Selecting the top 10 vodka cocktails of all-time is perhaps our favorite assignment of all-time.
Vodka, a versatile and neutral spirit, has woven its essence through the fabric of cocktail culture for over a century. Known for its adaptability and smooth profile, vodka forms the backbone of numerous iconic cocktails. At Felene Vodka, as we craft our organic vodka from fermented sugarcane, we appreciate the historical significance and transformative potential of each cocktail. Join us on a journey through time as we uncover the origins and recipes of the top 10 all-time vodka cocktails.
This list is almost equally split between savory vodka cocktails and fruity vodka cocktails. We hope you love both as much as we do.
1. Bloody Mary
This savory libation tops our list of the top 10 vodka cocktails
Origins: The origins of the Bloody Mary are shrouded in mystery. Some attribute its invention to Fernand “Pete” Petiot at the New York Bar in Paris during the 1920s. Others claim it was first created at the St. Regis Hotel in New York.
Recipe:
- 2 oz Felene Vodka
- 4 oz Tomato Juice
- ½ oz Lemon Juice
- 1 dash of Worcestershire Sauce
- Celery Salt
- Pepper
- 1 Celery Stalk
- 1 Lemon Wedge
Directions: In a shaker with ice, combine Felene sugarcane Vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of celery salt, and pepper. Shake until well-mixed. Strain into a large glass filled with ice. Garnish with a celery stalk and lemon wedge.
2. Moscow Mule
Origins: Born in 1941, the Moscow Mule is credited to John Martin, of Heublein Brothers, and Jack Morgan, owner of the Cock ‘n’ Bull on the Sunset Strip in LA. The duo combined vodka with ginger beer in a copper mug, crafting a classic.
Recipe:
- 2 oz Felene Vodka
- 4 oz Ginger Beer
- ½ oz Lime Juice
- 1 Lime Wedge
Directions: In a copper mug, combine Felene Vodka and lime juice. Add ice and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wedge.
3. Cosmopolitan
Origins: The Cosmopolitan, a vibrant and stylish drink, can trace its origins back to the 1970s. It gained popularity in the ’90s, especially due to its frequent appearances on the show “Sex and the City.”
Recipe:
- 2 oz Felene Vodka
- 1 oz Cointreau or Triple Sec
- 1 oz Cranberry Juice
- ½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- Orange Twist for garnish
Directions: In a shaker filled with ice, combine all ingredients. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
4. White Russian
Origins: The White Russian, a creamy delight, evolved from the Black Russian cocktail of the 1940s. Its name is a nod to its primary ingredient, vodka, often associated with Russia.
Recipe:
- 2 oz Felene Vodka
- 1 oz Kahlúa
- 1 oz Heavy Cream
Directions: Pour Felene Vodka and Kahlúa into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. Top with heavy cream.
5. Vodka Martini
Another savory choice on the top 10 vodka cocktail list and a Felene staff favorite.
Origins: A modern adaptation of the classic gin martini, the Vodka Martini became popular in the mid-20th century. It’s famously associated with James Bond’s “shaken, not stirred” request.
Recipe:
- 2 oz Felene Vodka
- ½ oz Dry Vermouth
- Lemon Twist or Olive for garnish
Directions: In a mixing glass with ice, combine Felene Vodka and vermouth. Stir or shake, based on preference. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or olive.
6. Screwdriver
Origins: With an intriguing name, the Screwdriver’s origins are debated. Some say it began when American oil workers in the Middle East mixed vodka with orange juice using their screwdrivers.
Recipe:
- 2 oz Felene Vodka
- 4 oz Orange Juice
Directions: In a tall glass filled with ice, combine Felene Vodka and orange juice. Stir well.
7. Vesper
Origins: The Vesper, another Bond classic, was introduced in Ian Fleming’s 1953 novel, “Casino Royale.” Bond names it after Vesper Lynd, a character in the book.
Recipe:
- 2 oz Felene Vodka
- 1 oz Gin
- ½ oz Lillet Blanc
- Lemon Twist for garnish
Directions: In a shaker with ice, combine all ingredients. Shake well and strain into a deep goblet. Garnish with a lemon twist.
8. Vodka Collins
Origins: An adaptation of the classic Tom Collins made with gin, the Vodka Collins emerged as vodka’s popularity rose in the 1960s.
Recipe:
- 2 oz Felene Vodka
- 1 oz Lemon Juice
- 1 oz Simple Syrup
- Club Soda
- Lemon Slice and Maraschino Cherry for garnish
Directions: In a tall glass filled with ice, combine Felene Vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Top with club soda and stir gently. Garnish with a lemon slice and cherry.
9. Vodka Gimlet
Origins: A variation of the gin-based Gimlet, the Vodka Gimlet became a favored alternative for those preferring vodka’s neutral palate.
Recipe:
- 2 oz Felene Vodka
- 1 oz Lime Juice
- ½ oz Simple Syrup
Directions: In a shaker with ice, combine all ingredients. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
10. Black Russian
Origins: Before the White Russian, there was the Black Russian, conceived in the late 1940s by bartender Gustave Tops in Brussels for Perle Mesta, the U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg.
Recipe:
- 2 oz Felene Vodka
- 1 oz Kahlúa
Directions: In an old-fashioned glass filled with ice, combine Felene Vodka and Kahlúa. Stir well.
Vodka’s enduring legacy in the cocktail realm is a testament to its versatility and timeless charm. At Felene Vodka, we’re proud to be part of this legacy, crafting an organic vodka that can elevate each of these classics to new heights. So, the next time you’re sipping on a timeless vodka cocktail, raise a glass to history and the spirit that binds these tales together. Cheers!
