20 Best Vodka Cocktails You Can Easily Make At Home 

Are you curious about how to make those cocktails that you enjoy in bars and restaurants or the above ones? Well, did you know you could make them at home?

There is always a reason to whip a nice cocktail, and vodka cocktails never disappoint, especially when you want to showcase bartender skills.

If you are a day drinker, the vodka cocktails are the best because they are undetectable and have zero alcoholic smell, which means your breath will not reek of alcohol even after you take a glass or two of the drink.  

Before you learn how to be that renowned mixologist, you need to learn a few pointers.

Understand the occasion, the reason for drinking, and the drinker’s preferences. Is the cocktail for celebration, calming after stress, or do they prefer a sweet drink?

As you learn how to make these vodka cocktails, whether you are entertaining yourself or friends, you need to understand the basics of cocktail contraptions, such as mixing, right dilution, shaking, flavor balancing, and garnishing. 

Quick Table: Best Vodka Cocktails Recipes

Recipes	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
Jack Frost Cocktail	368	5 Minutes
Adult Hot Chocolate	364	5 Minutes
Vodka Tonic	183	5 Minutes
Homemade Bloody Mary	37	10 Minutes
Vodka Cranberry	130	3 Minutes
Frozen Mudslide	504	10 Minutes
Vodka Watermelon	136	5 Minutes
Black Russian	220	2 Minutes
White Russian	590	5 Minutes
Fresh Cherry Lime Vodka Soda	106	15 Minutes
Berry Vodka Cocktail(Sugar-Free)	141	5 Minutes
Kentucky Peach Vodka	146	5 Minutes
Black-Eyed Susan	175	10 Minutes
Classic Screwdriver	162	2 Minutes
Caramel Apple Martini (Toffee Apple Martini)	204	5 Minutes
Vodka Root Beer Float	526	5 Minutes
Sex On The Beach	198	5 Minutes
Sea Breeze	177	5 Minutes
Vodka Spritzer	161	5 Minutes
Vodka Sour	110	7 Minutes

Here are some recipes that will allow you to explore different vodka cocktails and give you amazing cocktail experiences.     

1. Jack Frost Cocktail

This perfect winter cocktail can be a major hit during the coming Christmas party and takes only minutes to make. It is perfect during the festive season, pretty and so delicious.

The blue curacao used to make it, along with the sweet shredded coconut, gives this cocktail a divine wintery look. It tastes like pina colada is bound to be a great hit.

It has a cool winter look, and an awesome taste is achieved by a blend of vodka, blue curacao, pineapple juice, and coconut cream, which results in pure niceness and thoughts of paradise afterward.

Great to make for yourself or when you have friends over for a Christmas gathering.

Calories Per Serving: 368 

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes 

2. Adult Hot Chocolate

This is the perfect hot cocktail for couples to enjoy during those cold evenings. If you are parents, wait until the kids are asleep and begin your romantic night with this cocktail.

Perfect for warming you up, especially if you have been out in the cold the whole day. 

It comprises homemade cocoa, Godiva, and whipped cream vodka. You can take this drink by the fireside because it is creamy, lightly sweet, and warm.

It is perfect for a romantic cold night or if you just want to relax by yourself and warm up in the process.  

Calories Per Serving: 364

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes 

3. Vodka Tonic

This vodka cocktail is for those who love tonic water but would love something cleaner. Vodka is an ideal choice in this case. It will not taste plain or bland as common with vodka sodas.

Vodka tonic adds sweets and taste to the drink, making it perfect for drinking with a bunch of friends or on your own if you simply want to unwind. 

 It is a simple drink and a favorite for many vodka lovers. All you need to make it is ice, vodka, tonic water, and lemon wedge to enjoy this amazing cocktail. 

Remember, you can use any type of citrus apart from lemons, such as lime or blood orange, which is vital in adding that special acidic bite that makes the drink better-tasting and pretty-looking. 

Calories Per Serving: 183 

Preparation Time: 3 Minutes 

4. Homemade Bloody Marys

Bloody Marys are savory, spicy, fresh, and flavorful when made at home. When you look at a bloody mary the first time, you will think it’s a tomato soup, not a cocktail.

All you need for the perfect bloody mary is tomato juice, hot sauce, vodka, and Worcestershire sauce. After this mix, you could add garlic, vinegar, cucumber, celery seeds, black pepper, and salt. 

