The 11 New Vodka Cocktails to Drink in Bars Now

By Food & Wine
Updated August 19, 2015
Credit: © 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.
Start Slideshow

1 of 11

Beautiful Sight at Atwood, Chicago

Credit: 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.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 11

Bottled Moscow Mules at Brick and Mortar, Philadelphia

Credit: 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.

3 of 11

Carlos Gardel at La Pulperia, New York City

Credit: 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.

Advertisement

4 of 11

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

Credit: Courtesy of Liquor.com

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

5 of 11

Hot Asian at The District by Hannah An, Los Angeles

Credit: 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.

6 of 11

Lovage a Battlefield at Alder, New York City

Credit: Courtesy of Liquor.com

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 11

Moto Mule at Bubu Lowry, Denver

Credit: 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.

8 of 11

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

Credit: 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.

9 of 11

San at Kuro, Hollywood, Florida

Credit: 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.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 11

Shaken Lemonade at M Street Kitchen, Santa Monica, California

Credit: Courtesy of Liquor.com

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

11 of 11

Wakaba at Neta, New York City

Credit: © 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).

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Food & Wine