Is there anything more refreshing than a classic vodka soda? This two-ingredient cocktail is the ultimate thirst-quencher!
It’s a light and fizzy no-frills libation. And it’s ideal for a cold adult beverage without all the sugar and calories.
So if you’re feeling parched, grab a tall glass and wet your whistle with this ice-cold vodka soda.
What Is a Vodka Soda?
The vodka soda is a classic cocktail that’s easy to make and even easier to drink.
All it calls for is vodka and club soda with the optional lime wedge. It’s crisp, light, effervescent, and one of the easiest summer vodka cocktails around.
Any cocktail aficionado will tell you it’s one of the first drinks they learned to master. And every dieter knows it well.
Low in calories and sugar, it’s a naturally skinny cocktail that requires no tweaking.
Vodka Soda Calories
When it comes to weight loss, vodka soda is the drink. It’s very low in calories and sugar.
It’s not a calorie-bomb like those deliciously sweet frozen cocktails! But for better reference, let’s compare the calories:
- Vodka Soda: 135
- Pina Colada: 245
- Whiskey Sour: 224
- Margarita: 168
- Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri: 245
Most cocktails not loaded with sugar fall within the 150 to 200-calorie range. However, it all depends on the ingredients and serving size.
The vodka soda certainly lands on the lighter side. If you decide to imbibe, vodka soda is a smarter choice than some other drinks.
Ingredients
Vodka soda leaves no surprises. After all, the two ingredients you need are right there in the name!
Well, three if you count the lime. It’s optional, but I highly recommend it.
- Vodka – Quality matters, especially because you use so few ingredients. So opt for a quality vodka brand like Tito’s or Ketel One.
- Club Soda – Club soda makes this drink so refreshing. Sparkling water and seltzer water work in a pinch.
- Lime (Optional) – I recommend adding a lime wedge. It makes this cocktail super refreshing. Plus, the hint of citrus adds a little more flavor to the drink.
How to Make a Vodka Soda
In the world of cocktails, vodka soda is hands down the simplest libation. Anyone can make it, and you don’t need any fancy equipment.
Just follow three steps:
1. Pour the vodka. Pour the vodka into a highball glass full of ice.
2. Top it with club soda. Pour the club soda over the vodka.
3. Add the lime. Squeeze the lime wedge over the cocktail and drop it in. Serve and sip!
Garnishes
Every good cocktail deserves a fresh garnish. It’s the little something extra that elevates the drink.
So here are some ideas that go beyond the lime wedge:
- Add a maraschino cherry. A maraschino cherry instantly makes any cocktail look classy.
- Top it with a fruit toothpick. Pineapple, watermelon, cherries, blackberries, strawberries, take your pick. Just skewer them on a cocktail toothpick and use it for a garnish.
- Jazz up your glass. A wheel of citrus would look refreshing on the glass. Lime or lemon are my favorites. But use yours!
- Sweeten it up. Spiced and sweet, candied ginger adds a fun flavor twist to the drink.
Tips and Variations
With so few ingredients, this drink is effortless. But with these tips and variations, you can make it even better.
- Muddle fresh herbs or fruit. Are you a fan of mojitos? Muddle some herbs in your drink. Mint or basil are my top picks. Fresh fruit like blackberries are also delicious.
- Have fun with flavored water. Club soda is traditional, but you can experiment with flavored sparkling water for a twist. Flavors like cucumber, grapefruit, or lemon can add a different dimension to the drink.
- Add cranberry juice. Vodka cranberry, anyone? It’s equally refreshing and not too sweet.
- Adjust the ratios. The classic vodka soda ratio is 1:2 vodka to club soda. But feel free to adjust to your taste. For a lighter drink, add more soda. For a stronger drink, use less soda.
- Let it chill. For an even more refreshing drink, chill the vodka and club soda first.
- Serve a crowd. Making a pitcher of vodka soda is great for parties. Follow the same recipe, but use larger measurements and mix in a pitcher without ice. Add ice directly to individual glasses when serving.
Vodka Soda (Easy Cocktail Recipe)
1
servings5
minutes85
kcalCocktails don’t get much simpler than a vodka soda! All you need to do is grab your favorite vodka and add club soda and your favorite garnish.
Ingredients
2 ounces vodka
4-6 ounces club soda (adjust to your preferred strength)
1 lime wedge (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour in the vodka.
- Top it with club soda, leaving a bit of space for the lime wedge.
- Squeeze the lime wedge into the drink for a touch of tartness, and drop it in if desired.
Notes
- Ratio: The classic vodka soda ratio is 1:2 vodka to club soda, but feel free to adjust to your taste. For a lighter drink, add more soda. For a stronger drink, use less soda.
- Soda options: While club soda is traditional, you can experiment with flavored sparkling water for a twist. Flavors like cucumber, grapefruit, or lemon can add a different dimension to the drink.
- Garnishes: Get creative with garnishes! Beyond lime, consider muddled berries, fresh herbs like mint or basil, or even cucumber slices.
- Serving a crowd: Making a pitcher of vodka soda is great for parties. Follow the same recipe, but use larger measurements (e.g., 1 cup vodka to 3 cups club soda) and mix in a pitcher without ice. Add ice directly to individual glasses when serving.
