What do you drink with your vodka? This is a question that many people ask themselves when they are looking for something to mix their vodka with. There are plenty of options out there, but not all mixers go well with every type of vodka.
Here are 15 good vodka mixers (ranked by taste):
1. Cranberry Juice
Combining the sweet and tart flavors in this mixer will enhance your vodka drink. All you need is some ice, a bit of sugar to taste, fresh or canned cranberries (or a mix), Sprite or ginger ale for extra fizziness, and your favorite type of vodka.
A popular choice would be Grey Goose VXOP, as it tastes great when mixed with any fruit flavor like berry or pineapple.
This is also good if you are looking for something that smells nice because there’s no strong alcohol odor coming from it. Even those who don’t usually drink cocktails can enjoy this mixture without feeling out of place at an event.
2. Dry Vermouth
Dry vermouth is an excellent choice for those who prefer sweet drinks. It goes well with citrus, which pairs nicely with lemon vodka and grapefruit vodka. A dry vermouth martini will also be an option if you want to go the classic route.
The Best Dry Vermouth: Carpano Antica Formula and Dolin are the two best choices for those who want a quality taste at an affordable price. Choose whichever brand suits your taste better, or feel free to experiment and try out other options if you can’t decide which one is right for you.
It’s also worth noting that many people use dry vermouth as an ingredient in their cocktails, so it would be wise to have some on hand at all times.
Related The 10 Best Mixers for Grey Goose Vodka.
3. Gatorade
Gatorade is the perfect mixer for vodka that does not have a strong aftertaste. For this reason, it works well with most vodkas and can be mixed with fruit to create a delicious and refreshing summer drink.
If you are looking for a unique twist on this classic, try mixing it with lemonade to create an exciting take on the traditional vodka and soda.
The Best Gatorade: Gatorade Frost Glacier Freeze is a popular choice because it’s the perfect sweet and refreshing mix. If you’re looking for something that has a little more taste to it, try Gatorade Wild Cherry or Lemon Lime.
It’s also worth noting that Gatorade is good for your health, so if you’re trying to balance out all of those calories from drinking mixed drinks- worry not.
It will help rehydrate you after indulging too much. However, if it doesn’t work well enough or there isn’t any available, remember that water works as well and will do the trick at reducing hangover symptoms.
4. Diet Coke
Most people like to drink their diet coke with vodka, but the two are not always compatible. Diet Coke can be used as a mixer.
However, I recommend that you mix it in moderation or use another type of alcohol because too much is not good for your teeth.
For those who prefer to mix it with vodka, it’s best to do so in a 50/50 ratio. You can also try mixing Diet Coke and regular soda for an exciting twist on the classic Sprite-vodka drink.
The Best Diet Cola: I suggest using Pepsi or Coca-Cola if you have nothing else available. Trying out any other type of diet cola will be worth your time as well.
It may prove more satisfying depending on how much you like what is already offered by these two brands.
Caution: If you choose diet coke over the remaining mixers, I recommend that you don’t overindulge. Recent evidence from a study shows that a Diet Coke and alcohol combination makes the latter more potent.
5. Milk (Non-Fat)
A common misconception about milk and vodka is that they do not taste well together. However, this is only true when using regular milk. Non-fat milk has low levels of fat and sugar, which makes for an excellent vodka mixer.
The best way to have them together starts by adding ice cubes before pouring the mixture into a glass full of crushed ice – perfect for summer days. Although some may think that milk goes with everything, this is not the case as it does not mix well with certain types of vodka.
Tip: It’s best to avoid adding lemon to vodka if you intend to take it with milk. Otherwise, the milk will curdle.
6. Tea (Hot)
The key to mixing tea and vodka is to use a strong brew that has been left to steep for some time. The longer you leave your tea in the cup before adding liquor, the more flavors it will have.
You can either use a tea bag or leaves, depending on your preference.
Some people like to mix it with sugar or honey. Still, others prefer to add lemon for a tart flavor.
The Best Tea: If you want something slightly sweeter without adding any extra calories, try herbal tea before making your choice between black or green tea. You can also drink peppermint tea on hot summer days as long as the temperature isn’t too high outside.
7. Coffee (Hot)
This is another drink that people typically underestimate, but it goes well with many types of vodkas. The combination creates an interesting flavor and one that some may even prefer. Add milk for increased richness if you would like to try this mix.
