Fizzy Or Still Mixers: Which One Works The Best In Vodka Cocktails?
Crafting vodka cocktails can be an interesting enterprise for many mixologists. This is because vodka is a very versatile spirit and relatively neutral spirit that can embody a lot of different flavour combinations. This means, cocktails crafted using vodka as their base can actually reveal some intriguing flavour pairings and open up much room for experimentation. Yet, which mixer to use while finishing up a vodka cocktail — fizzy or still — is all about understanding how each one would influence the flavour, texture and experience of a drink.
Here’s a breakdown of the different elements involved in choosing between fizzy or still mixers while fashioning vodka cocktails complete with versatile flavours:
What’s the difference between fizzy and still mixers in vodka cocktails?
One of the primary differences between fizzy and still mixers is that the former, including soda, tonic water, ginger ale or sparkling water, add carbonation to a drink. Still mixers on the other hand, such as juices, syrups, coconut water or tomato juice bring a lot of structure, depth, richness and more pronounced flavours into cocktails, without the bubbles.
When should fizzy mixers be used with vodka?
Crafting a fresh, bright drink can become a smoother process with the addition of a fizzy mixer. Think a simple vodka tonic put together with 30 ml vodka and about 50 ml Gordon’s Tonic Water or any other tonic water of choice. Such a fizzy drink highlights the crisp and clean character of the spirit itself, as is the case with a vodka ginger prepared using 30 ml vodka and about 45 ml of any ginger ale of choice.
Also Read: Carbonated Sips: 5 Best Fizzy Indian Mocktails For A Perfect Summer Brunch
When do still mixers work better?
Still mixers are excellent alternatives when they are used to accentuate a flavour-forward cocktail such as a bloody mary. They bring more texture and richness into a drink as could be the case with a vodka cooler crafted using 30 ml vodka, a tablespoon each of lime juice and basil-infused simple syrup and about 50 ml of any premium blended water of choice.
Which is the more versatile mixer: fizzy or still?
Vodka itself is a very versatile spirit which can accommodate a lot of different textural nuances. For their part, fizzy mixers, such as about 50 ml of any soda of choice coupled with 30 ml vodka and a lime twist garnish, can turn a simple recipe into a fresh and quick highball.
On the other hand, a brunch cocktail infused with about 60 ml of any luxurious still water of choice and 30 ml vodka, accentuated with some muddled watermelon can lead to a tropical mix carrying much fruity depth.
Can both fizzy and still mixers be used together?
Absolutely. Many cocktails are made by bringing together a base still mixer for flavour and a fizzy one for topping off the drink with a bubbly lift. The most classic example can be a vodka Collins which is prepared by mixing 30 ml vodka with a tablespoon of simple syrup, topped off with about 50 ml of soda. Just about a splash of any chilled still water of choice can be used to dilute the lime juice just a little.
Another cocktail which mixes the two is a cranberry vodka spritzer, brought together by building 30 ml vodka and 45 ml cranberry juice accentuated by just about 15 ml of sparkling tonic water like a Gordon’s Tonic Water. With this, the drink’s fruity flavours become the highlight even as they are accompanied by a sparkly flair.
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