Last Updated on February 25, 2024 by Lydia Martin
We get it – you don’t have all the time (and budget) to make delicious vodka drinks. But the good news is that you can still enjoy a variety of drinks that you can prepare in a snap without sacrificing your budget. Here are 15 easy 2-ingredient vodka drinks you should try (2024) that will complete your day.
What are 2-Ingredient Vodka Drinks?
2-ingredient vodka drinks are cocktails that consist of only two main components: vodka and one other ingredient. These drinks are simple to make and typically involve mixing vodka with a complementary or contrasting ingredient to create a balanced flavor profile.
The limited number of ingredients makes them easy to prepare and allows the flavors of the vodka and the accompanying ingredient to shine through. Popular examples of two-ingredient vodka drinks include the vodka cranberry (vodka and cranberry juice) and the vodka soda (vodka and soda water).
Top 15 Easy 2-Ingredient Vodka Drinks
15. Cran-Apple Martini
This Cran-Apple Martini recipe calls for cranberry juice infused with green apple vodka. So expect the tart and lightly sweet flavor.
Prep Time: 2mins
Total Time: 2mins
Ingredients:
- One shot of green apple vodka
- Three shots of cranberry juice
Instructions: Mix and shake vodka and juice in your cocktail shaker. You can mix it with ice if you want your drink chilled.
Serving: 1
14. Vodka Martini
If you want a bolder flavor with fewer fruit notes, then try this Vodka Martini.
Prep Time: 3mins
Total Time: 3mins
Ingredients:
- 1/2oz dry vermouth (Alternative: fresh lime juice)
- 3oz vodka
Instructions: In your shaker, mix ice, vermouth, and vodka. Shake thoroughly and strain into your chilled martini or rocks glass.
Serving: 1
13. Frozen Raspberry Vodka Slush
A tasty Raspberry Vodka Slush can beat a hot day which you can prepare easily with very few ingredients required.
Prep Time: 5mins
Total Time: 5mins
Ingredients:
- ½ cup raspberries, frozen
- 1.5oz vodka
Instructions: Pour vodka and raspberries into a blender with ice. Blend well until slushy, and enjoy.
Serving: 1
12. Easy Pineapple Martini
One of the refreshing and simple mixed drinks to enjoy is this Easy Pineapple Martini.
Prep Time: 5mins
Total Time: 5mins
Ingredients:
- 2oz vodka
- 2oz pineapple juice
Instructions: Combine vodka, ice, and pineapple juice in your shaker. Shake until well-blended and strain into your glass.
Serving: 1
11. Vodka Tonic
One of the classic cocktails is Vodka Tonic, which mixes tonic water and your favorite vodka drink, creating citrusy bubbles that are surely refreshing.
“Vodka is like water, but with consequences.”
— Tom Rachman, English-Canadian Novelist
Prep Time: 5mins
Total Time: 5mins
Ingredients:
- 4oz tonic water (Alternative: club soda)
- 2oz vodka
Instructions: Pour vodka into a glass with ice and add tonic water on top. If desired, you can garnish your Vodka Tonic with a lemon wedge.
Serving: 1
10. Screwdriver Vodka
This classic Screwdriver [1] is one of the most iconic cocktails that surely anyone has tried before.
It’s a refreshing drink with the flavor of vodka and orange juice in one.
Prep Time: 2mins
Total Time: 2mins
Ingredients:
- 2oz orange juice
- 1oz vodka
Instructions: Fill your highball glass with ice and add vodka and orange juice. Stir well and garnish it with fresh herbs or an orange slice if desired.
Serving: 1
9. Chocolate Peppermint Martini
This drink, made with vodka and Starbucks chocolate peppermint espresso, is a great perk for coffee lovers. But of course, any chocolate peppermint-flavored drink would do.
Prep Time: 5mins
Total Time: 5mins
Ingredients:
- 2oz vodka
- 3oz chocolate peppermint espresso
Instructions: Mix espresso and vodka in a shaker filled with ice, then shake for around 2 minutes. Finally, pour it into your martini or rocks glass.
Serving: 1
8. Blueberry Vodka Pink Lemonade
Blueberry Lemonade is undoubtedly delicious, but when mixed with vodka, it’s another delectable and refreshing drink to share.