This is the perfect drink to have fun and relax with friends or yourself. It is also commonly believed to be a great hangover cure. The veggies in the drink would be helpful when it comes to settling your stomach and relieving headaches.  

Calories Per Serving: 37

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

5. Vodka Cranberry

This is one cocktail that suffered great injustice in most bars because they serve it as a simple mix of vodka and cranberry juice. It usually ends up tasting like watered-down juice with a touch of alcohol.  

The best way to make the vodka cranberry cocktail is by adding a dash of lime and orange juice to the cranberry and vodka mix.

Lime makes the drink zesty and better, and it works the same way as salt or sugar in rounding the drink out. Orange juice blends perfectly with cranberry and adds some sweetness to balance the bitterness. 

It is the perfect drink if you want a balanced, great-tasting drink that is refreshing without being strong.

It is great for beginners because it is not strong but delicious. It is perfect as a celebratory drink or a drink to calm you after a stressful day.  

Calories Per Serving: 130

Preparation Time: 3 Minutes

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6. Frozen Mudslide

There is nothing like a cold frozen mudslide to make you relax after a busy day.

This is a simple cocktail to prepare and only requires vodka, coffee liqueur(Kahlua), Irish baileys cream, vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, ice cubes, and chocolate sprinkles for a finishing touch.

If you are not a coffee fan, you can substitute it with Creme De Cacao for that more chocolatey look and taste. 

This cocktail has this sweet flavor that should not fool you. It might taste like a milkshake, but a single glass of the thing will buzz you seriously.

It is a great cocktail for chocoholics and dessert lovers. Definitely like a mocha milkshake with alcohol in it. 

This is undoubtedly an adult milkshake and perfect for anyone who wants to begin their weekend drinking. The perfect way to begin a relaxing weekend. 

Calories Per Serving: 504

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

7. Vodka Watermelon Cocktail

This is one of the simplest fruit cocktails that requires only watermelon, lime juice, and coconut, blended and topped with vodka. This is the perfect summer drink because it is easy and light and doesn’t have too many calories.  

It will quench your thirst and make you feel relaxed as you enjoy those hot afternoons with friends or with a great book and music in the background.  

When preparing it,  remember to use those seedless watermelons or remove the seeds before you blend your watermelon. 

Remember to use seedless watermelons or to remove them before blending for a smooth, flawless result.

With just 136 calories, this drink is good for you or anyone walking the health path who would love an adult drink once in a while to get you relaxing and refreshing. 

Calories Per Serving: 136 

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

8. Black Russian

First created in 1949 in Brussels by a bartender, Gustave Tops, who worked at the Metropole, this drink is a simple cocktail that is amazing and doesn’t have any links with Russia except that vodka is the main ingredient.

The black in the name is also due to the drink being black-colored. 

The Kahlua is the main flavor in the drink. It is so easy to make because all you have to do is just pour the ingredients and give them a good stir and you don’t need to shake.

No garnish is required either, and a few ice cubes will make the drink ready to partake.  

This is a  strong cocktail since the two main ingredients have alcohol, and the only mixer is the ice cubes. It is the perfect drink for a hot day, and you can also serve it at a barbecue because it is light enough to pair with those heavy foods. 

The simplicity of this drink might fool you, but the truth is that it is a rich and delicious drink and, above all, quite satisfying. 

Calories Per Serving: 220  

Preparation Time: 2 Minutes

9. White Russian

Just like the black Russian, the white Russian has nothing to do with Russia except for the vodka. It is ranked as one of the best vodka cocktails globally. Its unusual ingredients, coffee, and cream, make it a drink of interest for many.

It was also invented in Brussels and is done the same way as the black  Russian, and the difference lies in the cream.  

A perfect drink if creamy cocktails are your thing. You only need Kahlua, vodka, and cream. When serving it, use a few straws to stir the drink as much or as little as you want.

For the best experience, stir the drink lightly, then sip with the glass and not through the straws to allow that rich, strong cream layer to hit you first and help tame the buzzy vodka and Kahlua layer. 

Great for serving alongside heavy foods, too, don’t let the creamy look fool you; it is a strong drink.  

Calories Per Serving: 590

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

10. Fresh Cherry Lime Vodka Soda

Cherry and lime are an awesome combo and never go wrong. This drink is delicious and would probably have been sweeter minus the alcohol. It is an amazingly bubbly, light, and refreshing cocktail. 

