together with ice in a shaker. Strain into a chilled Nick and Nora glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Watermelon Mint Lemonade
Watermelon Mint Lemonade
Courtesy of The Highlight Room
Ingredients:
- 1.75 oz. Absolut Elyx
- 2 oz. WTRMLN WTR
- 1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
- .5 oz. Simple Syrup
- 5-6 Mint Leaves
- Lemon Wheel (to Garnish)
- Mint Sprig (to Garnish)
Preparation: In an empty shaker tin, muddle the mint. Add liquid ingredients with ice, and stir. Transfer into a highball glass and garnish with a mint sprig and lemon wheel.
Snapbacks & Tattoos
Snapbacks & Tattoos
Courtesy of Committee Ouzeri + Bar
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz. Snap Pea-Infused Vodka*
- .5 oz. Montenegro
- .5 oz. Lemon Juice
- .5 oz. Simple Syrup
- 1 oz. Watermelon Purée
- Segmented Snap Pea (to Garnish)
- Pansy (to Garnish)
Preparation: Add vodka, Montenegro, lemon juice and simple syrup to a shaker tin with ice. Shake and strain into a Collins glass over crushed ice. Float the watermelon purée on top of the drink and garnish.
*Snap Pea-Infused Vodka
Ingredients:
- 4 cups Chopped Snap Peas
- 1 liter bottle Vodka
Preparation: To roughly chop the snap peas, run them through a food processor (they can also be hand-cut). Sous vide the vodka and peas together in a vacuum bag or hermetically sealed jar at 125 F for 2 hours. Remove, strain and let cool.
