Vodka Soda

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Simplicity at its finest, and most refreshing… the timeless Vodka Soda.

Mixing spirits with easier to swallow liquids is nothing new. What once was a simple way to make strong, sometimes harsh-tasting liquor more palatable has become an artform. Cocktail culture is popular the world over, and a lifestyle for many. The act of mixing drinks is, in my opinion, made for enhancing the flavors of whatever it is you’re making, not to obscure or mask them.

Originally, this is what mixing drinks stemmed from. A few hundred years ago, sailors were given rations of rum to mix with lime and sugar to stave off scurvy. This was so their “medicine” was easier to take, and eventually evolved into popular cocktails like the Daiquiri. Gin & Tonics were no different, and originally had their origins in a concoction that British sailors would take to thwart seasickness.

But who had the idea to combine vodka and soda together? That particular beverage has its beginnings in 1783 Geneva, Switzerland. Scientist Johann Jacob Schweppe had developed a technique to bottle carbonated mineral water. By 1800, Schweppe had opened offices in London, and within two decades, his new beverage company had begun exporting their products globally. We enjoy many of Schweppe’s staple products to this day, such as ginger ale and tonic.

And there wouldn’t be the popular Vodka Soda if it wasn’t for Schweppe’s process of manufacturing and bottling the carbonated ingredient that makes that cocktail so refreshing and bubbly. Many different spirits are served with club soda, such as rum, whiskey and gin. But vodka has that special something that makes this mix magical on a hot Saturday night out.

Easy, simple and uncomplicated, the Vodka Soda has been the mainstay at dance clubs, house parties and any number of bars the world over for many decades, and with good reason. Often times, when I want something refreshing, light and cold with that perfect burst of citrus in every sip, I’ll order a Vodka Soda. I’ve never been disappointed.

What’s the Deal with Club Soda?

If you think all club soda is the same, no matter the brand, you’re in for a surprise. As a kid, my grandparents would use it as a mixer for their cocktails, and whenever I’d ask for regular soda or something like it, I’d get a tall glass of carbonated club. On its own, it was very dry and spiky, I remembered, and not easy for a child to choke down. So when I was older and making my own drinks, I steered clear of this fizzy ingredient for a while. That is until I discovered a few drinks that required it. While most club soda uses minerals to enhance the flavor and carbonation, some will use things such as Himalayan pink salts. These can have a robust and effervescent texture, while others are very smooth and blend seamlessly with the drink. I suggest trying out a few different styles of club soda to see what compliments your cocktail best.

What is the Best Vodka to Use in a Vodka Soda?

For a drink as easy and down-to-earth as the Vodka Soda, the flavor possibilities can be a lot of fun. Many vodka brands famously sell all manner of their spirit with different taste profiles. You can’t go wrong with a simple grain or potato distilled version; with club soda and a slice of lemon or lime, your cocktail will always be delicious. But for easy variety, trying a peach, orange, or any infused version will liven up your libation. Try a few, just not all at once, of course.

What kind of glass and garnish do you use for a Vodka Soda?

A tall Collins or highball glass will keep your cocktail cold and frosty, as the longer glassware will keep your ice cubes chilled longer. Pop a lemon wedge on the rim and savor that first sip.

Is seltzer the same as club soda?

They’re both very similar. Club soda can include ingredients such as sodium chloride, bicarbonate and potassium sulfate. Seltzer, while made with a similar process, doesn’t include any minerals, making a more tasteless, softer carbonated drink.

Is it better to garnish with a lemon or a lime?

It’s a matter of personal taste. I find limes to be more tart, while a lemon has that nice sour-sweetness that I usually crave. For my drinks I prefer lemon, but a lime could be a nice change of pace.

Similar Cocktails to the Vodka Soda

Looking for more simple and fizzy cocktails to get you through the week? Look no further! We here at Twist & Toast have a number of easy and bubbly drinks to whet your whistle. Try a few of these out:

• Gin & Tonic – I write about this legendary two ingredient drink here.
• Gin Rickey – This simple and tart cocktail, featuring only gin, lime juice and club soda, will cool you down on a hot day.
• Vodka Gimlet – I recently discovered the joys of Gimlets and talk about the vodka version here.
• Tom Collins – Simple syrup and lemon juice join the gin and club soda party in this classic, vivacious drink.