5 x Easy Vodka Cocktails (part 1)

Vodka Cocktails that are quick and easy perfect for at home! Bartenders often overlook vodka as a serious cocktail ingredient due to it’s relatively neutral flavour profile but this very flavour profile allows flexibility when mixing. Vodka’s neutral taste allows it to be paired with a wide range of other flavours including sweet, sour, savoury and spicy – to name a few. Vodka is an approachable spirit – meaning drinkers that aren’t overly adventurous, that may not like herbaceous or bold bitter flavours will find vodka an easy and obvious choice when mixing.

I’ve compiled some of the most popular vodka cocktails in my most recent upload, 5 Quick and Easy Vodka Cocktails. Check it out or skip to each relevant cocktail below:

0:26 Appletini
2:35 Cosmopolitan
4:05 Caipiroska
6:08 White Russian
7:23 Sea Breeze

INGREDIENTS
Vodka
Cloud Apple Juice, Lemon Juice, Maple Syrup
Cranberry Juice, Cointreau/Triple Sec, Lime Juice
Lime, Brown Sugar
Coffee Liqueur, Milk/Cream
Cranberry Juice, Grapefruit Juice

HOW TO MAKE AN APPLETINI WITH MAPLE SYRUP
There are numerous variations on the Appletini recipe such as our previously shared Appletini recipe which makes for a citrusy, zesty Appletini. This version of the Appletini utilises cloudy apple juice that has a crisp and wholesome apple flavour which is also full of antioxidants unlike clear apple juice. The apple flavour works hand in hand with the rich tasting maple syrup.

INGREDIENTS
- 45mL Vodka (1½ oz)
- 45mL Cloudy Apple Juice (1½ oz)
- 5mL Fresh Lemon Juice (⅙ oz)
- 5mL Maple Syrup (⅙ oz)

HOW TO MAKE A COSMOPOLITAN
Made infamous from the TV series Sex in the City but this cocktail has been around long before, dating back to the 70s. It is quite similar to a Cranberry Cooler with the addition of Cointreau and served neat instead of tall on ice. It also bears a close resemblance to a Kamikaze cocktail.

INGREDIENTS
- 45mL Vodka (1½ oz)
- 15mL Cointreau (½ oz)
- 45mL Cranberry Juice (1½ oz)
- 10mL Fresh Lime Juice (⅓ oz)

HOW TO MAKE A CAIPIROSKA
Make sure you use plenty of ice, the right dilution makes this cocktail a winner!

INGREDIENTS
- 60mL Vodka (2 oz)
- ¾ to 1 Lime
- 2-3 Teaspoons of Sugar

HOW TO MAKE A WHITE RUSSIAN

INGREDIENTS
- 45mL Vodka (1½ oz)
- 30mL Kahlua (1 oz)
- Dash of Milk (or Cream)

HOW TO MAKE A SEA BREEZE
The Sea Breeze cocktail is a simple, vodka mixed drink. A good measure of vodka is mixed with tart cranberry juice and subtly bitter fresh grapefruit juice. Shake and strain over fresh ice or if you're in a rush, simply build it within your collins glass.
A slightly tart yet refreshing vodka cocktail for summer sipping!

INGREDIENTS
- 60mL Vodka (2 oz)
- 90mL Cranberry Juice (3 oz)
- 60mL Grapefruit Juice (2 oz)

[_keato]

the mid-shake grin gets me every time.

[superunknown]

I always tell myself “he’s not going to smile this time” then he does. Then I smile

[Malvarez]

I like how everytime he shakes the drink, he smiles! that's not only key to bartending for customer satisfaction. But it lets you know, he knows he nailed the drink!

[matthewwestbrook]

I love how he smiles when he shakes hahahah

[cory-leeramos]

I don't really drink, but this showed up on my feed so I started watching and kept watching because he's just so like-able and the drinks are so pretty.

[Mossbergg]

you should do top 10 most ordered drinks you get and make a tutorial out of it !

[StevetheBartender_]

My pick - the Caipiroska, any day of the week!! How about yours? -- as always, recipes and measurements in the description (including ounces!)...

[jamesboyd]

I’ve just started my hospitality course in college, and have just been awarded my licence to serve alcohol in a restaurant, these videos are helping me on the way to being a bartender, keep up the good work Steve your a great inspiration to me 🙂

[raghavkatyal]

I've tried making about 5-6 of your cocktails and they turn out great every time. Great content, Steve, and you just come across as a super likeable person too!
Cheers from India!

[missroxywildflower]

I don't even really drink but I'd drink all night just to watch this magic in person. That flaming orange peel move was rad.

[stephane.foisy.]

My guilty pleasure is the white russian with half and half cream and a strong coffee liqueur.

[OksieFoxy]

I have no clue why YouTube decided to recommend me this at 7 o’clock in the morning but I’m so glad they did lol what a pleasant video. Thoroughly enjoyed it, will be watching more!

[anthonymaclaren]

My favorite part is when he does the lil smile while shaking it just looks so professional

[Gamerbeans]

Mom:what do you want be when you grow up

Me: a bartender

[devonmiller]

That shake smile! Every other YouTubed who makes drinks has a weird look on their face when they shake. I appreciate the smile!

[iriniskevofilax]

I love that you smile every time you shake up the cocktails

[kbr]

He’s so freaking adorable 🥰 that smile gets me every time

[rachell]

You are easily the best presenter of cocktail recipes. I like the little bit of history you provide on the drink and I could watch your videos all day. Well done.

[nattynut]

This quarantine will make me an alcoholic 😂

[MarcelloLins]

Caipiroska Recipe: I've been making these (and Capirinhas, the Cachaça version of this cocktail) for over 10 years now, so I thought I would share some details that I find make a difference.

Lime: When cutting your lime, try to remove the white strains the run inside the lime. This should reduce bitterness.
When placing the lime, either on your shaker or glass, have the pulps facing up before mixing the sugar in. Also, muddle it "dry", with just lime and sugar, this helps ensure that the sugar will really mix in with the lime pulp. I don't shake it myself, but that's when you can then shake it if you like. I personally prefer building it in the glass.

Anyhow, I know you have tons of experience, and I don't mean to imply otherwise, but I thought I would share these "tricks" with you anyway.