From Flavoured Vodka Recipes To Classics, 5 Vodka Cocktails To Try At Home

Everyone knows a good cocktail begins with a great base. And flavoured vodka really gets this brief right. When you opt for flavoured vodka, you get to introduce new flavours through the spirit itself, while the mixers work in harmony. When you use a classic vodka, the mixers do the heavy lifting in terms of flavours, while vodka acts as a sturdy base. In both cases, the result is a cocktail that is easy enough to try at home but with enough flavour complexity to come out of a bar. And these recipes prove it! 

Smirnoff vodka featured in these recipes may be substituted with any other vodka of your choice.

Smirnoff Deep Purple

From the colour to the composition, this is not your regular cocktail. Made using the Smirnoff Minty Jamun, a unique jamun flavour vodka, the Deep Purple cocktail combines four flavours in one: cool mint, tart-sweet jamun, crisp green apple and sour lime. It’s aromatic, layered, and creative. 

Ingredients: 

• 60ml Smirnoff Minty Jamun

• 15ml Monin Green Apple Syrup

• 15ml Lime Juice

• 8 Fresh Mint Leaves

• Green Apple Slice, Jamun Slice, Mint Sprig (for garnish)

Method: 

• Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice to chill.

• Add all the ingredients, except garnishes, in a shaker. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, until well chilled and aromatic.

• Double-strain the mixture into the prepared rocks glass filled with ice. Double-straining ensures no mint leaf bits make it to the glass. 

• Garnish with a slice of green apple, a sprig of mint, and a slice of jamun. Lightly press or slap the mint sprig before garnishing to release more fragrant oils.

Smirnoff Nut Case

Tropical, sweet, spicy, and perfectly balanced – that’s what you get when you create this cocktail with Smirnoff Mango Mirchi. The mango flavour vodka base leans swicy, while the pineapple and coconut mixers ensure there’s more to the base note than just sweetness. The Tabasco ties the whole thing together, muting the sweetness but spotlighting the tangy, fruity notes. 

Ingredients:

• 60ml Smirnoff Mango Mirchi

• 10ml Monin Coconut Syrup 

• 15ml lime Juice

• 50ml Raw Cold Pressed Pineapple Juice

• 4 dashes Tabasco

• Grated coconut, mango slice (for garnish)

Method:

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

• Add Smirnoff Mango Mirchi, coconut syrup, lime juice, pineapple juice, and Tabasco. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.

• Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.

• Garnish with a sprinkle of grated coconut and a slice of fresh mango on the rim or floating on top. For extra aroma, lightly press the grated coconut before garnishing.

Smirnoff Kadi Pata Collins

This one is all about intrinsic Indian flavours, right from the base to the garnish. The vodka features aromas of fresh lime zest and juice, a tart citrus palate, and a subtle sweetness. The syrup brings creamy, peppery notes; the syrup’s sweetness softens the sharpness of ginger and the tartness of lime. 

Ingredients:

• 60ml Smirnoff Zesty Lime

• 15ml SWA Ginger Coconut Syrup

• 15ml Lime Juice

• 3 Curry Leaves (for garnish)

Method:

• Chill a coupe or rocks glass in the refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes. 

• In a shaker, add 3 fresh curry leaves with ginger coconut syrup and lime juice. Gently muddle to release their aromatic oils without over-tearing.

• Pour in Smirnoff Zesty Lime, fill with ice, and shake vigorously until well chilled and fragrant.

• Double strain into the chilled glass to remove leaf bits and pulp. This ensures a smooth presentation.

• Garnish with a fresh curry leaf on the rim or floating on top for aroma and visual appeal.

Smirnoff Salty Hound

A riff on the classic Salty Dog cocktail, the Smirnoff Salty Hound relies on the triple-distilled, clean and crisp Smirnoff No. 21 for its base. There are three flavours to look out for - tart-sweetness from the grapefruit, tanginess from the lime, and floral sweetness from elderflower syrup. The salt rim ties the whole thing together. 

Ingredients: 

• 60ml Smirnoff No. 21

• 45ml Raw Grapefruit Juice

• 10ml Lime Juice

• 10ml Elderflower Syrup

• Pink salt (for rim)

• Tonic water (a splash)

• Rosemary and grapefruit slice (for garnish)

Method: 

• Take a rocks glass and rim the edge with lime juice. Dip the rim in pink salt.

• Add Smirnoff No. 21, raw grapefruit juice, lime juice, elderflower syrup, and plenty of ice to a shaker. Shake vigorously until well-chilled and mixed.

• Strain the mixture into the salt-rimmed rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Add a splash of tonic water for a touch of effervescence. 

• Garnish with a fresh grapefruit wedge and a sprig of rosemary. For a dramatic aroma, torch the rosemary lightly before placing it in the glass. This releases fragrant oils and adds a smoky note.

Smirnoff Green Apple Lemonade

If you want flavour but still want to keep things classic, go for the Smirnoff Green Apple Lemonade. This only needs two ingredients and thus is extremely quick to put together. It’s sweet and slightly tart with a smooth finish.  

Ingredients: 

• 50ml Smirnoff Green Apple Vodka

• 150ml Lemonade

• Apple slices (for garnish)

Methods:

• Add the vodka and lemonade to a glass filled with cubed ice. 

• Gently stir to combine. 

• Arrange three apple slices on a skewer and place on top of the glass as garnish.

*Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.