The Best Coffee: You can either use instant coffee or brew your own and then add the vodka for a more complex flavor. Try mixing it with cold-brewed iced coffee if you’re looking for something refreshing during summer.
Coffee is pretty good when mixed with regular hot water. Specifically, using an ice cube will cool things down just enough to make drinking easier on those days that feel like they are going by too quickly.
If you find yourself in need of some caffeine, opt for decaffeinated tea instead. This version won’t have any adverse reactions while having alcohol.
It also has less sugar than black and green teas, so it’s worth giving these options a try before reaching out to other drinks, such as energy drinks or sodas.
Related The 10 Best Chasers For Grey Goose.
8. Mojito Mint
A classic summer cocktail made from rum, sugar syrup, fresh mint leaves, and club soda – Mojitos are the perfect way to cool off in hot weather while also enjoying a drink that’s perfect for summer. Add some vodka to this classic drink, and you’ll create a cooling and refreshing beverage to sip by the pool.
You can also replace the rum in a mojito mint with vodka.
The Best Mint: Many types of mint are available in stores, but Spearmint is the most common and one of the best varieties to use. It has a strong, sweet taste with an intense aroma which makes it great when mixed with vodka as well.
9. Iced Tea
You can use any tea you would like to make this drink, but I recommend using chai for its sweet taste and complexity of flavor.
Add some sugar or honey if the tea is not sweet enough, then add ice cubes before pouring in a cup with crushed ice and vodka.
The Best Tea: I always suggest chai to anyone who prefers a sweeter flavor without adding extra calories. You can also drink peppermint iced tea or another flavor of green tea on hot summer days for a great taste with less caffeine than black tea.
10. Tomato Juice (Canned)
This mixer is perfect for those nights when you need something refreshing but not overly complicated. It provides just enough sweetness with no added sugar or carbs – leaving it virtually guilt-free.
Add ice cubes, a few dashes of hot sauce, salt, and Worcestershire sauce for a kick. Finish off the drink with some olives, carrots, and celery, and you have the perfect brunch cocktail.
You can also enjoy vodka and tomato juice plain for something lighter and equally refreshing.
The Best Tomato Juice: There are many types of tomato juices available. Therefore, I recommend trying various brands until you find the one you enjoy the most. However, I suggest sticking to canned versions of this drink for a more refreshing taste.
11. Orange Juice (Canned)
Don’t be fooled by their sweet appearance – oranges are pretty sour and acidic, so you’ll need some help from either sugar or vodka to make your own orange juice mixer. Add some ice cubes, vodka, or any other mixer as well before mixing everything, and enjoy.
The Best Orange Juice: There are many types of oranges available, so I recommend trying various brands until you find one that suits your taste.
Suppose the juice is not sweet enough for you. In that case, mix it with some sugar or honey to make a more enjoyable drink.
I also suggest adding this fruit to berry-based cocktails during the summer for an exciting twist on your traditional recipe.
12. Apple Juice (Canned)
This particular type of mixer will be perfect if you’re looking for something light, and refreshing – but still flavorful at the same time.
It’s easier than making apple cider from scratch, which means that even those who don’t have the time to cook can enjoy a tasty drink. Add some ice cubes, vodka, or any other mixer before mixing it all together and enjoying a refreshing drink.
The Best Apple Juice: With so many types of apple juice available, you’ll have to try out various brands before finding one that suits your taste.
13. Watermelon Juice
Watermelon juice is a fantastic mixer for most alcoholic drinks because it offers subtle and refreshing sweetness. It’s a summer classic and is definitely one you should try with your vodka.
It’s also an excellent way to get rid of that hangover because it contains potassium which helps replace electrolytes lost during vomiting or diarrhea episodes caused by overindulgence.
To create your own cocktail at home, simply mix equal parts vodka and watermelon juice to start and add some ice cubes to the mix.
The Best Watermelon Juice: Wonder Melon Organic Watermelon Juice.
This watermelon juice contains nothing but pure, organic ingredients and is 100% natural. It’s an excellent substitute for store-bought fruit juices that contain high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners like aspartame – both of which are health hazards. This drink also tastes great with vodka.
14. Ginger Ale
Another thing you should try is ginger ale. This mixer goes well with cucumber vodka and also pairs nicely with apple pie vodka.
