Vodka: some famous cocktails

In my previous article, I talked about famous whisky-based cocktails. Today, I shift the focus to vodka and present you with five cocktails featuring this globally renowned spirit.

If you have a penchant for cocktails crafted with spirits other than vodka, then xtraWine’s blog is the perfect destination for you!

Discover here the renowned cocktails with gin, whisky, and even the top five most famous cocktails.

Index:

• Vodka: Key Information
• Cosmopolitan
• Espresso Martini
• Long Island Iced Tea
• Moscow Mule
• Vodka Sour with ACE Juice

Vodka: Key Information

Vodka reigns supreme among distilled spirits, its origin hotly debated between Poland and Russia, the primary producers.

A neutral, unaged spirit, vodka possesses no distinct scent, flavor, or color. Its production, rich in raw materials like starches and sugars, transforms them into alcohol.

Cereals, including barley, wheat, rye, and potatoes, are the primary ingredients, with rye being the most common.

How to Enjoy Vodka?

Typically consumed neat in a shot or sipped on the rocks in a lowball glass. Vodka is best enjoyed very cold, around 4 °C, but not frozen. When imbibing vodka, as with any distilled spirit, remember to drink responsibly.

Cosmopolitan

Ingredients

• 4 cl vodka
• 1.5 cl triple sec
• 1.5 cl fresh lemon juice
• 3 cl cranberry juice
• Lemon slice for garnish

Preparation

• Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker
• Shake well
• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
• Garnish with a lemon slice

Pairing

This cocktail pairs well with a lemon or berry tart. For those who prefer savory dishes, try it with battered and fried appetizers.

Espresso Martini

Ingredients

• 5 cl vodka
• 1 cl coffee liqueur
• Sugar syrup to taste
• 1 shot of espresso

Preparation

• Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker
• Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass

Pairing

Pair this cocktail with a slice of Sacher Torte or Tiramisu for a delightful combination.

Long Island Iced Tea

Origin

This cocktail is believed to have originated in Long Island (New York) in the 1970s, although some attribute its creation to bartenders at TGI Friday’s.

Its official codification occurred in 2006, despite violating several IBA norms with its eight ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1.5 cl vodka
• 1.5 cl tequila
• 1.5 cl white rum
• 1.5 cl triple sec
• 1.5 cl gin
• 2.5 cl fresh lemon juice
• 3 cl sugar syrup
• A splash of cola
• Lemon twist for garnish

Preparation

• Fill a highball glass with ice
• Pour in vodka, tequila, rum, triple sec, gin, lemon juice, and sugar syrup
• Gently mix and garnish with a lemon twist

Pairing

This cocktail pairs well with spicy beef tortillas, shrimp, and couscous.

Moscow Mule

Origin

The combination of vodka and ginger beer originated in the 1940s. Imported to the U.S. by a savvy merchant who foresaw the success of this blend, the Moscow Mule is served in copper mugs engraved with a mule.

Ingredients

• 4.5 cl vodka
• 12 cl ginger beer
• 0.5 cl fresh lime juice
• Lime slice for garnish

Preparation

• Fill a highball glass with ice
• Pour in vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice
• Garnish with a lime slice

Pairing

This cocktail pairs perfectly with cold pasta, roasted meats, and oven-baked tomatoes.

Vodka Sour with ACE Juice

Ingredients

• 2 cl vodka
• 1 cl lemon juice
• 2 cl sugar syrup
• 5 cl ACE juice (orange, carrot, lemon)

Preparation

• Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker
• Pour into a glass and serve

The original version of this cocktail involves pouring it into mini pastry molds and freezing them until completely solid.

Pairing

During summer, pair this cocktail with a mango fruit salad. The chilled version complements the nuances of mango pulp, moderating its sometimes overpowering taste.