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 Elderflower Spritz

The Elderflower Spritz:
Looking for an Aperol Spritz alternative? Meet the Elderflower Spritz, made with light, bright St-Germain elderflower liqueur and vodka.

The Salty Dog Recipe

The Salty Dog Recipe:
The Salty Dog can be made with vodka or gin — just stir in some fresh grapefruit juice, salt the rim of your Highball glass, and you’re good to go.

Mandarin Lemon Drop Recipe

Mandarin Lemon Drop Recipe:
It was so hot today that I wanted something fresh with delicious natural sugars to help me through the long afternoon. Learn to make the Mandarin Drop

The Blueberry Sour Recipe

The Blueberry Sour Recipe:
Fruit-infused simple syrups are easy to make at home, and this Blueberry Sour celebrates the berry in a bright, balanced cocktail.

The Blue Lagoon Spritz Recipe

The Blue Lagoon Spritz Recipe:
This riff on the classic (and eye-catching!) Blue Lagoon cocktail adds lemon soda water to keep you feeling tropically refreshed year-round.

Naughty & Spice Espresso Martini

Naughty & Spice Espresso Martini:
Now back with a spicy holiday twist, this modern iteration of the Espresso Martini cocktail is sure to keep you warm and toasty.