Home Bar Must-Haves For Anytime Vodka Cocktails
Do you love vodka cocktails? Are you interested in crafting some enticing vodka cocktails that will wow your guests? Or do you simply want to mix some drinks and enjoy it after a long day? If yes, then you are in for a treat! We have compiled a complete list of essential ingredients and tools that you will need for anytime vodka cocktails at home! Whether you have a home bar or setting up a new one, this list will surely help you.
Home Bar Essentials For Vodka Cocktails
1. Bar Tools
Bar tools are an essential aspect of mixology! If you want to craft delicious vodka cocktails, then your home bar must be well-equipped with all the necessary items. Bar tools are vital for mixing, shaking and stirring cocktails. It will help in crafting a well-balanced and smooth drink. For example, if you want to whip cocktails like Cosmopolitan, you will need a cocktail shaker. Alternatively, for cocktails like Martini or Bloody Mary, you may need a mixing glass and a bar spoon to stir the ingredients. A muddler is a must-have to mix cocktails like Moscow Mule. A jigger is another must-have tool to help measure the right quantity of ingredients. Last but not least, don’t forget to have a fine cocktail strainer, to strain your drinks and get rid of any unwanted pieces or ice shards.
2. Vodka
If you want to craft vodka cocktails, then of course, you will have to stock up your home bar with vodka! It’s a versatile spirit that blends perfectly with other ingredients. Whether you want to enjoy a shooter or craft cocktails, a good quality vodka is a must-have. You may want to purchase both neutral and flavoured vodka if you are interested in experimenting with your creations. We recommend, opting for a classic brand like Smirnoff No.21 vodka that’s popular and known as the world’s number-one vodka for its refined and pure taste. If you can get your hands on various flavours that the Smirnoff brand has to offer, it will surely elevate your cocktail recipes. Additionally, if you love modern spirit more, try Ketel One Vodka! It’s a premium distilled vodka with a distinguished taste and smooth finish. If you want a truly modern vodka that is inspired by the timeless tradition of craftsmanship and expertise, you might want to check out Cîroc Vodka, which is exceptionally fresh, smooth and has a fruity taste.
3. Mixers
Craving for a delicious vodka cocktail like Cosmopolitan? In that case, you will need some essential mixers handy. Fresh fruit juices made of cranberry or orange are must-haves for fruity drinks. You can stock up fruits, and juice them whenever you want to mix up a cocktail. Also, for cocktails like Moscow Mule, you may need a bottle of ginger beer. So, we suggest you have a range of mixers at your home bar. Cocktails like Martini calls for Vermouth, so we suggest you have both sweet and dry vermouth in your home bar.
Here is a brief list: citrus juice, tomato juice, hot sauces, ginger beer, ginger ale, lime cordial, fruit juices like cranberry, orange, blackberry, tonic water, club soda, etc. Additionally, you will also need some sweeteners for your recipes. Instead of store brought one, we recommend you make your own like simple syrup. Honey or maple syrup also works, if you want to experiment on the flavours.
4. Cocktail Garnishes
Another essential ingredient that’s vital for cocktail presentation and enhancing flavours. Use the right and delectable ingredients as a cocktail garnish to truly craft visually appealing and tantalising tipples. For fruit garnishes, we suggest using fresh fruits for an added burst of flavour and colour. Additionally, you can also store dehydrated fruits, herbs, or spices to craft visually appealing drinks. Here are a few popular cocktail garnishes for vodka-based drinks: celery sticks, olives, pickled veggies, citrus peels and wheels, cherries, herbs like mint or rosemary, and pineapple wedges. Also, citrus garnishes great choices and adds a visual appeal to any drink!
Well, that was our roundup of some of the must-have ingredients and tools at your home bar for anytime vodka cocktails. Feel free to experiment with different flavours, ingredients and garnishes to craft delicious tipples. Now, that you have your essentials handy, here are two vodka cocktails you can make at home:
1. Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe
Cosmopolitan is an elegant vodka that offers a burst of sweetness and tanginess with every sip. The delicious blend of the flavours will tickle the senses and will surely become a hit at your next house party! Crafted with Ketel One Vodka, Cosmopolitan is a quick and easy-to-mix cocktail at home. Here’s the cocktail recipe for you to try:
Ingredients
- Ketel One Vodka - 25ml
- Triple Sec - 15ml
- Cranberry Juice - 30ml
- Lime Juice - 15ml
- Orange Twist - 1
- Ice
Method
- Grab a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice
- Measure and pour Ketel One vodka, triple sec, fresh cranberry juice and freshly squeezed lime juice into the shaker
- Shake vigorously to combine
- Using a cocktail strainer, strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass
2. Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe
A refreshing vodka cocktail that will leave your senses thrilled! Invented somewhere during the 1940s, Moscow Mule was originally crafted using Smirnoff No. 21 vodka, ginger beer and lime juice. Every vodka lover, must-try this cocktail at home. It’s super easy to mix and absolutely refreshing to the taste buds. Here’s the cocktail recipe, made using Smirnoff No.21 vodka for you:
Ingredients
- Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka - 45ml
- Ginger Beer - 90ml
- Lime Juice - 22..5ml
- Lemon Wedge - 1
- Mint Sprig - 1
- Ice
Method
- Grab a copper mug and fill it with ice
- Measure and pour Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka over ice
- Next, add ginger beer to the mug followed by freshly squeezed lime juice
- Give the drink a gentle stir to combine
- Garnish with a wedge of lemon and mint sprig.
