Five Vodka Drinks That Never Go Out of Style
Sometimes the best cocktail is the simplest one. These five classic vodka drinks each require only two or three ingredients, and every single one lets the quality of the vodka shine through. That is exactly why we reach for Smoky Valley Premium Vodka — distilled from Kansas grain for a clean, smooth finish that elevates even the most straightforward recipes.
Vodka Soda
The ultimate low-calorie, low-effort, maximum-refreshment cocktail. A good Vodka Soda is all about the vodka, and our Premium Vodka delivers a subtle sweetness and silky mouthfeel that cheap vodkas simply cannot match. The lime wedge is not optional — that squeeze of citrus brings the whole drink to life.
Vodka Tonic
Tonic water's quinine bitterness creates a more complex pairing than soda water. Use a quality tonic like Fever-Tree or Q Mixers, and you will notice how the tonic's botanicals play against the vodka's clean grain character. For a twist, try adding a few cucumber slices instead of lime.
Cape Codder
Cranberry and vodka is a pairing as reliable as Kansas sunsets. Use 100% cranberry juice (not cranberry cocktail) for a tart, balanced drink, or use the sweetened version if you prefer it on the sweeter side. This cocktail also works beautifully with our Lingonberry Vodka — the berry-on-berry combination is outstanding.
Screwdriver
A brunch staple for a reason. Fresh-squeezed orange juice makes all the difference here — the pulp and brightness of real juice cannot be replicated by the stuff in a carton. Our Premium Vodka's neutral profile lets the orange flavor take center stage while adding body and warmth.
Greyhound
The Greyhound is the Screwdriver's sophisticated cousin. Fresh grapefruit juice brings a bittersweet complexity that pairs perfectly with clean vodka. Salt the rim and it becomes a Salty Dog — the salt tames the grapefruit's bitterness and makes the drink dangerously easy to drink.
Beyond the Basics
Once you have mastered these five, explore our flavored vodka cocktails. Our Wild Plum Vodka makes stunning spritzers, our Smoked Jalapeno Vodka creates fiery twists on classics, and our Pickle Vodka is the secret to the best Bloody Mary you have ever tasted.
Visit the Distillery
Want to taste all five vodka expressions side by side? Book a tasting and tour at our distillery in Marquette, Kansas, and discover which vodka is your favorite. You can also find our spirits at retailers across Kansas — check where to buy for locations near you.