Vodka Tonic

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Seeking a simple, crisp and refreshing sip? You’re looking for a Vodka Tonic.

I stumbled upon tonight’s recipe purely by accident and necessity. And am I ever glad that I did. For years, I had heard the words Vodka Tonic mentioned amongst my older relatives during get-togethers, but as I grew up and started my own cocktail journey, my tonics were combined with gin. And for many folks, the classic Gin and Tonic is what they’re most familiar with.

So one weekend, I had plenty of tonic chilling in the fridge, but discovered I was out of gin. It was a tad hot outside, and I didn’t much feel like going anywhere and grabbing a new bottle of London Dry, so I looked to see what I had on the shelf. Usually, I kept some vodka handy, mostly for a Vesper or two, and I was curious to see how that would play with my mixer.

After making a nice, tall tipple for myself using the vodka and tonic, I quickly discovered a balanced, light-tasting and potent beverage, one that immediately became a new favorite. With a little squeeze of citrus, the Vodka Tonic is the perfect late-afternoon sipper, one that will relax as well as refresh while you watch the sun go down.

What is tonic water?

When I first started mixing drinks with tonic, I honestly thought it was just a quinine-flavored water. But it contains more than that, which explains the calorie content that’s fairly high per serving, comparable to a soft drink. The carbonated product also includes sugar and other citric elements, which give it its tart and tangy notes. Originally a sailor’s remedy for malaria during long sea voyages, it was discovered over time that it made for a great cocktail when combined with a spirit like gin or vodka.

What is the best vodka to use in a Vodka Tonic?

I’m a creature of habit, and usually keep my favorite liquors on hand once I’ve discovered what I like. Chopin is a Polish vodka, and I tend to go with their rye-distilled version. It’s smooth, clean and has a crisp, peppery bite and melds well with other ingredients when mixed into a cocktail. The potato variety is wonderful too, and has some nice heat on the finish of each sip. Both mix beautifully with a cold and fizzy tonic water.

What glassware and garnish are used?

Take a highball glass and chill it in your freezer for about 15 to 30 minutes before pouring your drink in. This will make for an extra cold and crisp experience, but is also completely optional. Fill the glass with ice and garnish with a plump lime wedge on top when you’re ready to imbibe.

What is the best tonic to mix with?

My preference has always been Fever-Tree’s Light Tonic, which has a more buoyant, less bitter taste than regular tonic water. Sometimes the flavor can get a little too strong for me, so the “diet” version gives what I feel is a more balanced-tasting mixture.

Similar drinks to the Vodka Tonic

Sometimes you crave a cocktail that is so simple to make, you’re already sipping on it before you’re done stirring. The Vodka Tonic is a brilliantly easy and delicious libation, and if that is the kind of beverage you prefer, you’ll be pleased to see a number of like-minded recipes right here at Twist & Toast. Try out a few of these this weekend.

• Whiskey Tonic – Both whiskey and tonic make for good bedfellows.
• Rum and Coke – The classic that everybody is always in the mood for.
• Tequila and Ginger Ale – Here’s a refreshing, earthy and spiced sipper.
• Bourbon Rickey – A smoky, tart and bubbly beverage that has been around for over a century.