International Vodka Day 2023: 7 Classic Vodka Cocktails To Make At Home
Vodka, known as the "water of life" in its native Russia, has traversed continents and cultures to become one of the world's most beloved and versatile spirits. Every year, on October 4th, enthusiasts around the globe raise their glasses to celebrate International Vodka Day. It's a day dedicated to honouring this clear and flavourful libation, and explore some of the most interesting ways to consume this humble spirit.
And sometimes, there's no better way to mark the occasion than by embarking on a journey than to honour its history, and sampling some Classic Vodka Cocktails, is the perfect (and most tasty) way to do that! So let's raise your glass to this remarkable spirit and embark on a journey through the world of 7 classic vodka cocktails.
1. Moscow Mule
When it comes to the Moscow Mule, its presentation is half its identity. This cocktail originated in the 1940s and features a blend of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. It was popularised by John G. Martin, Jack Morgan, and Sophie Berezinsky in the United States, using Smirnoff vodka and copper mugs. Berezinsky had brought a surplus of the mugs from her family copper manufacturing plant in Russia, while Morgan owned a bar, and produced his own ginger beer on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip and Martin was heading up the Heublein company, who owned the rights to Smirnoff Vodka at the time. The three put their heads together to create a drink that would mutually benefit them all and the Moscow Mule was born.
Recipe:
- 50ml vodka
- 150ml ginger beer
- 15ml fresh lime juice
- Lime wedge for garnish
2. Vodka Martini
From James Bond to Dean Martin, the Vodka Martini is a star-studded, chic cocktail with a timeless appeal. Though Martinis are traditionally made with Gin and Vermouth, after the popularisation of vodka in 1950s America, people started opting for vodka as a base for the classic cocktail. Whether shaken or stirred, it’s always destined to be a hit.
Recipe:
- 60ml vodka
- 10ml dry vermouth
- Lemon twist or olive for garnish
3. White Russian
Sweet and creamy, this cocktail is as much a dessert as it is a drink. It dates back to the 1950s, and became even more popular with the release of the 1998 film "The Big Lebowski." A creamy, sweet cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh cream, this is a spin on the Black Russian cocktail which was made with a simple mix of vodka and coffee liqueur. Neither of the drinks are Russian in origin but got their name from the use of vodka, a stereotypically Russian spirit.
This drink serves two people.
Recipe:
- 50ml vodka
- 25ml coffee liqueur
- 25ml cream
- Ice
4. Screwdriver
Simplicity at its finest, the Screwdriver consists of only two ingredients but has had overwhelming success as a bright. Citrus-driven cocktail. It’s thought to have originated during World War II when American marines and airmen stationed abroad were looking for a simple cocktail that would accommodate wartime restrictions. It’s not clear how the cocktail was named but it’s become a much-loved brunch staple.
Recipe:
- 50ml vodka
- 100ml fresh orange juice
- Orange slice for garnish
5. Cosmopolitan
For those who love a sweeter sip, the Cosmopolitan offers a delicious fruity option. A few people have laid claim to the invention of the vodka, triple sec and cranberry concoction, but its biggest catapult to fame was thanks in part to its frequent appearance on the TV show "Sex and the City." Once Carrie Bradshaw declared this elegant cocktail as her favourite, it became one of the most-ordered drinks of the 90s.
Recipe:
- 40 ml vodka
- 15ml triple sec
- 30ml cranberry juice
- 15ml fresh lime juice
- Orange or lime twist for garnish
6. Bloody Mary
More than just a great hangover cure, the Bloody Mary dates back to 1920s Paris where Fernand ``Pete” Petiot invented the drink at Harry's New York Bar. This bar was a popular spot for American movie stars and this spiced tomato-based cocktail offered a great pick-me-up. It's a savoury cocktail made with vodka, tomato juice, and a blend of spices, usually served with a celery stick.
Recipe:
- 50ml vodka
- 100ml tomato juice
- 15ml lemon juice
- Dash of Worcestershire sauce
- Dash of hot sauce
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- Celery stick and lemon wedge for garnish
7. Long Island Iced Tea
Despite its name, the Long Island Iced Tea has no actual tea in it, but at least it does come from Long Island. It was reportedly created in the 1970s by a bartender named Robert "Rosebud" Butt in Long Island, New York. The cocktail gained popularity due to its mix of various spirits, making it a potent and delicious sip that looked deceptively harmless…like an iced tea.
This drink serves two people.
Recipe:
- 15ml vodka
- 15ml white rum
- 15ml silver tequila
- 15ml triple sec
- 15ml gin
- 25ml fresh lemon juice
- 25ml simple syrup
- A splash of cola
- Lemon wheel for garnish
