Vodka Soda

Nowadays, it seems like every time you blink a new hard seltzer company or product line pops into existence. The rebranding has been clever and effective, but don’t let it confuse you. What you’re witnessing is the Vodka Soda renaissance.

This classic mixture of club soda and vodka probably represents the simplest cocktail one can make. Any simpler and you’re looking at either a shot of vodka or a glass of water. But simplicity is a huge part of this cocktail’s appeal. It makes the drink refreshing, elegant, and best of all, accessible for amateur mixologists. Read on to learn the ingredients and steps required to make one for yourself.

Brief History of the Vodka Soda

The exact origin story of this vodka-based cocktail has been muddled by time and, we presume, the sometimes-forgetful results of vodka consumption. All we can say for sure is that this cocktail is very old. The consumption of soda water dates back to the mid-1700s and vodka’s roots are far older. Nothing is known about the pioneering mixologist who first thought to combine the two ingredients.

What we do know is that this cocktail has been incredibly popular with everyone from nightclub goers to business people to health enthusiasts since the repeal of prohibition in 1933. It is a light, refreshing beverage that quenches thirst and cleanses the palette. Its resurgence in recent years is not surprising in the least and we’re excited to pass on this recipe to you.

A Note on Ingredients

While there isn’t much preparation that goes into this drink, there are still a few things to consider when shopping for ingredients. First, you’ll want to choose a vodka (and soda water) that you can enjoy independently of a cocktail. This recipe doesn’t necessarily require a top-shelf vodka, just one that can be sipped without eliciting a grimace. With so few flavors involved there will be little to mask the taste of low-quality ingredients.

Second, while the traditional recipe that you’ll find below calls for unflavored water, this rule is by no means set in stone. Feel free to substitute unflavored soda water for any flavored sparkling water you’d like. Several exciting flavors exist nowadays, and experimenting can result in some uniquely delicious creations. Using raspberry-flavored sparkling water, for example, offers a kind of à la pink lemonade.

Recipe

As you’ve probably gathered by now, this cocktail is extremely simple to make. However, as with all cocktail mixing, quantities, orders, and techniques are of the utmost importance for the creation of a great-tasting drink. Follow the step below for the perfect drink!

Print Pin

Vodka Soda

This drink has been popular for many decades and, if recent trends are any indication, they don't seem to be going anywhere. There's no better time than now to learn how to make this simple and delicious classic, so go on and get mixing!

Prep Time 3 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Author My Bartender

Ingredients

• 1 ½ Ounce Vodka
• 5 Ounces Club soda
• ½ Ounce Lemon juice
• Ice
• 1 Lime wedge garnish

Instructions

• Add ice to a highball glass, then add vodka
• Slowly add soda water and lemon juice
• Stir gently
• Garnish with the lime wedge
• Serve immediately

This drink has been popular for many decades and, if recent trends are any indication, they don’t seem to be going anywhere. There’s no better time than now to learn how to make this simple and delicious classic, so go on and get mixing!