You will need lime juice, vodka, cherry syrup, seltzer water, crushed ice, lime wedges, and fresh cherries. It is not simple to prepare and requires skill, but the Recipe is simple to follow. 

All you need to do is use a large pitcher to combine the lime juice, vodka, and cherry syrup. You will then need to stir well and then refrigerate it for at least an hour before you serve it.

Pour in cold seltzer water before sipping, and then add simple syrup and seltzer until the desired taste is achieved. 

You can then pour the mixture over crushed ice and use lime wedges, fresh mint, or cherries to garnish. A great drink if you want to cool yourself down and relax during the hot summers.   

Calories Per Serving: 106 

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

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11. Berry Vodka Cocktails (Sugar-Free)

This is a simple cocktail to whip up anytime you feel like having a drink, and you don’t need a cocktail shaker to make it; a pitcher will do if you need to make several drinks for your guests.

It is the perfect drink for someone who prefers drinks with healthy ingredients.     

When preparing this cocktail, frozen fruits will work just as well as fresh ones, and you can rely on them for flavoring. But if you feel it is a little flat, you can add some simple syrup.

However, to keep the cocktail sugar-free, you might consider adding flavored seltzer and not club soda. You can also add a hint of zestiness to the mix using a dash of lemon and lime.   

Berry Vodka cocktails can be served with all manner of cuisines. You could try veggie burgers, barbeque, or a dish of your choice.    

Calories Per Serving: 141 

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

12. Kentucky Peach Vodka Cocktail

This is one cocktail known for its array of tasty extras, and it is anything but watered-down. The cocktail uses vodka and bourbon, which means it is strong, and unlike most cocktails, it doesn’t have sweet fruit juice.

Peach-flavored vodka and lemonade are all you will get with this cocktail which is quite boozy but nice. 

To make this cocktail, you will need a Smirnoff peach vodka, bourbon, lemonade, simple syrup, and ice. 

It is a great cocktail that can be served with heavy foods. It is strong and perfect for anyone who needs relaxing. 

Calories Per Serving: 146

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

13. Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail

With every triple crown race having its official drink, the Preakness Stakes is no exception. Its official drink happens to be the Black-eyed Susan.

This cocktail was first created in 1973, and since then, it has been popular. It is an enjoyable drink that can be taken any time of the year, and it is simple to make 

This cocktail is bright colored, which is why it is named after the pretty flower (black-eyed Susan). There are various Black-eyed Susan cocktails out there, and most of them taste great.

The main ingredient of this cocktail is vodka, German liqueur, lime juice, pineapple juice, lime juice, and orange juice. Maraschino cherries and orange slices are also required for garnishing. 

This cocktail has a great volume of nonalcoholic mixers and is therefore not a very strong drink.

The fruit mixers tame the alcohol. So if you like something that is not too strong but relaxing at the same time, you are going to love the Black-Eyed Susan cocktail. 

Calories Per Serving: 175

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

14. Classic Screwdriver

The origin of this drink is not so clear, but there is a common notion that American oil workers invented it, and because they didn’t have a spoon around, they stirred the drink with a screwdriver hence the name Classic Screwdriver. 

This is one of the easiest cocktails to make and perfect as an afternoon drink. It is popular among cocktail enthusiasts. The good thing is that it is a pretty straightforward drink since the main ingredients are orange juice and vodka. 

But, for this to be a cocktail, it has to be 3 drinks which is why it is two parts orange juice and one part vodka. You could also add soda water to make it bubbly and refreshing.

All you need to do is pour, stir and enjoy. Anyone who needs a nice cocktail can make this drink and enjoy it on a beautiful afternoon after a heavy meal. 

Calories Per Serving: 164

Preparation Time: 2 Minutes

15. Caramel Apple Martini (Toffee Apple Martini)

This cocktail begins with a vodka base and then adds warming and comforting flavors of caramel, butterscotch, toffee, and apple cider creating this amazing autumn drink.

It is very easy to make whether you are making it for yourself or a couple of friends who have come over to hang out. 

For this cocktail, you will need caramel schnapps, vodka, apple cider, and fresh apple slices for garnishing. This cocktail is also called the Toffee Apple Martini, and if you adore appletinis, you will love this cocktail.

 It is smooth, sweet, and almost creamy. Instead of using apple liqueur or apple brandy, you can consider using a decent apple cider and then add caramel schnapps for that amazing sweeter finish.

A great celebratory drink for parties and can be served before or after meals. 

