Cocktails are the perfect party drink, but they seem to always contain expensive or mysterious ingredients that you don’t have to hand. That said, cocktails don’t have to be complicated. They can be simple and easy to make and it doesn’t get any easier than two ingredients.
The neutral flavor of vodka makes it versatile for creating all kinds of tasty cocktails. It can be added with just about any mixer from fruit juice and lemonade to all kinds of liquor.
Presentation is everything with cocktails
Just because the ingredients are simple doesn’t mean you can’t impress your friends and family with these easy 2-ingredient cocktails. So, presentation really is everything. You may have to work with what you have to hand, but the following will go a long way in making your deceptively easy cocktails look like they were made by a mixologist in a fancy bar. Try to incorporate some of the following to take your cocktail to the next level:
Glasses
Try to use real glasses if you can. Plastic ones just aren’t the same and are terrible for the planet. Having the correct glass can make a huge difference to the look and feel of your cocktail. So, if you are making a Martini, try to present them in a Martini glass etc.
If you are on a tight budget and like to reuse and recycle, charity shops like Goodwill are packed with all kinds of contemporary and cool vintage glasses for rock bottom prices. But, don’t stress about it. Use what you have to hand if buying glasses is not an option.
Ice
Have lots of ice to hand and different kinds, if possible. For example, large cubes, crushed ice or themed ice (Valentines, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas-themed cubes). As well as looking good and keeping your drinks nice and cold, ice will help make your cocktails stretch further if you are on a budget.
Fruit
Slices of lemon, lime, orange for garnish can elevate any vodka-based cocktail and make it look finished. Fresh cranberries and pomegranates are perfect garnishes for Holiday parties.
Herbs
Mint and thyme add both flavor and visual appeal to almost any cocktail.
Drink stirrers
Holiday themed or cool vintage glass stirrers can give a professional look to your cocktail.
Straws (paper)
Colorful and themed straws finish the look and, of course, can help lipstick last longer!
10 easy vodka cocktails
Vodka Collins
For a simple Vodka Collins, use equal parts vodka and lemonade (pink lemonade looks especially pretty). Serve over ice and garnish with a slice of lemon and mint.
Black Russian
The no-fuss Black Russian is made with vodka and Kahlua (a coffee-flavored liqueur) using a two-to-one ratio; however, you can adjust the ratio to your liking.
Serve over ice in an old-fashioned rocks glass if you have one.
Minimalist Martini
The martini is an iconic cocktail. The classic recipe is three parts vodka and a half part vermouth.
Add vodka and vermouth to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Add the lid and shake; then strain into a chilled martini cocktail glass.
A dry martini uses less vermouth; a wet martini, more.
Garnish with a twist of lemon.
A dirty martini is garnished with an olive.
Screwdriver
This classic cocktail is a measure of vodka plus orange juice served over ice. The perfect cocktail for your next brunch.
Garnish with an orange slice.
Greyhound
This refreshing cocktail is great if you are not keen on sweet cocktails. A measure of vodka plus grapefruit juice over ice.
Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
Vodka Tonic
This crowdpleaser is another classic and a great choice if you prefer your cocktails sugar-free. Pour a measure of vodka plus tonic water and serve over ice.
Garnish with a slice of lemon.
Vodka & Ginger Beer
A measure of vodka plus ginger beer over ice.
Garnish with a slice of lemon.
Add lime juice and you have a Moscow Mule. Serve in copper mugs if you have them.
Vodka Cranberry
The easiest Holiday cocktail ever. A measure of vodka plus cranberry juice over ice. Garnish with cranberries and or a sprig of thyme for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Garnish it with a lime and call it a Cape Codder.
Vodka and coke
A measure of vodka plus coke over ice.
Garnish with a slice of lemon.
Vodka Soda
A measure of vodka plus soda water over ice. Garnish with a slice of lemon or lime.
