Vodka Water

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Simple, crisp and clear, the Vodka Water cocktail will refresh you after a hot and hard day.

Hours must’ve gone by, maybe even days. My sense of time had left me, and my G-Shock watch unfortunately didn’t survive the landing. My little single-prop plane had been struck by lightning, and I was forced to make an emergency landing. Hoping to gently slide onto a local golf course, à la Harrison Ford, I instead wound up in a tangled forest of tall and dizzyingly high pine trees.

Unscathed but a little battered, I began my trek through this misty and lush wilderness, searching first for sustenance or something to wet my dry and thirsty lips. I heard no birds, nor beasts, only a soft, distant babbling sound.

My verve was rising as I trundled through the brush, hoping that what I was hearing was indeed what I thought it was… water. Beautiful, crystal clear H2O that would keep me alive and hydrated as I figured out where the heck I was. And then I saw it: a sparkling and shiny stream, flowing down from the mountains off in the distance, winding its way through the trees.

I planted myself face-first into the brook, slurping up big mouthfuls. As I swallowed, I almost choked, sputtering out what was in my mouth. This wasn’t water, but vodka! Mind you, I wasn’t complaining, this was just completely unexpected.

I heard some happy humming to the right of me. I turned to see a ginger-bearded old man in a giant red hat and big yellow boots, pouring barrels labeled “VODKA” into the clear and running water. He noticed me, and must’ve seen the disbelief in my face.

“I’m throwing a party later”, he said simply, going back to his task. “Nothing beats Vodka Water.”

I considered his words for a moment, then turned back to the stream and continued drinking.

What Is The Best Vodka To Use In A Vodka Water?

For this recipe, I’m going to recommend a very specific bottle of vodka that you can use to make this drink. And if it isn’t available near you, pick your favorite instead. Nikka Coffey Vodka from Japan is the cleanest and crispest vodka I have ever sipped on in my life. And the main reason that I’m suggesting you make tonight’s cocktail with it, is that it reminded me of crystal clear and fresh spring water. Try your Vodka Water with some and you’ll also be convinced.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

When you’re ready to mix and drink, fill a highball glass with ice and garnish the rim with a fresh lemon wheel. Sip and enjoy.

WHAT IS THE BEST WATER TO USE IN THIS MIXTURE?

Find a filtered spring water to make this beverage with. I love Fred Water whenever I can find it, but my personal favorite is Smartwater. If you have your own at home, that’ll work just fine. Make sure it is ice cold, so keep it in the fridge.

Other Vodka Drinks Worth Trying

Vodka is one of the finest spirits you can make a mixed drink with. It is versatile, clear and goes with just about anything. Most folks are already familiar with a number of cocktails that are made with the liquor, but in case you yourself are curious, check out some of these recipes from Twist & Toast.

• Cherry Vodka Sour – A frothy and sweet spin on the cocktail classic.
• Lemonade Cocktail – A summertime elixir strictly for grown-ups, featuring vodka and lemon-lime soda.
• Vodka Martini – James Bond’s drink of choice, shaken and not stirred.
• Harvey Wallbanger – Galliano, orange juice, and vodka combine to create your new friend, Harvey.