Q&A for How to Drink Vodka

Consider trying an espresso martini. This cocktail combines vodka with coffee liqueur and freshly brewed espresso, which is perfect for coffee lovers. Another great option is a lemon drop, which mixes vodka with fresh lemon juice and simple syrup for a refreshing and tangy taste. Additionally, you can't go wrong with a classic cosmopolitan, which blends vodka with cranberry juice, triple sec, and fresh lime juice for a delicious and flavorful cocktail.

Absolutely, this is known as drinking it “neat” or “straight” and is a standard practice for many vodka consumers. You can add ice if wished or just drink it as it is. Some people prefer pre-flavored vodka to drink straight, many brands provide such an option that adds interest to the vodka without having to add mixers. For the calorie-conscious, drinking vodka by itself can help to keep the already high (and nutritionally empty) levels of calories in alcohol a little lower.

Vodka has the benefit of being neutral-tasting, so almost any other drink you want to add to it as a mixer will work well. However, traditional and much-loved vodka mixers include: Juice (orange, cranberry, pineapple, etc.), lemon sodas (lemonade, lemon squash, etc.), Coca-Cola, iced tea, energy drinks, mineral water (flavored or non-flavored) and other alcohol. Some mixers disguise the alcohol, so be careful not to drink too much and remember that alcohol and some mixers are high in calories.

Vodka itself has a neutral flavor, meaning that you can choose to add almost any other flavored drink to it and it’ll taste fine, provided you like the flavor of the added drink. Coke goes well with vodka; if you’re out, ask for a vodka and coke. If making it at home, use one ounce of vodka to four ounces of coke. Warning: The caffeine in coke can mask the sedative effect of the alcohol, which may cause you to think you’re not as drunk as you are, putting you at risk for injury or driving drunk.

Certainly! Drinking vodka straight is one of the main ways to enjoy it. Try it to see whether you like the taste of vodka on its own, or maybe add some ice. Flavored vodka varieties are another possibility, as the flavor is already infused as part of the vodka, allowing you to drink a flavored version straight without added mixers. Part one of this article details some more ideas on how to enjoy vodka straight.

You can do it if you prefer the taste of it.

Yes. There is a vodka drink called a "lemon drop" that contains vodka, lemon, and sugar.

Of course you can. I sometimes add Vodka to a Mojito for a twist. You can also try adding sweet and sour.

Yes, you can. However, all it will do is slightly dilute the vodka and provide you with a taller liquid. Since vodka is tasteless on its own, adding water won't change its flavor. Nor does adding water dilute the alcohol strength, it just distributes it through more liquid. Perhaps if you want a little vodka to go a long way, this is a suitable choice for slow sipping over awhile.

Yes, vodka goes well with pretty much anything due to its neutral flavor. Just about any kind of juice will work!

Yes. Vodka mixes with pretty much any juice or soft drink.

Yes, you can. I recommend experimenting with different types to find the taste you like best.

First off, as this is your first time, chances are that having more than one shot's worth is going to get you drunk, at least drunk enough to not be safe driving. So please make sure you're not going to be tempted to drive after having vodka. That being said, (1) mix the vodka with something so that it is fairly diluted (juice, soda, etc.). (2) If you insist on drinking the vodka neat/straight, then spend plenty of time drinking other non-alcoholic liquids, and maybe also snacking on food both before, and especially during/after drinking the vodka. (3) Try to plan ahead so you can get as close as possible to a full night's rest after drinking to allow your body to finish processing.

By convention, vodka is meant to be consumed cold. But if you dislike cold drinks, you could feasibly drink it warm.

Yes, drinking too much vodka (or any other kind of alcohol) can raise your blood pressure.

Water or sparkling water, tomato juice and cucumber juice.

You can indeed mix it with mineral water. Soda and various forms of water are frequently used to dilute vodka.

Yes, you can.

It will be mixed. The ethanol (the alcohol) will form hydrogen bonds with the water. So there will be no layers.

A cup is 8 oz, so 7 ounces is 7/8ths of a cup.

Yes, vodka combines well with most fruit juices, including kiwi.

Yes, you can. Try experimenting with different mixers to find the taste you like best.

Yes, you can drink vodka with or without ice, though most people prefer to drink it cold.

Yes, you can mix the vodka with any type of mixer that you would like/ think you would enjoy.

You can mix vodka with any soda, though most people prefer the taste of vodka and clear sodas, like Sprite.

Yes, it can.

To make a martini "dirty," add some brine from the olives; this makes the drink cloudy rather than clear.

Avoid storing your liquors in areas that can get extremely hot at any time of day. A nice constant temperature of about 60 to 65°F is good (vodka can be stored in the freezer), so the basement might be a good choice for long-term storage. The attic, on the other hand, is always out.

Yes. You can mix it with pomegranate juice. Perhaps try it on ice in a highball glass and stir it up.

Yes, mixing vodka with soft drinks is very common, especially vodka and Coke and vodka and tonic.