The vodka soda has survived every cocktail trend of the last 30 years, and not because it’s flashy. It survives because it’s reliable, cold, clean, and easy to drink.

It’s also one of the lowest-calorie options in the entire cocktail recipes world, which is a big part of why it became a bar staple. Two ingredients, no simple syrups, no juice, and no technique required.

Which vodka?

There’s nothing else in the glass, so a cheap vodka with a harsh finish will make your vodka soda taste real bad. You don’t need to spend a lot, but you do need something smooth. I lean toward Tito’s or Ketel One for an everyday pour.

If you want to spend a little more, Grey Goose or Belvedere holds up well here.

Which Sparkling Water to Use

Regular seltzer or sparkling water works (I just use water carbonated in my SodaStream).

But if you want to improve the drink without adding a third ingredient, try a flavored sparkling water. A grapefruit or lime Topo Chico changes the whole thing. The carbonation in Topo Chico is stronger than most American sodas, and it stays crisper in the glass longer.

Garnish it

A vodka soda without a garnish is technically fine, but a lime wedge squeezed in and dropped into the glass is what you are used to in the bar.

Even simple cocktail garnishes make a real difference in a drink this minimal. My full cocktail garnishes guide covers options beyond the lime wedge if you want to get creative.

For glassware, use a tall highball. A wide-mouth glass loses carbonation too fast. I use these highball glasses at home. Good weight, heavy base, the right height.

Upgrade by Adding Citrus

Add half an ounce of fresh lime juice before topping with soda. The citrus adds a little structure and cuts through the neutrality of the vodka. You can also swap lime for fresh grapefruit juice if you want something slightly more bitter, but still delicious.

A citrus juicer makes the upgrade version quick enough to be a weeknight drink, not a project.

Mocktail Version

Sparkling water with a squeeze of lime and a splash of white cranberry juice is light, slightly tart, and refreshing rather than just a placeholder.

More 2-Ingredient Vodka Cocktails

• Screwdriver
• Vodka Cranberry
• Vodka Lemonade
• Vodka Tonic

Other vodka cocktails to try

• Smoked Greyhound
• Pear Ginger Sour
• Citrus Grove Martini

Vodka Soda Recipe

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 to 6 oz sparkling water or club soda
• Lime wedge, for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add vodka.
3. Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
4. Squeeze a lime wedge over the top and drop it in.

3-Ingredient Version: Add Citrus

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• 4 oz sparkling water
• Lime wheel or grapefruit peel, for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add vodka and lime juice.
3. Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel or express a grapefruit peel over the glass and drop it in.