Ah, summer. The season of sunshine, warmth, and endless outdoor gatherings with friends and family. And what better way to beat the heat than with a refreshing glass of vodka tonic? Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a backyard BBQ, these 18 unique vodka tonic recipes are sure to quench your thirst and impress your guests.
From classic combinations to bold twists, we’ve got you covered with our collection of summer-perfect vodka tonics. With flavors ranging from citrusy and zesty to sweet and fruity, there’s something for everyone on this list. So grab a glass, pour in the good stuff, and get ready to toast the warmer months with these refreshing vodka tonic recipes.
Classic Vodka Tonic with a Twist of Lime
Elevate the simplicity of vodka tonic by adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a touch of elegance to your cocktail hour. This timeless classic is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) vodka
– 4 oz (120 ml) tonic water
– Juice of 1 lime, approximately 1/2 tsp
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour the vodka over the ice.
3. Top with tonic water.
4. Squeeze the lime juice into the glass, allowing it to mix with the other ingredients.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Citrus-Infused Vodka Tonic
Brighten up your cocktail hour with this refreshing twist on the classic vodka tonic.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz citrus-infused vodka (see note)
– 4 oz tonic water
– Juice of 1 orange, lemon, or lime
– Slice of citrus fruit for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the citrus-infused vodka and tonic water.
3. Squeeze in the juice of one citrus fruit (orange, lemon, or lime).
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a slice of citrus fruit.
Note: To make citrus-infused vodka, combine 1 cup vodka with 1/2 cup freshly squeezed citrus juice and 1/4 cup sugar in an airtight container. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours or refrigerate overnight. Strain the mixture before using.
Cooking Time: N/A
Elderflower Vodka Tonic
Elderflower vodka tonic is a light and crisp cocktail perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up. This recipe combines the subtle sweetness of elderflower liqueur with the tanginess of grapefruit juice and the effervescence of tonic water.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz elderflower vodka
– 4 oz grapefruit juice
– 2 oz tonic water
– Slice of grapefruit, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the elderflower vodka and grapefruit juice.
3. Top with tonic water.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just mix and serve!)
Cucumber Mint Vodka Tonic
This refreshing twist on the classic vodka tonic is perfect for warm weather and outdoor gatherings. The cucumber and mint add natural flavors that complement the crisp taste of vodka.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz tonic water
– 1/2 cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add the sliced cucumber to the glass.
3. Muddle the cucumber slices gently with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their flavor and oils.
4. Add the vodka, tonic water, and mint leaves to the glass.
5. Stir well to combine.
6. Serve immediately and garnish with a lime wedge if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Berry Blast Vodka Tonic
Elevate your vodka tonic game with this refreshing twist featuring a medley of berries and citrus. Perfect for warm weather or as a unique cocktail to impress friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz tonic water
– 1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– Juice of 1 lime
– 1 sprig of fresh mint leaves
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka and top with tonic water.
3. Add the mixed berries and lime juice to the glass.
4. Stir gently to combine and release the flavors.
5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Spicy Ginger Vodka Tonic
Elevate your vodka tonic game with the spicy kick of ginger and a hint of sweetness. This recipe combines bold flavors to create a unique and delicious cocktail perfect for warm weather or any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz tonic water
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/4 oz ginger liqueur (such as Domaine Canton)
– 1/4 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Slice of lime and thin piece of fresh ginger for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka and tonic water.
3. Add the fresh lime juice, ginger liqueur, and simple syrup.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a slice of lime and a thin piece of fresh ginger.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just mix and serve!)
Enjoy your Spicy Ginger Vodka Tonic!
Rosemary Lemon Vodka Tonic
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic vodka tonic, featuring the bright flavors of rosemary and lemon.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz tonic water
– Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
– Sprigs of fresh rosemary (3-4 leaves)
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka and top with tonic water.
3. Squeeze in the lemon juice and drop the sprig of rosemary into the glass.
4. Stir gently to combine and release the aromatics from the rosemary.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and enjoy!
Tropical Pineapple Vodka Tonic
Escape to a tropical paradise with this sweet and tangy vodka tonic, perfect for warm weather sipping. Combining the juiciness of pineapple with the crispness of mint, this recipe is sure to quench your thirst.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Vodka
– 4 oz Tonic water
– 1/2 cup Pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup Fresh mint leaves
– Slice of pineapple for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add vodka and pineapple juice.
3. Top with tonic water and stir gently.
4. Place a few fresh mint leaves in the glass for garnish.
5. Squeeze a slice of pineapple over the drink and drop it in.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Lavender Honey Vodka Tonic
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Lavender Honey Vodka Tonic recipe, featuring the subtle sweetness of lavender and honey.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka (lavender-infused or regular)
– 4 oz tonic water
– 1 tsp dried lavender buds
– 1 tsp honey syrup (equal parts honey and water, dissolved)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Fresh lavender sprig, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, lavender buds, and honey syrup.
2. Muddle the mixture gently to release the lavender flavor and aroma.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with tonic water and stir gently.
