the vodka and tonic cocktail recipe…a simple highball drink

Vodka and Tonic, or often called Vodka Tonic is a refreshing highball cocktail made with Vodka, tonic and lime or lemon. As you might already know, this is quite similar to the Gin and Tonic drink which has the same ingredients expect for the base.

In the Gin and Tonic…it is the flavor, taste and aroma of Gin that stands out, but Vodka itself does not have a flavor or smell. Thus the Vodka and Tonic makes for a clean, smooth and refreshing drink appropriate for summer days and nights.

The Vodka Tonic is a very simple drink that is quite easy and quick to make. It contains just two simple ingredients. That means you need to use ingredients that you like and are of high quality. A cheap vodka with impurities will make the drink quite alcoholic in taste. The same care should be taken while selecting the tonic water as well.

Many of the vodka tonic recipes are made in many different proportions each varying according to one’s own taste and preference of strength. It is almost always garnished with a slice or wedge of the lime or lemon.

Ingredients

  • 3 shots of Vodka
  • 5 shots of Tonic water
  • Slice of lemon or lime for garnish

Preparation

  1. Chill a highball glass in the freezer. (optional)
  2. Fill the glass with large ice cubes up to the brim.
  3. Pour the Vodka of your choice over the ice
  4. Pour tonic water into the glass up to the brim to top it off
  5. Stir with a long stirrer to mix well
  6. Squeeze a lemon wedge into the glass
  7. Garnish the drink with a lemon or lime slice
Vodka and Tonic Drink on Rocks

Variations and Similar Drinks

  • Vodka and Tonic can made in several ratios including 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 3:5 etc. It is almost always the tonic water has the larger proportion than the vodka. I prefer the ratio of 3 to 5, which is very much on the stronger side.
  • The taste of tonic comes from the quinine which is present in the tonic water giving it its unusual bitter taste.  You may also try with a couple of drops of bitter to increase the bitterness and flavor of the drink.
  • Some variations of the drink also calls for a squeeze of lemon or some lemon (or lime) juice. This will make the drink have a citrus flavor that some might prefer. In my opinion, it takes away from the taste and flavor of the tonic.
  • Gin and Tonic: Similar drink made with Gin instead of Vodka.

Tips

  • Use a high quality Vodka so that drink has a refreshing and smooth taste, rather than being overly alcoholic.
  • Never substitute tonic water with soda. Even though soda has the necessary carbonation, it does not contain quinine which gives tonic its unique taste. A good quality tonic would go a long way.
  • Although vodka and tonic is a highball drink, you could also serve it as a low ball.