There are many popular alcoholic drinks that can be mixed with soda. The most common alcohols used are vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and whiskey. The type of soda used can vary based on personal taste preferences. However, the most popular sodas used are cola, lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, tonic water, club soda, and lemonade. Let’s explore some of the most popular mixed drinks made with soda in more detail:
Vodka and Soda
Vodka and soda is one of the simplest and most refreshing drinks you can make. It’s often referred to as a vodka soda or vodka sparkling water. All you need is vodka and any type of soda water or seltzer. The soda helps cut the harshness of the vodka while letting the flavor of the spirit shine through. It’s crisp, fizzy, and perfect for hot summer days or nights out. You can also add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice to enhance the flavors.
Vodka and Cola
Vodka mixed with cola makes a simple yet tasty cocktail similar to a rum and coke but with vodka’s signature flavor. The sweetness of the cola compliments the vodka nicely. Adjust the proportions to your taste preference – anywhere from 1 part vodka to 3 parts cola to 1:1 ratios work well. Add ice and garnish with a lime wedge. Diet cola also works if you want a lower calorie drink.
Rum and Cola
The classic rum and coke cocktail combines spiced or white rum with cola soda. The sweet vanilla and caramel notes of the rum pair deliciously with the cola. Traditional recipes call for 2 parts cola to 1 part rum. Add ice, adjust to taste, and garnish with a lime wedge. For extra flavor, use a spiced rum like Captain Morgan or Kraken. Diet cola also works if you want a lower sugar drink.
Gin and Tonic
This quintessential gin cocktail combines juniper-forward gin with bitter, bubbly tonic water. The tonic’s quinine taste helps temper the botanical flavors of the gin. Use a ratio of 2 parts tonic water to 1 part gin. Squeeze in a lime wedge for extra citrus flavor. High quality tonic water and a good London Dry style gin make the best tasting drinks. Customize your gin and tonic with cucumber slices, berries, or herbs.
Whiskey and Ginger Ale
For a refreshing summer twist, try mixing crisp ginger ale with whiskey. The spicy bite of ginger ale complements smooth bourbon or rye whiskeys nicely. Use a 1:2 whiskey to ginger ale ratio. Add ice and a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a lime wedge garnish. Irish whiskey also pairs deliciously with ginger ale. Adjust proportions to your taste preference for a stronger or lighter drink.
Tequila and Grapefruit Soda
For a fun, fizzy cocktail, mix tequila with grapefruit flavored soda like Squirt, IZZE, or Jarritos. The tart, citrusy flavors pair perfectly with tequila’s herbal agave taste. Use a 1:2 tequila to grapefruit soda ratio. Add ice and garnish with a lime wedge. For a spicier drink, use a reposado or mezcal tequila. Grapefruit juice can also be substituted for the soda if preferred.
Rum and Lemon-Lime Soda
Mix light or golden rum with any lemon-lime soda like 7Up, Sprite, or Sierra Mist for an easy, crowd-pleasing cocktail. The bright, citrusy soda complements the sweet vanilla notes of rum. Balance with 2 parts soda to 1 part rum. Add lots of ice and garnish with a lemon or lime wedge. A squeeze of fresh lime juice is also a tasty addition. Diet lemon-lime soda works too if you want a lower calorie drink.
Vodka and Lemonade
For a refreshing summer cocktail, combine vodka with lemonade. Sweetened commercial lemonade or fresh homemade lemonade both work well. Adjust the vodka to lemonade ratio to your taste – try 2:1 lemonade to vodka as a starting point. Add ice and garnish with lemon slices or wedges. To make a pink drink, use cranberry juice and lemonade. Vodka with limeade is also a delicious variation.
Rum and Cranberry Juice
For a tangy, fruity cocktail, mix rum with cranberry juice. White, spiced or dark rum all pair nicely with the tart sweetness of cranberry juice. A simple combination is equal parts rum and cranberry juice, but you can adjust proportions to taste. Pour over ice and add a wedge of lime or orange for extra flavor. For variety, use cranberry ginger ale in place of cranberry juice.
Gin and Juice
Almost any fruit juice can be mixed with gin for a simple, flavorful cocktail. Popular choices are orange, pineapple, grapefruit, apple, cranberry, and tomato juice. Balance the sweet fruitiness with the botanical gin. A 1:2 gin to juice ratio is a good starting point. Add ice and garnish with the same fruit used in the juice. Citrus wedges also add nice flavor.
Conclusion
Mixing soda or juice with spirits like vodka, rum, gin, tequila and whiskey is an easy way to create a wide variety of refreshing, crowd-pleasing cocktails. Cola, lemon-lime soda, tonic water and ginger ale are especially popular bases for mixed drinks. Tailor the proportions to your taste – starting with 2 parts soda/juice to 1 part spirit is a good guideline. Add ice, citrus garnishes and your own creative twists to make each cocktail unique. Just remember to enjoy alcoholic drinks responsibly.
