The Best And Worst Mixers For Your Vodka, Ranked

15. Espresso

Espresso is a coffee beverage created with an espresso machine, resulting in a rich and concentrated brew. Espresso martinis have gained significant popularity, leading many to believe that simply combining espresso and vodka will suffice. However, that’s not the case.

The key ingredients that elevate espresso martinis are simple syrup and coffee liqueur, which help to soften the more intense flavors of the coffee and vodka. Without these additions, the drink can become overwhelmingly bitter, making straight espresso a poor choice for mixing with vodka. Additionally, combining vodka and caffeine isn’t the healthiest option; espresso martinis can lead to a severe hangover due to the dehydrating effects of both alcohol and caffeine. They may also worsen certain health issues, particularly heart-related conditions, as both components can increase heart rate and blood pressure.

Nevertheless, if you’re in good health and well-hydrated, espresso martinis, along with their creamier and sweeter counterpart, the mudslide, can be a delightful indulgence. They make for excellent dessert cocktails, especially mudslides, which are often served with ice cream. Unfortunately, espresso martinis are among the drinks that bartenders often dislike preparing due to the complexity involved in making them.

14. Red Bull

Mixing Red Bull with vodka can actually result in a surprisingly pleasant drink. Red Bull is a popular choice for those looking to mix with vodka. However, it can pose some risks when combined with alcohol.

From a mixing perspective, Red Bull shares a similar issue with espresso: its caffeine content. A can of Red Bull contains more caffeine than a shot of espresso, which can contribute to dehydration and an increased heart rate. Additionally, Red Bull effectively masks the taste of vodka, and the caffeine can make you feel more alert, encouraging you to keep drinking. This combination heightens the risk of binge drinking, often without you even realizing it.

This is akin to the reasons behind the ban of the original Four Loko: it increases the likelihood of binge drinking, and consuming too many in a short period can lead to a dangerous buildup of alcohol in your bloodstream. This can result in alcohol overdose, which carries the risk of irreversible brain damage or even death.

13. Ginger beer

Ginger beer, much like root beer, is not actually a type of beer. While the original formulation did contain alcohol, the ginger beer available in stores today typically has little to no alcohol content. It is a fizzy drink characterized by a robust ginger flavor, along with various other tastes. This sets it apart from ginger ale, which is known for its gentler, sweeter profile.

Ginger beer plays a vital role in the traditional Moscow mule recipe, which also features vodka, lime juice, and a sprig of mint, and is usually served in a copper mug. The lime juice introduces a balance of sweet and sour that enhances the overall flavor of the drink. Moscow mules are highly sought-after cocktails; however, the lime is essential for achieving the right balance. Without it, the drink can become excessively spicy, depending on the type of ginger beer used. If you prefer a simpler mixer, consider opting for the sweeter ginger ale instead.

12. Dark sodas

Dark sodas, such as Coke, Pepsi, and their diet versions, are quite popular choices for mixing with liquor. While there's nothing inherently wrong with combining Coke and vodka—especially if you're a fan of dark sodas—it can be a bit mundane, and there are more exciting alternatives available.

Coke and Pepsi are effective at masking the flavor of alcohol. To create a vodka and Coke, simply mix one part vodka with two parts of your preferred dark soda. While Coke and Pepsi are timeless options, you might also consider experimenting with Dr Pepper or root beer for a unique twist.

Although dark sodas typically contain caffeine, the amount is generally much lower than what you'd find in an espresso shot or energy drink, making them relatively safe. However, exercise caution when using diet sodas, as the absence of real sugar can speed up the absorption of alcohol in your body, leading to quicker intoxication.

11. Lemon-lime soda

Similar to dark sodas, lemon-lime sodas such as Sprite and Starry are favored mixers for vodka. They provide a bubbly, citrusy sweetness that many enjoy. While vodka and Sprite is a classic pairing, it lacks originality. To elevate the drink, consider adding a splash of grenadine for a twist reminiscent of a dirty Shirley Temple.

That said, there are plenty of fantastic cocktails that combine vodka and lemon-lime soda. The zipper cocktail features equal parts vodka, lemon-lime soda, and raspberry liqueur, resulting in a sweet and tangy summer refreshment. Another delightful summer option is the sex in the driveway, which includes one ounce of peach schnapps, one ounce of blue curaçao, two ounces of vodka, and four ounces of Sprite. Alternatively, you can create a true dirty Shirley by mixing vodka, lemon-lime soda, and maraschino cherries.

