Vanilla vodka completely revolutionized the cocktail industry as soon as it was launched. This type of vodka has increased in popularity, and more people discover it each year.
While you can enjoy your vanilla vodka neat or on the rocks with a few ice cubes, you should know that it can also be a priceless ingredient in many popular cocktails and mixed drinks.
You can choose a simple drink, such as a cherry vanilla soda, or use your vanilla vodka in more complex drinks that will make you feel spoiled! Keep reading to find out the best drink recipes for vanilla vodka!
Also check: 15 Best Sodas to Mix With Vodka
20 Best Vanilla Vodka Cocktail Recipes
Among the following recipes, you will find both simple and complex ones. Take into account your personal preferences when you choose the ones that you want to try. But know that they are tasty, so you can’t fail!
1. Cherry Vanilla Vodka soda
If you like the cherry flavor, you will enjoy it even more, along with vanilla vodka in this captivating cocktail. To make this cocktail, you will need eight ounces of vanilla vodka, 1/4 cup of cherry syrup, and 1/4 cup of lime juice. Mix with club soda, and you will obtain a fizzy and refreshing drink!
Most people prefer this cocktail with ice, and if that is the case for you, too, it is recommended to add a large ice cube in the glass so it will not dilute your drink too fast.
For garnish, you can use a cherry and a wheel of lime and get creative to make your drink look as attractive as it tastes.
More: 25 Best Vodka Drinks To Order At a Bar
2. Apple pie cinnamon cocktail
It is difficult to resist a delicious apple pie, and this cocktail will be just as tasty! The Apple pie cinnamon cocktail tastes great cold or warm, so you can enjoy it s a refreshing summer drink or a relaxing winter treat.
And even if it is an alcoholic cocktail, this Apple pie cinnamon drink is still more like a dessert than a strong drink.
You will need half a teaspoon of cinnamon, two tablespoons of sugar, eight ounces of fresh apple cider, two ounces of whiskey, and two ounces of vodka.
Mix all the ingredients and stir with the straw. You can garnish the cocktail with a slice of apple and serve it to your guests!
3. Vanilla Raspberry Martini
The Vanilla Raspberry Martini might become the cocktail of choice for you and your friends. Imagine the raspberry flavor meeting the citrus taste and the creamy vanilla taste in one glass.
Plus, this cocktail will look very interesting, too, and it will be a pleasure to enjoy. To make the best Vanilla Raspberry Martini, you need four or five raspberries, half an ounce of lime juice, two ounces of vanilla vodka, and half an ounce of Chambord and ice.
Add all your ingredients to your cocktail shaker and give them a good shake for ten to 15 seconds. Strain your drink before you pour it into your martini glass.
If you want an even cooler drink, you can also chill the martini glass in the freezer. Garnish the drink with a few raspberries and a lime slice or a lime wedge on the rim of your glass.
Also check: 20 Best Hpnotiq Drinks
4. Pumpkin spice white Russians
The Pumpkin Spice White Russians are an idea for Halloween parties. Still, you can enjoy them any time, as these cocktails are simply delicious.
You will make the classic White Russian recipe with a pumpkin spice twist. This drink will also resemble more a dessert than an alcoholic drink.
You will need coffee liqueur, vanilla vodka, and cream for the classic White Russian. To make Pumpkin Spice White Russian, you need to add pumpkin spice and a cinnamon stick.
Shake all the ingredients except the cinnamon stick into your cocktail shaker. Strain the drink into your cocktail glass and add the cinnamon stick to it.
5. Vanilla cheesecake cocktail
Another that will compete with a dessert is the vanilla cheesecake cocktail. If this drink seems complicated to make, don’t worry because it is straightforward, and you can make it home. You will need one splash of cranberry juice, 3/4 ounces of vanilla-flavored vodka, and 3/4 ounces of strawberry-flavored vodka.
Mix all the ingredients in a shaker or directly into your cooled martini glass. You can decorate your drink with a strawberry, and don’t forget to add some ice, as this drink is much better cold.
6. Frozen Strawberry cocktail
If you like strawberries and vanilla, you can have the best of both worlds in this Frozen Strawberry cocktail. You will need five or six frozen strawberries, a few mint leaves, two ounces of vanilla vodka, one ounce of lime juice, and a teaspoon of sweet syrup. Don’t forget the ice cubes to make this cocktail even more refreshing.
Add all the ingredients to the shaker and give them a vigorous shake for 20 seconds. Strain your drink into the cocktail glass and decorate it with half a strawberry on edge.
