Vodka Sprite is not a cocktail that takes itself seriously, and that’s fine. It shouldn’t. Who takes soda and alcohol seriously? It’s what we drank in college.

It’s sweet, light, citrusy, and easy to drink. It’s also the drink many people make at home when they want something quick and don’t feel like squeezing citrus.

Where a vodka soda is neutral, and a vodka lemonade is tart, vodka Sprite lands in the middle: a little sweet, a little lemony, cold and fizzy. For parties or casual gatherings where you’re making drinks quickly for a lot of people, this is pretty much a no-brainer.

Which vodka?

You want something smooth and clean, like Tito’s and Ketel One, which are reliable. Because Sprite is sweet, the vodka fades into the background more than it does in drier highballs. That gives you flexibility with the brand, but you still want something without a rough finish, since Sprite isn’t sweet enough to hide it completely.

Did you hear that? No questionable, cheap stuff like you bought in college.

Sprite vs. lemon-lime alternatives

Sprite is the standard, hence the name, but it runs sweet. Sierra Mist has a slightly more natural flavor, and 7UP is a little less sweet than Sprite. If you want something with less sugar, a Mexican Sprite or a lemon-lime sparkling water brings more actual citrus flavor.

For a drier, less sweet version of the same drink, swap Sprite for a lemon-lime La Croix or Spindrift Lemon, which has real lemon juice and a noticeably more tart profile.

What’s the ratio?

2 oz vodka to 4 oz Sprite is standard, but this can taste really sweet. If you want more vodka presence, pull back to 2-3 oz Sprite and add a squeeze of lime to sharpen it.

Garnish

A lime wedge squeezed in before serving cuts through the sweetness of the Sprite and makes the drink taste more balanced. Fresh berries dropped into the glass add color and look good in a tall glass (plus they are tasty!).

Grab more ideas in my cocktail garnishes guide.

3-Ingredient Upgrade: Add Berry

Add a few muddled fresh strawberries or raspberries to the bottom of the glass before building the drink. The berries add tartness and color, offsetting the Sprite’s sweetness. A cocktail muddler breaks them down without turning them into mush.

This version is a good pitcher drink. Muddle berries directly in the pitcher, add vodka, top with Sprite, and pour over ice in individual glasses.

Mocktail Version

Sprite with fresh lime juice and a few muddled berries is super easy, and your pregnant friends, those not drinking alcohol, and kids will love it. Use slightly less Sprite if you’re muddying sweet berries, since the fruit adds its own sweetness. You can cut the sprite with soda water if you want to.

Batching for a crowd

Mix 1 cup vodka with 4 cups Sprite and keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Add ice and fresh lime to individual glasses at pour time. Sprite loses carbonation faster than plain soda water once the bottle is open, so batch and serve within a couple of hours for best results.

For glassware, I use highball glasses for this kind of casual crowd drink. They’re the right height and hold enough ice to keep the drink cold.

Other vodka cocktails to try:

• Blueberry Lavender Sour
• Earl Grey Blueberry Smash
• Pear Lychee Martini

More 2-Ingredient Vodka Cocktails:

• Vodka Apple
• Vodka Coffee
• Vodka Cranberry
• Vodka Guava
• Vodka Iced Tea
• Vodka Lemonade
• Vodka Pineapple
• Vodka Soda
• Vodka Sprite
• Vodka Tonic
• Vodka Watermelon
• Screwdriver

Vodka Sprite

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz Sprite or lemon-lime soda
• Lime wedge, for garnish

Instructions

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

Berry Glow-Up (3-Ingredient Version)

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz Sprite
• 4 to 5 fresh strawberries or raspberries
• Lime wedge and fresh berries, for garnish

Instructions

1. Muddle berries in the bottom of a highball glass.
2. Fill with ice.
3. Add vodka.
4. Top with Sprite and stir gently.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh berries.