There are easy recipes and there are EASY recipes. While some wouldn't call a Vodka and Coke a cocktail recipe, I totally do.
I'm not a bartender. I'm just a gal who likes to make mixed drinks at home.
If you like easy vodka recipes, this might become a favorite for you.
Especially because I'm going to share some simple flavor variations to make this your own.
Plus, sometimes you really don't care about making a craft cocktail and just want something refreshing to sip on.
This is totally that!
Why This Recipe Works
I love easy cocktails to make at home but I don't consider myself an expert.
I do like to read up on trends and watch what legit bartenders create.
They wouldn't call Vodka Coke a recipe. They'd call it a 1 and 1.
It totally makes sense. It's just one part this to one part that.
(Although mine is a little more coke than vodka because I don't want to end up with a lampshade on my head in front of my kids).
Since I hardly ever drink soda, this easy cocktail idea is really a treat.
Coke is a great cocktail mixer and adds the perfect amount of fizz and sweetness. And vodka is so versatile that it pairs perfectly.
Check out even more Coke Cocktails to make since you probably already have the ingredients. A Tequila and Coke is delish! And also try Coke and Rosé. Sounds weird, I know. But trust me. YUM!
You can even use Coke to make a Soda Cake!
Ingredients
I measure everything and research recipes before I make them. Even for a two-ingredient cocktail idea like this one.
Scroll down to find a full printable recipe near the end of the post.
- vodka
- Coke
- Lime wedge
Get the Mexican Coke. It's extra delicious. It's said to be made with pure cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup.
It's not any healthier but I think it has a more pure taste.
Also, the bottle is super cute. And I was able to find it at my local grocery store.
So that's awesome.
I grew up going to Loreto every summer, and remember sipping on Mexican Coke from a bottle at our hotel's bar. It brings back such fun memories.
Use your favorite vodka or whatever you have on hand. The Coke will really mellow out the vodka flavor but try not to use something that tastes like pure alcohol.
How to Make a Vodka Coke Cocktail
- To a cocktail glass, add ice.
- Add the vodka.
Add the Coke.
My recipe calls for 2 parts coke to 1 part vodka. Feel free to change this up based on your flavor preferences.
Add a squeeze of lime.
Garnish your Vodka and Coke with a slice of lime, optional.
Flavor Variations for Vodka and Coke
Vodka and Coke are tasty together. But it is really easy to jazz up this simple cocktail idea even more.
Below are a bunch of ways to make this recipe more personalized.
By just adding one other flavor component, you can make all kinds of variations to the recipe. Or mix 2 of these ideas together. The combinations are endless!
- While I'm a Coke lover, you can use any kind of cola. Pepsi and Vodka is also pretty tasty.
- Add citrus - lemon and lime are a great pairing with Coke.
- Use flavored vodka - if you have flavored vodka hanging around your home, like vanilla or raspberry vodka, swap it out plain for an instant flavor boost. (See my DIY Flavored Vodka post!)
- Use flavored Coke - they now sell many versions of Coke including my favorite Cherry, but they've just introduced Georgia Peach and California Raspberry. YUM!
- Use flavored syrups - just like when you go to a diner and they make a legit Cherry Coke, you can add a little flavored syrup (like grenadine) to your Vodka Coke cocktail. Or add a little vanilla extract!
- Use Diet Coke instead - I'm not a diet soda drinker but if you are, feel free to swap. There are a ton of flavor options for Diet Coke too. And if you're a Coke Zero fan, you can use that.
- Add fresh herbs - adding fresh herbs to a cocktail is a quick way to give it a boost. While it might not flavor the cocktail (unless you muddle it), it will be intoxicating to your nose as you sip away.
- Muddle fresh fruit - Muddling fresh fruit is a quick way to add a unique spin on this easy drink idea.
- Make it an adult float by adding ice cream!
- Make it a double vodka and coke by adding a second shot of vodka.
Tips and tricks
- Make this Vodka and Coke over ice. Never shake a drink with soda as an ingredient in a cocktail shaker. We're talking explosion city.
- Don't have a jigger? A tablespoon is roughly ½ of an ounce. Or use anything you have to keep the recipe ratio the same.
- Not into vodka? You can always try the classic Rum and Coke instead. Just use the same ratio as this cocktail.
Frequently Asked Questions
As with any cocktail, you have the potential to get drunk. How quickly will depend on if you've eaten recently, your body weight etc. You should always drink with the assumption that your judgement could be impaired and be responsible.
The quick breakdown of this recipe is 1 part vodka to 2 parts cola. Feel free to modify this based on your flavor preferences.
No. There is no need to freeze or refrigerate vodka. It should be stored in a cool place away from sunlight, but can be stored at room temperature. If you want to chill it before using in a cocktail, you can put it in the fridge for about half an hour before using.
Most hard liquor will not go bad, per se. However, it may lose some flavor and alcohol content due to evaporation.
It's simple and refreshing and easy to keep all of the ingredients on hand.
The cola makes it feel like a treat and adding additional flavors means you can change up how you drink this cocktail each time you make it.
Related recipes
This Tequila and Coke recipe is just as easy as this one and has a bit of a different flavor.
If you like coke cocktails, also check out this yummy Coke-jito. It's a mojito but with coke!
- How good does this Triple Berry Tequila Limeade sound from Jordan's Easy Entertaining?
- Thoughtfully Simple has 3 Frozen Drink Recipes to make this summer!
Printable Vodka and Coke Recipe
This stupid easy Vodka and Coke cocktail is delicious and just the drink you need when you want a little bit of a treat that is also refreshing.
Vodka and Coke
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz. vodka
- 3 oz. Coke
- Lime Wedge
Instructions
- To a cocktail glass, add ice.
- Add the vodka, coke and a squeeze of lime.
- Garnish your Vodka and Coke with a slice of lime, optional.
Video
Notes
- Make this drink over ice. Never shake a drink with soda as an ingredient in a cocktail shaker. We're talking explosion city.
- Don't have a jigger? A tablespoon is roughly ½ of an ounce. Or use anything you have to keep the recipe ratio the same.
- Not into vodka? You can always try the classic Rum and Coke instead.
J.Eagle says
I have never seen anyone write so many words about such a simple drink! (><,)
John Dannar says
I do not reccomend mixing alcohol with diet colas. Last year I drank whiskey with diet cola and woke up early a.m. puking my guts out. Never had that problem with real cola w/ sugars. The sugar must help absorb the alcohol.
Sharon Garofalow says
Oh man! That sounds awful! I hate the way diet colas taste so you won't ever catch me mixing one with alcohol.
Meshach says
Yeah diet sodas have aspartame
Which is modified e coli
Gmo poop
Very bad for you