Prep Time: 2mins
Total Time: 2mins
Ingredients:
- 4oz pink lemonade
- 2oz blueberry vodka
Instructions: Combine vodka, lemonade, and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake for about 30 seconds and strain into your glass.
Serving: 1
7. Bloody Mary with Bacon-Infused Vodka
One of the iconic cocktails is this Bloody Mary [2] with Bacon-Infused Vodka, a perfect brunch drink.
This is unique among other 2-ingredients vodka drinks as it has bacon notes.
Prep Time: 5mins
Total Time: 5mins
Ingredients:
- 15oz tomato juice
- 1 1/2-3 shots of bacon-infused vodka
Instructions: Fill half of your cocktail shaker with ice. Add a pinch of seasalt and pepper, a squirt of sriracha, and vodka.
Then, mix in the juice and shake until chilled. Pour the mix into your pint glass, and garnish it with bacon or lime wedge if preferred.
Serving: 1
6. Nilla Wafer Martini
Nilla Wafer Martini is one of the clever cocktail recipes combining amaretto and vanilla-flavored vodka that makes a delicious drink that’s not overly sweet.
Prep Time: 3mins
Total Time: 3mins
Ingredients:
- 1.5oz amaretto
- 1.5oz vanilla vodka
Instructions: Combine vodka and amaretto in a shaker with ice, then shake until chilled. Filter the mix into your chilled martini glass.
Serving: 1
5. Orange Creamsicle Cocktail
Orange soda mixed with vodka creates a timeless classic recipe that’s refreshing – tasting like popsicles.
Prep Time: 2mins
Total Time: 2mins
Ingredients:
- One can of orange soda, small
- 1.5oz vanilla vodka
Instructions: Pour ice and vodka into a glass. Then, fill a glass with orange soda and enjoy.
Serving: 1
4. Bullfrog Drink Recipe
Perfect for a summer barbecue or a drink by the pool, Bullfrog Drink are made with only two ingredients: vodka and frozen limeade. It’s a great addition to any big batch of drinks.
Prep Time: 5mins
Total Time: 5mins
Ingredients:
- 12-14 shots of vodka
- One bottle (or can) of limeade, frozen or pre-made
Instructions: Combine 4 ⅓ cups of water with the limeade and stir. Add the vodka shots and mix well. Pour the mixture into a lowball glass and serve.
Serving: 1
3. Limoncello Martini
This cocktail recipe uses the Italian lemon liqueur Limoncello, that’s sweet and citrusy. It’s one of the best vodka mixers that balances the flavors of the drink.
Prep Time: 2mins
Total Time: 2mins
Ingredients:
- 2oz Limoncello (Alternative: pickle juice)
- 1oz vodka
Instructions: Add vodka and Limoncello to your martini shaker filled with ice and shake well. Rim your martini glass with lemon and sugar, then pour the mix.
Serving: 1
2. Black Russian Cocktail
If you’ve tried White Russian, you must also try this Black Russian cocktail. So, leave the cream out and prepare this drink.
Prep Time: 5mins
Total Time: 5mins
Ingredients:
- 1oz coffee liqueur
- 2oz vodka
Instructions: Combine vodka and coffee liqueur in your highball glass filled with ice. Stir and serve.
Serving: 1
1. Greyhound Cocktail
This classic cocktail combines the flavors the grapefruit juice and vodka.
Prep Time: 5mins
Total Time: 5mins
Ingredients:
- 2oz Grey Goose vodka
- 4oz grapefruit juice
Instructions: Mix vodka and juice in a rocks glass filled with ice. Stir well and enjoy.
Serving: 1
Bartender’s Tip: Other 2-ingredient vodka drinks that didn’t make this list (but are still worth trying) include Cape Codder (vodka-cranberry mix), Vodka Soda (vodka-soda water mix), and Dirty Martini (olive brine/vermouth mix with vodka or gin).
In A Nut Shell
Making vodka drinks or cocktails doesn’t have to be time-consuming, along with meticulous ingredients.
As you can see, there are 2-ingredient vodka drinks you can prepare in no time with very accessible ingredients needed.
You don’t need fancy liqueurs [4] to make modern or classic cocktails that taste great and achieve your favorite flavor.
Using the best mixers, you can turn an economical vodka into refreshing and tasty cocktails.
