How to Make Drinks With Vodka

Vodka's neutral taste makes it a popular alcohol for mixed drinks and cocktails. No bartender would be without this liquor, which has the ability to complement and enhance the flavor of a wide variety of juices, sodas and liqueurs. Bold enough to stand up to the strongest of mixers, vodka also combines well with the most delicate of soda waters and simple sweeteners. Vodka plays an integral role in everything from classy cocktails and cosmopolitans to macho martinis.

Things You'll Need

• Martini glasses High ball glasses A variety of soda waters and juices Ice cubes Shaker Garnishes

Instructions

1. Choose what vodka you would like to use to make your drinks. A variety of top-shelf brands are available, and several offer citrus-infused flavors. Decide whether a plain or flavor-enhanced vodka will best complement your drink.

2. Mix the vodka with a juice or soda water. To make a screwdriver, combine vodka with orange juice; add a dash of lemonade for a twist. A kamikaze is a combination of vodka, Triple Sec and lime juice. The Vodka Seven is a mix of vodka, lime juice and lemon lime soda.

3. Add liqueurs to vodka to create complex and sophisticated after-dinner cocktails. The Russian Banana is a delicious combination of vodka, brown creme de cacao, banana liqueur and light cream. The Vladimir is a heady mixture of raspberry syrup, grenadine, creme de cassis and vodka.

4. Decide what garnishes complement your vodka drinks. No Bloody Mary would be complete without celery sticks, and a Lemon Drop tastes best when the glass is rimmed with sugar. The traditional vodka martini is usually garnished with an olive or two, while a vodka sour is enhanced with a cherry and lemon slice.

5. Serve sweet and creamy vodka drinks as desserts at special events and parties. The Chocolatini delights taste buds with a mix of vodka, Bailey's Irish Cream liqueur and Godiva liqueur; garnish with chocolate shavings. The Vodka-Espresso cocktail pleases palettes with a combination of premium vodka, cold espresso, Tia Maria and Kahlua Especial.