When it comes to mixing cocktails, vodka is one of the most versatile spirits. Its neutral flavor profile allows the flavors of mixers to shine through. Soda is a popular mixer choice thanks to its bubbly effervescence and variety of flavors. But with so many soda options available, which one makes the best vodka mixer?
Best Vodka and Soda Mixes
Here are some of the most popular and tasty soda mixers for vodka:
Vodka and Tonic Water
Tonic water is a classic mixer for vodka. The bitter quinine flavor helps balance the alcohol and cut through some of the sweetness. Tonic water contains natural citric flavors that complement vodka’s clean taste.
To make a vodka tonic, simply combine vodka and tonic water over ice. A typical ratio is 1 part vodka to 2 parts tonic. Add a squeeze of lime for an extra pop of citrus. Keep it simple or explore premium tonic waters with unique botanical flavors.
Vodka and Ginger Ale
For a subtly spiced drink, mix vodka with ginger ale. The gingery bite awakens the palate while the sweetness rounds out vodka’s edges. Ginger ale brings crisp, sparkling refreshment to this easy cocktail.
Mix 1 part vodka and 2 parts ginger ale. Serve over ice with a lime wedge. For extra flavor, add a few dashes of Angostura bitters or a splash of cranberry juice.
Vodka and Lemon-Lime Soda
Vodka combines wonderfully with citrus flavors. Lemon-lime sodas like Sprite or 7UP make breezy vodka mixers. The bright citrus taste perks up the vodka.
Build this drink in a tall glass with lots of ice. Mix 2 parts lemon-lime soda with 1 part vodka. Garnish with a lemon wheel or lime wedge.
Vodka and Grapefruit Soda
For a slightly more complex flavor, use grapefruit soda as a mixer. The bittersweet grapefruit adds nice depth and pairs with vodka’s neutrality. Brands like Squirt or Fresca work well.
In a tall glass, simply combine 1 part vodka with 2 parts grapefruit soda. Add ice and garnish with a grapefruit twist.
Vodka and Cranberry Juice Cocktail
Although not a true soda, cranberry juice cocktail is a popular vodka mixer. The tart cranberry flavor mixes deliciously with vodka. For a fun twist, use lemon-lime soda instead of plain soda water.
Fill a glass with ice. Mix 1 1/2 ounces vodka with 4-6 ounces cranberry juice cocktail and top with 1-2 ounces lemon-lime soda. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Vodka and Cola
What about mixing vodka with America’s favorite soda, cola? Vodka certainly pairs well with cola’s distinctive sweetness and caramel notes. The cola helps smooth out the vodka. This combination tastes great with lemon-lime soda as well.
For a simple vodka Coke cocktail: Fill a highball glass with ice. Mix 1 1/2 ounces vodka with 4-6 ounces cola. Squeeze in a lime wedge and stir gently. Add a dash of bitters or grenadine for extra flavor.
Flavor Pairing Guidelines
When choosing a soda to mix with vodka, keep these basic flavor pairing principles in mind:
- Citrus sodas like lemon-lime or grapefruit complement vodka’s clean profile
- Ginger ale adds pleasant spice
- Cola’s sweetness balances the alcohol
- Tonic water’s bitter quinine tone cuts through sweetness
- Cranberry juice cocktail contributes tart berry flavor
In general, opt for sodas with crisp, bright tastes that won’t get lost behind the vodka. Complex flavors like root beer and orange soda may overpower the vodka’s subtlety.
The Vodka Soda Taste Test
To determine which sodas truly make the best mixers, I conducted a vodka soda taste test. I selected 5 popular soda brands and tested each with a mid-range unflavored vodka.
I tried each soda on its own, then sampled it mixed with vodka in a 1:2 ratio over ice. I evaluated the cocktails on aroma, flavor, balance, and how smooth the vodka came through.
Here are the sodas tested:
- Coca-Cola
- Sprite
- Canada Dry Ginger Ale
- Schweppes Tonic Water
- Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail
Taste Test Results
Here are the taste test results for each vodka soda combination, rated from 1 to 5:
| Soda | Aroma | Flavor | Balance | Smoothness | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coca-Cola | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2.5 |
| Sprite | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Ginger Ale | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3.25 |
| Tonic Water | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.75 |
| Cranberry Juice | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
As you can see, tonic water earned top scores for having the most pleasant flavor and smoothly highlighting the vodka. Sprite also scored very well, mixing cleanly with the vodka. Ginger ale and cranberry juice cocktail both worked nicely but had slightly more conflicting flavors.
Coca-Cola unsurprisingly did not fare too well. The cola overpowered the vodka, making it taste unbalanced. While I enjoy vodka Coke, the taste test verified it does not highlight vodka’s flavors.
Conclusion
Based on the taste test results, I can firmly recommend tonic water and lemon-lime soda like Sprite as the best mixers for vodka. The citrus and bitter flavors complement vodka perfectly. Ginger ale is also an excellent choice for its spicy zing.
Sweeter sodas like cola have their place but may cover up the nuances of good vodka. Tart cranberry can work in measured quantities. No matter what soda you choose, adjusting the vodka-to-soda ratio and adding extras like citrus or bitters helps achieve the right balance.
The next time you are mixing up vodka cocktails, try pairing your vodka with tonic water or lemon-lime soda. With their clean, crisp flavors, these sparkling mixers let the vodka shine.