6. Express a lime wheel over the drink and garnish with a fresh lavender sprig, if desired.
Cooking Time: None required!
Peach Basil Vodka Tonic
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic vodka tonic, featuring sweet peaches and fragrant basil.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces peach-flavored vodka
– 4-6 oz tonic water
– Juice of 1 ripe peach (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the peach-flavored vodka and add the peach juice.
3. Top with tonic water and stir gently to combine.
4. Muddle the chopped basil leaves into the drink using a muddler or the back of a spoon.
5. Squeeze a lime wheel over the cocktail and drop it in.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and enjoy!
Vanilla Orange Vodka Tonic
This recipe combines the smoothness of vanilla vodka with the brightness of orange and a splash of tonic water, creating a unique and revitalizing cocktail perfect for warm evenings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Vanilla Vodka
– 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed orange juice
– 3 oz Tonic Water
– Slice of orange, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vanilla vodka and freshly squeezed orange juice.
3. Top with tonic water.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a slice of orange.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Enjoy your refreshing Vanilla Orange Vodka Tonic!
Pomegranate Vodka Tonic
A refreshing twist on the classic G&T, this Pomegranate Vodka Tonic combines the sweet and tangy flavors of pomegranate with the crispness of tonic water.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Pomegranate-flavored vodka
– 4 oz Tonic water
– Juice of 1 lime
– Sprig of fresh mint leaves (optional)
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the pomegranate-flavored vodka.
3. Add tonic water, stirring gently to combine.
4. Squeeze in the juice of one lime and drop it in.
5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None needed! Just chill and serve.
Grapefruit Rosemary Vodka Tonic
This citrusy cocktail combines the tartness of grapefruit with the herbaceousness of rosemary, all tied together with a crisp vodka tonic. Perfect for warm weather or as a unique alternative to traditional gin-based tonics.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz tonic water
– Juice of 1 grapefruit (about 2 tbsp)
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka and grapefruit juice.
3. Top with tonic water.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Place a few sprigs of rosemary on top of the cocktail as garnish.
Cooking Time: None!
Herbal Thyme Vodka Tonic
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic vodka tonic. The addition of thyme and lemon creates a bright, herbaceous flavor profile that’s perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz tonic water
– 1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka and add the thyme leaves.
3. Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir gently to combine.
4. Top with tonic water and stir once more.
5. Garnish with additional thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Enjoy your Herbal Thyme Vodka Tonic!
Chili Lime Vodka Tonic
Elevate your vodka tonic game with the bold flavors of chili and lime. This recipe combines the spicy kick of chili peppers with the brightness of lime juice, perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz tonic water
– Juice of 1 lime
– 1-2 dashes chili pepper syrup (depending on desired heat level)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka and add a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
3. Add the tonic water and stir gently to combine.
4. Add 1-2 dashes of chili pepper syrup, depending on your desired level of heat.
5. Stir again to distribute the flavors evenly.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None needed! This refreshing drink is ready in just a few minutes.
Watermelon Mint Vodka Tonic
This revitalizing cocktail combines the sweetness of watermelon with the cooling essence of mint, perfect for hot summer days. The vodka adds a smooth and subtle kick.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 3 oz tonic water
– 1 cup watermelon chunks (seedless)
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Ice cubes
– Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, puree the watermelon chunks until smooth.
2. Muddle the fresh mint leaves with a spoon or muddler to release their oils and flavor.
3. Fill a glass with ice. Add the vodka, watermelon puree, and mint mixture.
4. Top with tonic water and stir gently.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing cocktail is ready in minutes.
Lemon Verbena Vodka Tonic
Elevate your classic vodka tonic with the sweet and citrusy flavors of lemon verbena.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka (preferably a high-quality, smooth vodka)
– 4 oz tonic water
– 1/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1 sprig of fresh lemon verbena leaves (or 1/4 teaspoon dried verbena)
– Ice
– Lemon slice or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka and tonic water.
3. Add the lemon juice and simple syrup.
4. Drop the lemon verbena sprig into the glass (or add dried verbena to taste).
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a lemon slice or wheel.
Cooking Time: None! Just chill, stir, and serve.
Blood Orange Vodka Tonic
This recipe combines the tanginess of blood orange juice with the crispness of vodka and tonic water, perfect for warm weather or a sophisticated cocktail party.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) blood orange-flavored vodka
– 4 oz (120 ml) tonic water
– Juice of 1 blood orange
– Slice of blood orange, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the blood orange-flavored vodka and top with tonic water.
3. Squeeze in the juice of 1 blood orange, being careful not to add too much (you can always add more, but it’s harder to remove excess).
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a slice of blood orange.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Enjoy your Blood Orange Vodka Tonic!
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these refreshing vodka tonic recipes! From classic combos to unique twists, we’ve got 18 mouth-watering variations that are sure to quench your thirst. Try adding a squeeze of lime, a sprig of rosemary, or a splash of citrus for a taste sensation like no other. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, savory, or spicy, there’s a vodka tonic recipe on this list that’s sure to hit the spot.
