The 11 New Vodka Cocktails to Drink in Bars Now

By Food & Wine
Updated August 19, 2015
© Michael Tulipan
Step away from the vodka-soda: These vodka-based cocktails served all across the country will make you rethink your vodka drink. Some showcase the spirit’s cool, refreshing nature; others utilize vodka’s relative neutrality as a blank canvas to layer on bolder flavors like rich yerba maté or peppery spice. All are perfect for summertime sipping.This piece originally appeared on Liquor.com.
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Beautiful Sight at Atwood, Chicago

Courtesy of Liquor.com

A perfectly pink drink made with Belvedere vodka, raspberry-thyme-pink peppercorn syrup, lemon juice and a dose of bubbly Prosecco.

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Bottled Moscow Mules at Brick and Mortar, Philadelphia

Courtesy of Liquor.com

Pre-batched, bottled drinks are on-trend for serving thirsty patrons fast. This version, at shiny-new Brick and Mortar, is made with Sobieski Vodka, lime and ginger and was created by Christina Rando, a veteran of the much-celebrated Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co.

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Carlos Gardel at La Pulperia, New York City

Courtesy of Liquor.com

Named for a famous tango singer, this drink includes a double dose of Argentina’s yerba maté. It’s both brewed as tea and infused into simple syrup, plus there’s, of course, vodka and a mix of citrus juices.

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Charred Pineapple Express at Bidwell, Washington, D.C.

Courtesy of Liquor.com

This bold sipper is made with grilled pineapple-infused vodka, lemon and spicy flourishes of turmeric and crushed red pepper.

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Hot Asian at The District by Hannah An, Los Angeles

Courtesy of Liquor.com

Designed to pair with contemporary Vietnamese-influenced cuisine, this refreshingly spicy drink mixes lemongrass-infused Loft and Bear Vodka with lime and organic Vietnamese chile agave.

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Lovage a Battlefield at Alder, New York City

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Drink your veggies: For this elixir, bar director Travis Brown shakes up vodka and aquavit with herbal genepy and leafy green lovage.

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Moto Mule at Bubu Lowry, Denver

Courtesy of Liquor.com

Attention juicing aficionados: Here’s your cocktail, which blends vodka and sake with ginger, parsley, cucumber and—wait for it—wheatgrass.

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Oyster Shooter at Robert's Maine Grill, Kittery, Maine

Courtesy of Liquor.com

This rosy shot is made with Waldostone Farm Bloody Oyster Mix, chile mignonette, and an unusual vodka choice: blueberry vodka, from Maine producer Cold River. Topping it all off is a fresh Maine oyster—obviously.

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San at Kuro, Hollywood, Florida

Courtesy of Liquor.com

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino brought in mixologist Jared Boller to create drinks that showcase fresh Japanese ingredients. Case in point: This vodka cocktail accented with absinthe, grapefruit and fresh shiso leaves.

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Shaken Lemonade at M Street Kitchen, Santa Monica, California

Courtesy of Liquor.com

Straightforward and refreshing, this Mason-jar drink mixes vodka, fresh lemon and rosemary.

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Wakaba at Neta, New York City

© Michael Tulipan

For a nutty, toasty effect, beverage director Cole Shaffer nods to Neta’s Japanese dishes by infusing robust Woody Creek potato vodka with genmaicha (green tea with toasted rice).

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