FAQs Related to 2-Ingredient Vodka Drinks
What are 2-ingredient vodka drinks?
2-ingredient vodka drinks are cocktails that only have two main things: vodka and another drink mixed together. These drinks are simple to make and are perfect for those looking for easy yet flavorful beverage options.
What can you mix with vodka when you have no mixers?
What is the healthiest mixer for vodka?
The healthiest mixer for vodka is soda water since it’s nothing but carbonated water.
Since there are no added sugars, additives, or flavorings, it delivers a neutral flavor. Soda water mixed with vodka makes Vodka Soda.
What is a good mixer ratio for vodka?
A good mixer ratio for vodka is 1:3– a rule of thumb when mixing drinks or cocktails. But, depending on your preference, a 1:2 and equal parts ratio is also applicable.
What are some popular 2-ingredient vodka drinks?
Some popular 2-ingredient vodka drinks include:
Vodka Soda: Vodka mixed with carbonated water and served over ice.
Vodka Cranberry: Vodka mixed with cranberry juice, typically served over ice.
Moscow Mule: Vodka mixed with ginger beer and served with lime juice and ice.
What makes vodka cocktails unique?
Vodka cocktails are unique due to the versatility of vodka as a base spirit. Vodka’s neutral flavor allows it to pair well with a variety of mixers, resulting in a wide range of cocktail options to suit different tastes and preferences.
What are vodka shots, and how are they different from cocktails?
Vodka shots are tiny amounts of vodka usually drunk in one go. They are often served straight or with a simple mixer like a lemon or lime wedge. Vodka shots differ from cocktails in that they contain only vodka or a minimal amount of additional ingredients.
Can you recommend some popular vodka shot recipes?
Popular vodka shot recipes include the Lemon Drop Shot (vodka, lemon juice, and sugar), the Kamikaze Shot (vodka, triple sec, and lime juice), and the Redheaded Slut Shot (vodka, peach schnapps, and cranberry juice). These shots are known for their bold flavors and simplicity.
Are there any health considerations to keep in mind when consuming vodka cocktails and shots?
Yes, it’s important to consume vodka cocktails and shots in moderation. Drinking too much alcohol can harm your liver and make you addicted. Additionally, be mindful of the sugar content in mixers, as excessive sugar intake can contribute to weight gain and other health issues.
What’s the best vodka to use in 2-ingredient drinks?
Choosing the best vodka for 2-ingredient drinks depends mostly on what you like. However, it’s generally recommended to use a good-quality vodka that suits your taste and budget. Whether you prefer a classic Russian vodka, a smooth American vodka, or a flavored variety, choose one that you enjoy drinking on its own or mixed in cocktails.
Can 2-ingredient vodka drinks be made in advance for parties or events?
While some components of 2-ingredient vodka drinks, like pre-squeezed citrus juice, can be prepared in advance, it’s generally best to mix the drinks just before serving to maintain freshness and optimal flavor. However, you can certainly set up a DIY bar station with all the ingredients and let guests mix their own drinks according to their preferences.
Are there any non-alcoholic alternatives to 2-ingredient vodka drinks?
Yes, you can create non-alcoholic versions of 2-ingredient vodka drinks by substituting vodka with alcohol-free spirits or flavored syrups mixed with soda water or fruit juices. These options provide flavors similar to alcoholic drinks but without the alcohol.
Can I make 2-ingredient vodka drinks without a cocktail shaker or fancy equipment?
Absolutely! 2-ingredient vodka drinks are incredibly simple and require minimal equipment. You can easily mix them directly in the glass with a spoon or stirrer. However, if you prefer your drinks chilled or diluted, you may want to use ice and a glass appropriate for shaking or stirring.
Are there any health considerations to keep in mind when consuming 2-ingredient vodka drinks?
It’s important to drink 2-ingredient vodka drinks in moderation, just like any other alcoholic drinks. Drinking too much alcohol can harm your liver, make you addicted, and affect your ability to think clearly. So, it’s best to enjoy these drinks responsibly. Additionally, be mindful of the sugar content in mixers, as excessive sugar intake can contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
References:
- https://www.businessinsider.com/the-origin-story-of-the-screwdriver-cocktail-2015-3
- https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/paris-marks-bloody-mary-cocktails-100th-birthday
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/kvass
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/liqueur
