Spirits & Liqueurs Vodka

7 Summery Vodka Cocktails to Try at Home Right Now

Written by
Olivia French is writer and content creator based in Charlotte, N.C., whose experience spans cocktail trends, travel and lifestyle.
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Olivia French
Published 06/08/17

Vodka sometimes gets a bad rap for being a boring spirit, but we like to think of it as more of a blank canvas, one on which other interesting cocktail ingredients, from seasonal fruit to chai tea to the most obscure liqueurs, find a home and even flourish. So stop feeling bored and start getting inspired. These are 11 vodka cocktails to drink right now.

  • Summer Fridays

    Toast the end of the workweek with this refreshing combination of vodka, coconut milk and key lime juice. Even if your weekend plans involve you venturing only as far as the backyard, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a white sand beach.

    Get the recipe.

  • Lychee

    Lychee is the star in this cocktail that came from San Francisco’s BDK. It comes in the form of coconut-lychee milk, which sounds complicated but is easy enough to make at home. Mix it with Absolut Wild Tea vodka, homemade salted pistachio syrup and fresh lime juice, then serve over cobbled ice garnished with toasted coconut and lime zest for a truly spectacular cocktail.

    Get the recipe.

  • Lunar Eclipse

    This health-conscious cocktail is packed full of veggies and good-for-you spices. Turmeric-infused vodka adds a savory kick to carrot juice, while honey and lemon juice brighten up the edges. Bitters add an extra layer for a drink that’s fit for brunch or afternoon sipping.

    Get the recipe.

  • Cardamom

    Inspired by the earthy spice, this cocktail combines homemade pistachio-fat-washed vodka (sounds complicated, but it isn’t, trust us) with cardamom syrup and espresso. The resulting drink is smooth, nutty and warming, making it a perfect after-dinner sipper.

    Get the recipe.

    Continue to 5 of 7 below.

  • Ruby Chai Appletini

    A twist on the Appletini, this cocktail packs a double punch of chai flavor with chai-infused vodka and chai-infused cider (both homemade) to ensure the spices are tasted in every sip. The two infusions are shaken with muddled apple and agave nectar to complete a sweet and spicy cocktail.

    Get the recipe.

  • Whatamelon

    Heading to the beach? Be sure to grab one of these coolers in your hand. Watermelon juice, lime juice and mint get a boozy lift from cucumber vodka, St-Germain elderflower liqueur and white wine in this refreshing seasonal cocktail.

    Get the recipe.

  • Robin Redbreast

    This brilliant cocktail gets its hue from blood orange juice or purée. Mix it with vodka, triple sec and lime juice for a fresh and fruity cocktail that works any time of the year. Garnish with an edible orchid for a truly stunning appearance.

    Get the recipe.