Vodka soda is generally thought of as the best low-calorie, neutral, easy-drinking highball. Vodka tonic is the quieter alternative that most people skip past because they don’t see the possibilities a quality tonic can bring to the cocktail.

Where sparkling water adds nothing but carbonation, tonic water adds a slight bitterness from quinine and a subtle sweetness underneath it. That combination gives a vodka tonic more character than a vodka soda. It’s still a simple, clean drink, and once you add in a flavored tonic, it gets so much better. Elderflower or cucumber, anyone?

The vodka

You will want to use a smooth and neutral vodka, like Tito’s, Ketel One, or Grey Goose. Because tonic water has more flavor than sparkling water, the vodka blends in more than it does in a vodka soda. That gives you slightly more flexibility on brand, but a harsh vodka will still show up on the back end.

The tonic water

Tonic quality matters for the same reason it matters in a gin and tonic. Fever-Tree or Q Tonic are my go-to for a vodka tonic. The quinine is more pronounced, the sweetness is lower, and the carbonation is finer.

If you’ve been making vodka tonics with whatever tonic is on sale, trying a better brand is the easiest upgrade you can make without changing anything else.

A flavored tonic is also worth trying if you want a bit of, well, taste in your drink. Fever-Tree Elderflower or Q Grapefruit adds a layer of flavor that makes the drink feel more interesting than two ingredients normally would.

Ratio

Combine 2 oz vodka with 4 oz tonic water. If the tonic runs sweet, pull back to 3.5 oz and add a squeeze of citrus to compensate.

Garnish

A lime wedge is the easiest option, but a lemon would work too.

More on citrus peel technique in my cocktail garnishes guide.

The 3-Ingredient Upgrade: Citrus Twist

Express a lemon peel over the glass before dropping it in. The citrus oils enhance the flavors of both the vodka and the tonic, adding brightness. A grapefruit peel works equally well if you want something slightly more bitter.

A channeling knife gives you a long, clean peel. A citrus zester works for a shorter twist.

Mocktail Version

You can simply pour tonic water over ice with a lemon peel and a squeeze of citrus. A flavored tonic, like Fever-Tree Elderflower tonic, will make it even tastier. (I love elderflower, so forgive me if you don’t. Try a cucumber or grapefruit tonic instead.)

Glassware and ice

A tall highball glass holds carbonation longer than a wide-mouth glass. Clear ice makes the drink look cleaner and will melt more slowly. I use this clear ice cube maker for tonic drinks specifically because the ice is so visible in a simple highball.

Other vodka cocktails to try:

• Lavender Salty Dog
• Smoked Greyhound
• Citrus Grove 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 Tonic

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz tonic water
• Lime wedge or lemon peel, for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add vodka.
3. Pour tonic water slowly down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation.
4. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge or lemon peel.

Citrus Twist Upgrade (3-Ingredient Version)

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz tonic water
• 1 lemon or grapefruit peel
• Lime wedge, for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add vodka.
3. Pour tonic slowly down the side of the glass and stir gently.
4. Hold the peel skin-side down over the glass and bend to express the oils. Drop it in.
5. Add a lime wedge on the rim.