The Story Behind The Vodka Tonic

The Vodka Tonic is as refreshing as it is simple. And while not as well known as the Gin and Tonic, it’s an excellent vehicle for exploring high-quality vodkas. Though lighter in flavor than many cocktails, the Vodka Tonic’s profile is surprisingly complex — simultaneously combining bitter, sweet, and sour notes for an effervescent finish.

Using premium tonics and top-shelf vodka are the keys to a delicious Vodka Tonic. Easily sippable, this mixed drink pairs with practically everything and is easily customizable with the addition of citrus, berries, herbs, and more.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 4 ounces tonic water
  • Garnish: lemon or lime wedge (or both)

Directions

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
  2. Add the vodka followed by the tonic water.
  3. Stir gently and garnish with lemon or lime wedge (or both), squeezing it if you wish.

Rate This Recipe:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(177 votes)

Yield: 1
Calories: 180
Updated: 2022-08-01

The Vodka Tonic Recipe

Vodka Tonic FAQ

Do all vodkas work well with tonic?

While any vodka will work in a vodka tonic, as vodka does not carry much flavor of its own, it’s important to use top-shelf vodkas like Grey Goose, Ketel One, or Belvedere for the simple cocktail to truly shine.

Is a vodka tonic healthy?

While it is impossible to call anything containing alcohol healthy, a vodka tonic has a relatively low calorie count of 180, meaning it's a solid choice for those watching their weight.

What does a vodka tonic taste like?

A vodka tonic is a semi-sweet drink that’s tampered down by the bitter notes of quinine — a main ingredient in tonic — and vodka. With the carbonation of tonic, the cocktail is bubbly, light, and refreshing.

How strong is a vodka tonic?

With the standard pour of vodka, a vodka tonic is approximately 10 percent ABV.

Related Reads & Recipes

Learn About Vodka

· Vodka 101

· Our always updated list of the best Vodka to buy right now!

More Vodka Recipes To Explore

The Clove Screwdriver Recipe

The Clove Screwdriver Recipe:
Just in time for fall, the classic Screwdriver is given an aromatic, spicy upgrade with the addition of clove simple syrup.

The Too-Tempting Melon Spiked Popsicles Recipe

The Too-Tempting Melon Spiked Popsicles Recipe:
What's better than a popsicle on a steaming summer day? A popsicle spiked with booze — especially these ones, made with fresh melon and vodka.

The Blue Long Island Iced Tea Recipe

The Blue Long Island Iced Tea Recipe:
This lighter, fruitier version of a Long Island Iced Tea is an eye-catching adaptation of its notorious counterpart.

The Mudslide Recipe

The Mudslide Recipe:
Popular as an after-dinner dessert drink, the Mudslide is sure to satisfy even the biggest of sweet tooths.

The Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule:
The origins of this vodka cocktail are foggy, but one thing is clear: few drinks are more refreshing than a classic Moscow Mule.

Strawberry Nectarine Lemonade Recipe

Strawberry Nectarine Lemonade Recipe:
Combining deliciously ripe nectarines and strawberries with some lemonade and cranberry juice cuts the sweetness with a bit of acidity. (Just add vodka.)