10. Carbonated water

There are several varieties of carbonated water: club soda, seltzer, tonic water, and sparkling water. While all of these can be combined with vodka, they are not always interchangeable. Club soda and sparkling water contain minerals, whereas seltzer typically does not. Tonic water, on the other hand, has added minerals and includes a bitter substance known as quinine. It's crucial to understand when to use seltzer, club soda, or tonic water in your cocktails, as each offers a distinct flavor profile.

Vodka tonics are popular beverages, but they can become overly bitter without a hint of acidity, such as lime juice. Nevertheless, many people enjoy vodka with tonic and other carbonated waters, even without additional flavorings. One advantage of using carbonated waters is the wide range of flavored options available, allowing you to select the one that best matches your palate.

9. Iced tea

Another timeless mixer for vodka is iced tea. As the name implies, iced tea is tea served chilled and can be prepared either sweetened or unsweetened. When combining it with vodka, sweetened tea is generally preferred, as the unsweetened variety may render your cocktail overly bitter.

To create a vodka and iced tea drink, mix six parts iced tea with one part vodka. A great advantage of using iced tea is that, similar to carbonated water, it comes in various flavors like raspberry, peach, and lemon. You can also enhance the taste by adding a splash of lemon juice to your cocktail.

Interestingly, Long Island iced teas contain vodka but do not actually include tea. These unique drinks, which have a curious backstory, consist of vodka, gin, white rum, white tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and a splash of cola. To transform a Long Island iced tea into one with tea, simply replace the cola with tea and add an extra splash of sparkling water.

8. Tomato juice

When people think of tomato juice and vodka, their minds often go straight to bloody marys. Celebrated as a remedy for hangovers due to their rich content of vitamins and antioxidants, bloody marys are an immensely popular cocktail. However, they consist of more than just tomato juice and vodka; they usually incorporate Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, and lemon juice, though variations exist. And, of course, the iconic celery stalk is a must-have garnish.

These additional ingredients are essential because plain tomato juice and vodka alone don't create a satisfying drink. They lack the spice and complexity that the sauces bring, as well as the refreshing zing from the lemon juice. While bloody marys are intended to be savory, without these extra components, they can taste rather dull and somewhat off. Instead, whip up a classic bloody mary, or elevate it further by adding a splash of beef broth.

7. Cream

Combining vodka with cream might seem unusual, but there are numerous cream liqueurs available. While it may not appeal to everyone, blending heavy whipping cream with vodka can create a drink reminiscent of a mix between ice cream and alcohol. The cream introduces a sweetness to the vodka, resulting in a surprisingly dessert-like beverage. You can achieve a similar effect by adding milk and sugar to sweeten the vodka. There's no need to worry about the vodka causing the milk to curdle, as this is unlikely, particularly when using cream with a higher fat content.

Additionally, there are many vodka cocktails that incorporate cream. For instance, the indulgent mudslide cocktail features vodka and cream, along with Bailey's Irish Cream, coffee liqueur, and chocolate syrup. Alternatively, you can try the classic white Russian recipe, which is simple to prepare with two ounces of vodka, one ounce of heavy whipping cream, and one ounce of coffee liqueur.

6. Pomegranate juice

Pomegranates are often regarded as superfruits due to their high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Their flavor is rich and reminiscent of cranberries and grapes, striking a balance between sweetness and tartness. Pomegranate juice serves as a fantastic mixer for vodka, adding a delightful flavor profile to cocktails. Its deep taste can even evoke the essence of red wine.

You can use pomegranate juice to craft various cocktails, such as a pomegranate martini, which combines pomegranate juice, vodka, orange liqueur, and lime juice. For a simpler option, try a pomegranate vodka gimlet, made with just vodka, pomegranate juice, and lime juice. Additionally, you can replace cranberry juice with pomegranate juice for a refreshing twist on a classic cosmopolitan. Given the similar flavor profiles of cranberry and pomegranate, the latter is an excellent alternative in many drinks, especially if you're seeking something a bit less tart than traditional cranberry.

5. Orange juice

For a refreshing drink that offers a hint of tartness alongside a burst of citrus, consider combining vodka with orange juice. This duo creates a delightful flavor profile, where the tangy notes of the orange juice enhance the vodka, while the vodka slightly balances the sweetness of the juice.

