Vodka Tonic Cocktail Recipe

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Vodka Tonic Nutrition Facts

Calories:150

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:12g

Alcohol:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The Vodka Tonic is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for decades. It is a simple, refreshing drink that is perfect for any occasion. The origins of the Vodka Tonic can be traced back to the British colonial era, when tonic water was used to combat malaria. The addition of vodka made the medicinal tonic more palatable, and the Vodka Tonic was born.

  • The Vodka Tonic is a popular choice among those who enjoy a light, refreshing cocktail.
  • It is often served at parties and gatherings due to its simplicity and crowd-pleasing taste.
  • The Vodka Tonic is a versatile drink that can be easily customized with various garnishes and flavors.

How Vodka Tonic Tastes?

The Vodka Tonic has a crisp, clean taste with a hint of sweetness from the tonic water. The vodka adds a subtle warmth and smoothness, while the carbonation from the tonic water provides a refreshing effervescence. The overall flavor is light, slightly sweet, and pleasantly bitter.

Interesting facts about Vodka Tonic

  • The Vodka Tonic is sometimes referred to as a 'V&T' or 'VT'.
  • The cocktail is often garnished with a lime wedge, which adds a touch of citrus flavor and acidity to the drink.
  • The Vodka Tonic is a popular choice for those looking to enjoy a low-calorie cocktail, as it typically contains fewer calories than many other mixed drinks.

Ingredients

A few good options for Vodka Tonic are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

The star of the show: Vodka is a versatile spirit that provides a strong, clean base for the cocktail. 2 oz is just the right amount to kick things up without knocking your socks off. Using less would make the drink too weak, using more might require calling a cab.

Emma Rose

Tonic Water

The effervescent companion: Tonic water brings a bitter edge and crisp carbonation to the mix, with 4 oz offering a perfect balance to the vodka's potency. Skip it, and you'll just have cold vodka - which is a different night entirely.

Mary Mitkina

Ice

The cool character: Ice keeps the drink chilly and refreshing. As needed, but not too much, or you'll water down the intrigue. No ice turns your cocktail into a lukewarm debate.

Alex Green

Lime Wedge

The zesty flourish: A touch of lime adds a fresh, citrusy zing, brightening up the drink. Without it, you'd miss the tangy twist that ties everything together. A lemon could pinch-hit, but lime is the true MVP here.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Vodka Tonic Drink

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
  2. Pour 2 oz of vodka over the ice.
  3. Top with 4 oz of tonic water.
  4. Gently stir the drink to combine the ingredients.
  5. Garnish with a lime wedge, either by placing it on the rim of the glass or squeezing it over the drink and dropping it in.

Pro Tips

  • Use high-quality vodka for a smoother taste.
  • Chill your glass before preparing the cocktail to keep it cool longer.
  • Experiment with flavored tonics to add a unique twist to your Vodka Tonic.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Ceviche: The citrus notes of the lime in the Vodka Tonic complement the freshness of ceviche.
  • Smoked Salmon: The clean, crisp taste of Vodka Tonic cuts through the richness of smoked salmon.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Chicken: The light and refreshing qualities of a Vodka Tonic make it an excellent pair for grilled chicken dishes.
  • Sushi: This cocktail's simplicity does not overpower the delicate flavors of sushi.

Snacks

  • Salted Nuts: The salty crunch of nuts is balanced by the Vodka Tonic's effervescence.
  • Chips and Guacamole: The coolness of the guacamole and the crunch of chips pair well with the bubbly and citrusy Vodka Tonic.

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What you could change in Vodka Tonic

  • Gin can be used instead of vodka for a different flavor profile.
  • Lemon can be used as a garnish instead of lime for a slightly different citrus note.
  • Diet tonic water can be used for a lower-calorie version of the cocktail.

Explore all drinks starting with V here

And of course - twists🍹

Cucumber Vodka Tonic

Fresh twist: Replace the regular vodka with cucumber-infused vodka. Add slices of cucumber to the glass before adding ice. This will introduce a spa-like, refreshing twist that's perfect for a hot summer afternoon.

Spicy Vodka Tonic

Fiery addition: Muddle a few slices of jalapeño in the glass before adding the vodka and tonic. This spicy twist will elevate the cocktail to a bolder level, perfect for those who like it hot. Sip cautiously!

Berry Vodka Tonic

Fruity flair: Add a handful of muddled berries (like raspberries or blackberries) before pouring the vodka and tonic. The berries impart a sweet and tart flavor, creating a delightful contrast with the bitter tonic—ideal for a fruity fun time at your next garden party.

In case you forgot basics how to make Vodka Tonic

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Vodka Tonic

What are the best occasions to serve a Vodka Tonic at?

A Vodka Tonic is a versatile cocktail suitable for any occasion. However, it is most commonly enjoyed at summer barbecues, parties, casual gatherings, and cocktail hours.

What type of vodka works best in a Vodka Tonic?

Any type of vodka can be used in a Vodka Tonic, but high-quality vodka may result in a smoother cocktail. Some may prefer a traditional, neutral vodka, while others may enjoy using a flavored vodka to add a twist to the drink.

Can the Vodka Tonic be pre-mixed for large gatherings

Yes, the Vodka Tonic can be pre-mixed for convenience at large gatherings. It is recommended to serve the pre-mixed cocktail chilled and to add the tonic water just before serving to maintain the effervescence.

What is the ideal temperature to serve a Vodka Tonic?

A Vodka Tonic is best served chilled. For the optimal experience, the vodka, tonic water, and glass should all be chilled prior to serving.

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