7. Pineapple Vodka Cocktail
For the hot summer days when you want to relax with a refreshing drink, the Pineapple Vodka Cocktail is the best choice. To make this drink, you need two ounces of lemon-lime soda, one mint spring, a 20-ounce can of pineapple, and four ounces of vanilla vodka.
Note that you will only use one ounce of pineapple juice from the 20-ounce can, but you can permanently save the rest for future cocktails.
Pour all the ingredients into your cocktail glass after you add ice and stir with the straw. Decorate the cocktail with a pineapple wedge and serve!
8. Blackberry Vanilla Vodka Cocktail
Vanilla and blackberries will always go great together in cocktails and desserts. So, you know that this drink will not disappoint you! To make this cocktail, you will need two ounces of vanilla-flavored vodka (you can add just one ounce if you want a softer drink), one ounce of lime juice, fresh blackberries, and a few fresh mint leaves.
Shake all the ingredients along with ice in your cocktail shaker. Put some ice cubes into a martini glass. Pour the strained drink from the shaker into your martini glass and enjoy!
Also check: 15 Best Cucumber Vodka Drink Recipes
9. Vanilla Sky Vodka Cocktail
Here is a cocktail that brings you more of the delicious vanilla flavor you love! The Vanilla Sky Vodka Cocktail will steal your heart from the first sip, and you will want to keep making it.
You will need half an ounce of lime juice, half an ounce of Orgeat syrup, half a cup of pineapple juice, three ounces of vanilla vodka, and three ounces of orange Curacao.
Mix all the ingredients in a tall cocktail glass and decorate your drink with a pineapple wheel. Make sure to fill the glass with ice before pouring your drink, as it will taste much better!
10. Frothy Espresso Martini
The Frothy Espresso Martini is the perfect drink for those who love coffee, and you can start a great party with it any time. It is also an exciting drink as it combines intense flavors very elegantly.
To make the Frothy Espresso Martini, you need two ounces of espresso, two ounces of coffee liquor, two ounces of cocoa or chocolate cream, and four ounces of vanilla vodka.
Mix everything in a martini glass and enjoy at room temperature. You can enjoy this drink cold if you want to add some ice, but it will taste just as good as warm.
11. Orange Creamsicle Cocktail
The Orange Creamsicle Cocktail is as easy to make as it is delicious and has a beautiful color that will make all your guests want to try it.
You will need half a cup of orange soda, three ounces of half-and-half or cream, and three ounces of vanilla-flavored vodka. While this drink can also be made with orange vodka, the vanilla flavor will be an exciting surprise!
Shake all the ingredients in a shaker for up to 20 seconds. Pour the drink into a tall glass and garnish with an orange wheel. Add ice to the cocktail glass if you want a cold drink.
12. Baileys Martini With A Vanilla Twist
The Baileys Martini with a Vanilla Twist is one of those drinks that you can have with friends and family during one relaxing afternoon or even at a party.
It is such a classic drink that you can’t fail with it. You need three ounces of Baileys Irish Cream, one ounce of vanilla-flavored vodka, and one cinnamon stick for garnish.
Simply add the Baileys and vanilla vodka into your martini glass and garnish it with the cinnamon stick. Serve this drink at room temperature or with ice.
13. Chocolate Cream Pie Martini
Another delicious dessert drink is this Chocolate Cream, Pie Martini. It will take just a few minutes to make it, and your guests will be charmed with every sip.
Not to mention that this drink looks very inviting too! You need ice, one ounce of Rumchata, one ounce of vanilla-flavored vodka, one ounce of chocolate liqueur, half an ounce of chocolate syrup (optional), and whip cream for garnish.
Add the ice, Rumcvhata, vodka, chocolate liqueur, and syrup in the shaker and shake for 20 seconds. Add fresh ice to the cocktail glass and strain your drink into it.
Decorate your cocktail with whip cream, and add a straw! You can also use chocolate syrup to decorate your drink if you add it to the cream.
14. Eggnog Martini
Eggnog is one of the traditional; drinks for the holiday season, and there is nothing that could be better than the Eggnog martini cocktail for such a family event.
To make the best eggnog martini, you will need two ounces of eggnog, one ounce of vanilla-flavored vodka, one ounce of Amaretto, caramel syrup, brown sugar, and a cinnamon stick.
Add the eggnog, vodka, and Amaretto into your shaker and mix everything for ten seconds. Decorate the martini glass with caramel and brown sugar on the rim and add the drink. Finish your cocktail by adding the cinnamon stick and serve it to your loved ones.
