Sunshine & Vodka – Refreshing Vodka Cocktails

Nothing says summer like having a refreshing cocktail in hand while enjoying the great outdoors. And while we have nothing but praise for beer and the more flavor-forward spirits like gin, whiskey and tequila; vodka’s neutral flavor profile makes it the perfect base for a refreshing cocktail.

So, if you’re looking for new ways to keep your summer fresh, we’ve put together some great vodka cocktails you can whip up anywhere!

Great Gatsby

Ingredients

• 1 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. Lillet Blanc
• 2 1/2 oz. freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
• garnish: orange slice

Directions

1. Fill mixing glass halfway with ice. Add vodka, Lillet Blanc, and grapefruit juice.
2. Stir until cold and strain into ice-filled glass.
3. Garnish with orange slice.

Volstead

Ingredients

• 4 fresh strawberries, plus 1 for garnish
• ¾ oz. simple syrup
• ¾ oz. vodka
• ¾ oz. St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
• ¾ oz. lemon juice

Directions

1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle 4 strawberries with simple syrup.
2. Add remaining ingredients and ice.
3. Shake vigorously, and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
4. Garnish with a strawberry on the rim of the glass.

Blackberry Lime Rickey

Ingredients

• 3 large blackberries
• 2 oz. Woody Creek Vodka
• ½ oz. agave nectar
• ½ oz. lime juice
• splash of Prosecco
• lime wheel, for garnish

Directions

1. In a mixing glass, muddle the blackberries.
2. Add vodka, agave nectar, lime juice and ice. Cover and shake well.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
4. Top with prosecco and garnish with lime wheel.

Summer Heat

Ingredients

• 1½ oz. Infinity Chile Pepper Vodka
• 2½ oz. lemonade
• 1 oz. simple syrup
• cucumber and jalapeño slices, for garnish

Directions

1. In mixing glass or cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients, except garnishes.
2. Pour over ice and garnish with cucumber and jalapeño slices.

National Republic of Texas

Ingredients

• 1 oz. citrus-flavored vodka
• 1 oz. grapefruit juice
• ½ oz. Amontillado Sherry
• ½ oz. honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water)
• Grapefruit wedge, for garnish

Directions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients except garnish with ice.
2. Shake well, and strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
3. Garnish with grapefruit.

Classic Sgroppino

Ingredients

• 1 oz. vodka
• 1 scoop of lemon sorbet (or any fruit flavor)
• 3 oz. prosecco, plus an additional splash
• Mint spring, for garnish

Directions

1. In a stainless-steel bowl, whisk together the vodka, lemon sorbet and a splash of Prosecco until it reaches a slushy consistency.
2. Add the remaining Prosecco and whisk slowly until incorporated.
3. Pour into a martini glass or Champagne flute.
4. Garnish with mint, if desired.