This mixture will bring out the creamier flavors in your drink of choice. Besides, ginger ale is a refreshing change to the traditional vodka tonic.
This mixer will work well with any vodka, and it’s also really easy on your wallet.
15. Sour Mix
Another one of the best vodka mixers is sour mix. This mixer will give your favorite vodka a more citrusy kick with an added zing and goes well with any flavored or unflavored vodka, such as raspberry, cucumber, etc.
This drink also won’t add that much sweetness to your cocktail like lime juice can do in other drinks, so you’ll be able to taste all the flavors instead of just sugar overload. Sour mixes are cheap too, which makes them an even better option for those on a budget.
Serve this cold if it’s summertime or hot when it’s winter- either way, it tastes good.
A word of caution: Excessive consumption of alcohol is harmful to your health. It would help to know your limits. Avoid driving under the influence. Also, don’t drink vodka or any other alcohol when pregnant or on medication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is the Absolute Best Thing To Mix With Vodka?
The absolute best thing to mix with vodka is tomato juice. It has a rich, savory flavor, is low in sugar and carbs, and has no caffeine. It’s a safe yet tasty mixer for vodka and won’t add too many extra calories to your drink.
Regardless of which mixer you choose, a good rule of thumb is always to mix alcohol with a non-alcoholic beverage. This helps dilute the alcohol content of your drink and is an effective way to avoid overindulging, which comes with negative consequences like lack of self-control, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Oxidation damages cells and causes aging in the human body.
By adding a non-alcoholic drink, you reduce the alcohol concentration of vodka. As a result, oxidation doesn’t happen as quickly when water mixes with something acidic or alcoholic (because ethanol forms acids).
Non-alcoholic drinks typically served in clubs, like soda water, are diluted and have a pH lower than that of vodka.
What Is the Healthiest Mixer for Vodka?
In general, the healthiest mixer for vodka is soda water. It’s calorie-free and sugar-free while still being pleasantly refreshing. Plus, it doesn’t affect how much alcohol will reach the bloodstream when consumed with vodka.
What Should You Not Mix With Vodka?
You should not mix opioid painkillers, energy drinks, antibiotics, or cough medicine with vodka. These drugs can cause severe side effects when combined with alcohol. Besides, some of them stop you from effectively controlling your body and reflexes.
Generally, taking medications and alcohol can increase the severity of side effects like stomach upset, dizziness, and drowsiness.
Here’s a 1-minute video that explains what happens when you mix alcoholic drinks with antibiotics:
The water in vodka can also cause an increase in the adverse effects on your liver and make any other drugs react much stronger to your system. To be safe, it’s better to avoid mixing them altogether.
Is Sprite and Vodka a Good Mix?
Sprite and vodka are a good mix and offer a light, refreshing taste. This mixer can work well in any drink, and it’s also affordable. Plus, this mixture will make the flavors of both drinks pop more.
This mixer goes well with citrus-flavored vodkas like lemon or orange.
For example, suppose you want to try some chocolate flavors. In that case, Sprite would be an excellent pick for a mixer.
You could even have strawberry flavor combined as an appetizer before dinner without worrying about spoiling your appetite.
This combination might not work so well on its own. Regardless, it does wonders for adding extra flavor and enhancing other ingredients mixed into these two beverages.
The downside of drinking Sprite as a mixer is its sugar content—you may want to limit yourself if you’re trying to cut back on sweets. Notably, mixing high amounts of sugar into your system isn’t great for your health either.
For more, don’t miss Top 6 Chasers For Alcoholic Beverages.
Anne James has a wealth of experience in a wide array of interests and is an expert in quilting, cooking, gardening, camping, mixing drinks (worked as a professional bartender), and making jelly.
Anne has a professional canning business, has been featured in the local newspaper as well as on the Hershey website, and has been her family canner for decades. Anyone growing up in the South knows that there is always a person in the family who has knowledge of the “old ways,” and this is exactly what Anne is.
With over 55 years of experience in these endeavors, she brings a level of hands-on knowledge that is hard to surpass. Amazingly, she doesn’t need to reference many resources due to her vast wealth of experience. She IS the source.
Anne wants nothing more than to pass on her extensive knowledge to the next generations, whether that be family or anyone visiting her website, her YouTube channel, or preservingsweetness.com.