Big-Batch Cocktails: The 7 Best Vodka Recipes
Vodka takes its job description of being a versatile spirit very seriously. You can add it in desserts, and pasta sauces, but they’re inarguably the best base for cocktails. If you’re having guests over who don’t really have similar taste palates, you can certainly make a couple of these vodka-based big-batch cocktails and give your guests options. These are incredibly easy and convenient to make. One thing to make note of here: each recipe serves eight.
The Classic Vodka Lemonade
For this cocktail, you’ll need 240 ml of Smirnoff Triple Distilled Vodka, 480 ml of fresh lemon juice, 160 gms of sugar or 100 gms of honey, 1 lemon thinly sliced, 2 litres of water, and lots of ice. First, in a large pitcher mix the Smirnoff, lemon juice, and sugar or honey until the sugar is perfectly dissolved. Then add the lemon slices and water and stir gently. Pour the mixture into highball glasses topped with ice.
The Vodka Cranberry
For this, you’ll need 240 ml of Smirnoff Triple Distilled Vodka, 480 ml of cranberry juice, 80g of fresh cranberries, 1 orange peeled and thinly sliced, 2 litres of soda water, and a lot of ice. In a large pitcher, combine the vodka and cranberry juice. Then add the cranberries and orange slice and stir well. Just before you’re about to serve, add the soda water. Serve in highball glasses filled with ice.
Vodka Watermelon Cooler
This cocktail requires 240 ml of Smirnoff, 600 gms of watermelon cubes, 60 ml of fresh lime juice, 60 gms of honey, and 2 litres of water. In a blender, puree the watermelon with the fresh lime juice and honey. Strain the mixture into a pitcher removing all the pulp, add the vodka and water and mix well. Serve over ice in highball glasses.
Vodka Berry Smash
For this cocktail, you’ll need 240 ml of Smirnoff, 200 gms of mixed berries: strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, 80 ml of fresh lime juice, 60 gms of sugar, and 2 litres of soda water. First, in a large pitcher, muddle the berries, sugar, and lime juice. Then add the vodka and stir. Just before serving, add the soda water and serve in highball glasses filled with ice.
The Ginger Zinger
For this spicy cocktail, you’ll need 240 ml of Smirnoff, 120 ml of ginger syrup (you can also make this at home with ginger slices, sugar, and water), 60 ml of lime juice, 2 litres of ginger ale, and lime wheels for garnish. In a large pitcher, combine the vodka, ginger syrup, and lime juice. Just before serving, add the ginger ale in highball glasses filled with ice. Garnish with lime wheels.
Pineapple Paradise
For this delicious tropical cocktail, you’ll need 240 ml of Smirnoff, 480 ml of fresh pineapple juice, 60 ml of fresh lime juice, 60 gms of honey, and 2 litres of club soda. You can also use soda water, but club water will help keep the flavour and strength of the cocktail intact without diluting it. First, in a pitcher, mix the vodka, pineapple juice, lime juice, and honey. Add the club soda only when you’re ready to serve. Serve this in highball glasses filled with crushed ice.
Vodka Peach Tea
Yes, this gorgeous delight is a lovely combination of peach tea and vodka. Please, we beg you, do not use the powder mix for peach tea since it will throw off the balance of flavours. You’ll need 240 ml of Smirnoff, 480 ml of freshly brewed peach tea that’s been chilled, 60 ml of fresh lemon juice, 60 gms of honey, 2 litres of club soda, and peach slices for garnish. First, prepare the tea by brewing 3 muddled peaches in black tea. Allow the brew to cool to room temperature and then strain and cool in the fridge for 2 hours. Then, in a large pitcher combine the vodka, peach tea, lemon juice, and honey. Just before serving add the club soda to the mix. Serve in highball glasses with crushed ice.
And lastly, remember this: drink responsibly!