15. Nutcracker Cocktail
The Nutcracker cocktail is inspired by the famous nutcracker character, and it could be the best surprise for your guests. You need six ounces of almond milk that you can buy from the store or make at home, four tablespoons of whipped cream, one teaspoon of nutmeg, two ounces of vanilla vodka (or cake vodka), four ounces of Frangelico liquor and ice.
Add the ice, liqueur, vodka, and almond milk into the cocktail shaker. Shake for 15 seconds. Add fresh ice into the cocktail glass and strain the drink over it. Decorate your cocktail with whipped cream and sprinkle the nutmeg on top of it.
16. Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot
This Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot is one of the most impressive ones from the first time you glance at it. And you only need a few ingredients to make it. To make this colorful drink, you need one splash of Grenadine, 3/4 ounces of pineapple juice, and 3/4 ounces of vanilla vodka and ice.
Get a shot glass and add the ice, the Grenadine, vodka, and pineapple juice without stirring them. The drinks will create beautiful layers of dark orange and yellow, making your shot look beautiful without any other garnish.
17. White Chocolate Martini
White Chocolate Martini looks precisely as it is called. You will have the impression that you drink the best martini with white chocolate, and you wouldn’t be wrong!
To make this cocktail, you need half an ounce of half and half or cream, dark chocolate flakes, ice, half an ounce of vanilla vodka, 1.5 ounces of clear cocoa cream, and 1.5 ounces of white chocolate liqueur.
Add all the ingredients except the chocolate flakes to the shaker and shake them for up to 20 seconds. Strain your drink into your martini glass and garnish it with the chocolate flakes on top of your beverage. You can chill your martini glass previously and add fresh ice to it if you want your drink to be even cooler.
18. Pink starburst shot and cocktail
The Pink Starburst Cocktail can be enjoyed in the extended cocktail or shot versions. Either way, you will love this drink. You can make the Pink Starburst cocktail with 1.5 ounces of vanilla vodka, 1.5 ounces of watermelon juice, 1.5 ounces of sweet and sour lemon-lime soda, and a lime wedge for garnish.
Add ice into your serving glass and pour the vanilla vodka, the watermelon juice, and the sweet and sour. Top your drink with lime-lemon soda, and decorate your glass with a lime wedge!
19. Princess Aurora cocktail
The ladies will love this Princess Aurora cocktail, named after the charming Disney princess. The recipe for this princess cocktail is also very flexible. You will need one ounce of vanilla-flavored vodka, five ounces of fruit juice, and lemonade. Don’t forget the ice for a refreshing cocktail!
Add ice into your serving glass and add the vodka and fruit juice. Top your drink with lemonade and garnish it with a slice of lemon or lime.
20. Sugar cookie martini
We can’t end this list without the Sugar Cookie Martini, a cocktail to fall in love with! To make this martini cookie, you need two teaspoons of Butterscotch syrup, one-quarter of a cup of candy sprinkles, one-quarter of a cup of half and half, ice, two tablespoons of chocolate liqueur, one-fourth of a cup of Irish cream liqueur and two tablespoons of vanilla vodka.
Shake all the ingredients until cold, without the sprinkles. Dip the rim of the glass to serve your drink into the water, then dip it into the mists. Pour your drink into the mirror and garnish it with more sprinkles.
What mixer is nice with vanilla vodka?
As you might have noticed from the recipes above, vanilla vodka mixes well with tropical fruits, citrus, and sweet flavors. It will complement creamy ingredients such as whip cream and all the berries you can think of.
Vanilla is one of the most versatile flavors. You will enjoy it with plenty of cocktails, from refreshing ones to cookie-style drinks that could compete with any dessert.
What is the difference between vanilla vodka and vanilla extract?
Vanilla vodka contains a significant amount of alcohol, with an average ABV of 40%. On the other hand, the vanilla extract has no alcohol, and the vanilla flavor is much more intense.
This is why you will use less vanilla extract than vanilla vodka: only a few drops of such an extract could make the vanilla scent and taste present in your dish or drink!
Final thoughts
Vanilla vodka is one of those alcoholic beverages that will make a difference to all cocktails you add it to, and it is delicious by itself as well. You will enjoy all the drinks in the list above, and your guests will also be thrilled to try them.
Even if you can follow the recipes step by step, you can use your creativity to garnish the drinks more attractive and even use more of an ingredient you like.