Calories Per Serving: 204 

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

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16. Vodka Root Beer Float

This is one cocktail that looks too delicious and attractive to resist. Make sure you are alone when making this cocktail, especially if you have kids, because kids might be attracted by its look.

You can use hard root beer to achieve that extra kick with this cocktail or decide to go for that whipped cream vodka for that rich finish. 

The best thing about this drink is combining an alcoholic drink and dessert. It is perfect for summertime parties to keep the heat away. Still, you can take it any time of the year when you feel like it. 

To create this cocktail, you will need root beer, vanilla ice cream, vanilla vodka, and cherries to garnish.

If you are making this cocktail for a couple of people, you might want to use root beer in a big pitcher and just add vodka along with the other ingredients for a creamy finish. 

Calories Per Serving: 526 

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

17. Sex On The Beach Cocktail

This cocktail has an interesting name. It got its name from a Florida bartender trying to promote peach schnapps to some spring breakers.

However, beyond the interesting name lies an amazingly flavored cocktail perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a great-tasting fruity cocktail. 

Sex on the beach is the perfect combination of cranberry juice, orange juice, peach schnapps, vodka, and Chambord poured perfectly and topped with fruit. It is a fun and scrumptious cocktail that, when done right, becomes quite enjoyable. 

It is a perfect summer drink, and its fruity flavors and alcoholic content have made it very popular. You can take it any time of the day, and to best enjoy it, get the instructions on how to make it right. 

Calories Per Serving: 198 

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

18. Sea Breeze

This drink is an icon of 1980s drinking; as its name suggests, it is indeed light and refreshing. It is the perfect drink to take on sunny days thanks to its refreshing nature, which is welcome during the summer heat.  

You will need cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, and vodka as the main ingredients and a lime wheel to garnish for making the sea breeze cocktail.

However, if you love sweet cocktails, you might not love this one because of all the fruity sourness.  

It might be bitter, but the effect is priceless, and its pleasant, vibrant color gives off relaxing vibes, like something you would take during vacation. It is best taken in the afternoon after meals. 

Calories Per Serving: 177

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

19. Vodka Spritzer 

This is an easy vodka drink to prepare and is usually linked to spritzers. It is simple to make at home because you only need soda, water, vodka, fruits, or juices. You can choose various variations of this drink: lemonade or raspberry.

You can also decide to go all clear using vodka, sparkling mineral water, lime juice, fresh mint, and fresh lime slice for garnish.

It is a lovely drink to take during spring or summer afternoons after lunch. The taste is divine, especially if you are using raspberries. It is the ideal drink for anyone who would love a simple cocktail with a buzz on a lovely afternoon. 

Calories Per Serving: 161 

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

20. Vodka Sour

This is a cocktail that ranks among the cocktail group of mixed drinks. Sours are known for their combination of three parts: citrus, sweetener, and liquor.

There is one basic way of making this cocktail, and then there are variations depending on the taste you want to achieve.

There being whiskey, mai tai, gin, pisco, and tequila sours, vodka sours remain the most popular thanks to their distinct flavor, which stands out from other cocktails.

To make the vodka sour cocktail, you will need vodka, egg white, lemon juice, simple syrup, maraschino cherry, angostura bitter, ice cubes, and a lemon wedge or slice for garnish.

Anyone who wants to feel the amazing taste of a vodka sour can make this cocktail though it requires a little skill, especially when mixing ingredients and shaking. It is a cocktail like no other, thanks to its unique taste.   

Calories Per Serving: 110 

Preparation Time: 7 Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions 

Which Are The Best Vodka Mixers When Making Vodka Cocktails?

Vodka cocktails have evolved, especially in recent years. Most cocktail flavors are influenced by the mixers used in their making.

Some common and best mixers for vodka cocktails are soda water, tonic water, ginger beer, lime juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, raspberry juice, simple syrup, and lemonade. These mixers create unique cocktails.  

Should Beginners Take Vodka Cocktails?  

Vodka alone is not recommended for those making their debut in the drinking journey because of the high alcohol content.

Beginners are advised to take vodka cocktails toned down by mixers and with only a touch of vodka for that slight buzz. 

What Tools Will You Need To Make Great Vodka Cocktails At Home? 

To successfully create vodka cocktails at home, you will need useful tools such as a shaker, jigger, strainer, bar spoon, channel knife, muddler, citrus juice, and glasses to serve your amazing cocktails.