While a classic screwdriver cocktail consists solely of vodka and orange juice, these ingredients are also essential in various other cocktails. For instance, a vodka sunrise is crafted with orange juice, vodka, and grenadine. You can elevate your mixology skills by creating a desert sunrise, which includes orange juice, vodka, grenadine, and pineapple juice. Another favorite summer cocktail, the Sex on the Beach, combines vodka, orange juice, cranberry juice, and peach schnapps. Additionally, the Harvey Wallbanger features a simple blend of vodka, orange juice, and Galliano, a yellow herbal liqueur.

4. Grapefruit juice

Another excellent option for fruit juice is grapefruit juice. These large, round, orange-hued fruits are recognized for their sweet and tangy flavor. While it tends to be a bit more tart than orange juice, mixing it with vodka softens the sourness, allowing the sweetness of the grapefruit to come through, creating a delightful, refreshing drink perfect for summer.

A cocktail made solely with grapefruit juice and vodka is known as a Greyhound. There are several variations of this drink, including the Shifting Sands cocktail, which incorporates maraschino liqueur; the London Light cocktail, which adds pomegranate juice; and the Sea Breeze, a fun summer concoction that combines grapefruit juice, vodka, and cranberry juice.

However, while Greyhounds and their variations are delicious, it's important to be cautious if you are on prescription medication. Grapefruit juice can interfere with the metabolism of certain medications, leading to higher levels of the drug in your bloodstream for a longer duration. If you're uncertain about the safety of consuming grapefruit juice with your medication, consult your doctor.

3. Lemonade

Vodka lemonade is a simple and refreshing drink perfect for warm spring and summer days. The sweetness of the lemonade easily masks the sharpness of the vodka, making it one of the top three choices to pair with this spirit. Vodka is also an excellent liquor to blend with lemonade, creating a delightful mix for relaxing on the porch, by the pool, or at a barbecue.

To whip up a tasty vodka lemonade, combine one part vodka with three parts lemonade. For an extra touch, consider adding basil leaves. You can use any type of lemonade—classic, pink, or flavored varieties like strawberry or raspberry. Additionally, vodka and lemonade serve as the foundation for another summer favorite, the Blue Lagoon cocktail. This eye-catching blue drink hails from France and is crafted with one ounce of vodka, one ounce of blue curaçao, four ounces of lemonade, and garnished with a lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry.

2. Cranberry juice

Vodka cranberry cocktails are among the most popular vodka beverages available. Also known as a Cape Codder, this drink is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just two ingredients: cranberry juice and vodka. While many opt to garnish it with a lime wedge, it's not mandatory. The simplicity of this drink means that cranberry juice is one of the top mixers for vodka, as no special tools are needed.

Cranberry juice contributes a touch of sweetness and a significant tartness, effectively balancing the sharpness of the vodka. This makes cranberry a favored option for various vodka cocktails, such as the Sea Breeze and its relative, the Bay Breeze, which combines cranberry juice, vodka, and pineapple juice. And let's not forget the Cosmopolitan, a timeless classic. Cosmopolitan recipes typically call for citrus-flavored vodka (though unflavored works as well), cranberry juice, Cointreau, and lime juice, often garnished with a twist of orange peel.

1. Pineapple juice

Pineapple juice boasts a robust yet sweet tropical taste, making it an excellent mixer for various spirits, including vodka. A standard vodka and pineapple drink typically combines one part vodka with two to three parts pineapple juice. The pineapple juice tends to mask the vodka's sharpness, while the vodka balances the sweetness of the pineapple, resulting in a delicious and refreshing summer beverage.

Both pineapple juice and vodka feature prominently in a range of tropical cocktails that evoke a beachy vibe. One such drink is the Bay Breeze, also known as the Island Breeze or a pineapple screwdriver, which includes vodka, pineapple juice, and orange juice. Another delightful option is the chi chi cocktail, reminiscent of a piña colada but made with vodka instead of rum, along with pineapple juice and cream of coconut. For a more sophisticated choice, consider the classic French martini, which is easy to prepare with vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord.

How did we rank these vodka mixers?

There are countless ingredients you can combine with vodka, and the reality is that what pairs well with vodka often depends on personal taste. To establish the rankings above, I scoured the internet for reviews of different vodka mixers. I also examined which mixers are frequently featured in cocktails. Additionally, I conducted my own taste tests to provide a clearer understanding of flavors and to create more definitive rankings.