Vodka Soda

Just as the name suggests, a Vodka Soda cocktail is made with just that – Vodka and Soda Water. It’s a popular highball drink that combines a base spirit with a single mixer. For many, it’s also a blank canvas to try other flavors with. For example, to take the Vodka Soda to another level, you can add a splash of fresh lime juice. 

The taste of a Vodka Soda is clean, crisp, and has an incredibly refreshing taste. The vodka provides a neutral base, allowing the bubbly soda water to take center stage with its light effervescence. It’s a subtly flavored drink, making it a perfect palate cleanser. The absence of sweet mixers makes it a dry option, allowing any added flavors, like a squeeze of lime, to really shine through. 

The history of the Vodka Soda is not documented, however, it likely emerged after the mid-20th century when vodka became more globally available. Its popularity surged in the 1980s and 1990s due to its perceived low-calorie profile hence its nickname, the Skinny Bitch. 

While diluting alcohol with water has ancient roots, carbonation is relatively recent, discovered by accident in the 1770s. In 1783, a young entrepreneur bottled soda water, and by the late 19th century, mixing spirits with soda water became popular, leading to the creation of drinks such as the Bourbon Rickey and later variations like the Gin Rickey.

By the 1970s, vodka rivaled whiskey in US sales, introducing Vodka Highballs with Soda Water to the world. The Vodka Sour has remained a popular drink ever since.

Fresh Lime Juice
“One of the keys to this drink is to get a lot of fresh lime juice in there,” shares Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador.

As we always say, the key to great drinks comes down to the quality of your ingredients. Therefore, skip the store bought bottled stuff and always make your own juice. The difference it’ll make to your drink is huge.

The beauty of the Vodka Soda lies in its simplicity. Not only does that give you a crisp, clean taste – it also forms the perfect base for variations. 

• Lemon Vodka Soda
  By using Absolut Citron and fresh lemon, you can elevate the simple Vodka Soda recipe with a summery twist and create your own Lemon Vodka Soda. Garnish with a twist of lemon zest.

• Grapefruit Vodka Soda
  Elevate your vodka soda game with grapefruit. This simple variation adds a tangy and refreshing twist. Get the recipe and enjoy! Why not add a grapefruit wheel to finish.

• Pepper Vodka Soda
  Turn up the heat with a Pepper Vodka Soda recipe – a unique twist perfect for adventurous palates. For the real hot-heads, garnish with a pickled chili.

• Pear Vodka Soda
  Subtly sweet and with an extra layer of fruity complexity, the Pear Vodka Soda recipe is an elegant twist on a classic.

• Mango Vodka Soda
  Liven up your cocktail game with a tropical twist with this vibrant yet simple Mango Vodka Soda variation. A slice of mango peel can really finish the presentation here.

• Vanilla Vodka Soda
  Charmingly smooth and sweet, a Vanilla Vodka Soda combines the lively kick of the vodka with the sensuous sweetness of vanilla.  

The simple nature of the Vodka Soda cocktail leaves plenty of room for your own interpretations. From unique serving suggestions to creative garnishes, place your own spin on a classic.  

• Get creative! Adding a sprig of a kitchen herb like basil, mint or rosemary is a great way to elevate your vodka soda and bring out both the aroma and elegance of this classic.

• The key to a perfect Vodka Soda drink is chill, so make sure to keep the glass, soda water and vodka as cold as possible before pouring.This makes the carbonation last longer – a warm mixer will melt the ice faster and over dilute your drink. No one likes a lukewarm glass of flat vodka water!
• A touch of fruit – like a twist of zest or a whole fruit wheel – can add an extra dimension to the clean flavours of a vodka soda.