Getting tired of your trusty vodka and tonic? Neither are we. There's a good reason for the V&T's enduring popularity. It's perfect for social summer evenings when you want something with a touch of sweetness, but not so sweet that you start feeling sickly after two (or three, or four - we're not counting).
You can change the feel of a vodka and tonic simply by changing your garnishing. Want something bright and zesty? Try lemon or lime. If you're looking for something refreshing, give cucumber a go. There are no rules. You can add anything from berries to citrus to pomegranate seeds to give your V&T a fresh new spin.
Despite how versatile the classic vodka tonic is, sometimes you just want something a little different.
Vodka is probably the most accessible alcohol around when it comes to mixers. Because it doesn't have a strong flavour when you sip it neat, you can mix it with pretty much anything you want. The sky's the limit!
Here are six of our absolute favourite vodka mixers for quenching your thirst on a summer's day. Most of these are created with pure vodka in mind, but if you want to get a little more creative, try switching out your clean vodka with vodka infused with juicy fruit or citrus flavours.
Whatever vodka you're looking for, we've got a massive range of homegrown vodkas in our online store.
1. Vodka & Orange Juice (Screwdriver)
This classic vodka mixer even has its own name, the Screwdriver, and is one of the most popular cocktails around. Simply mix one part vodka with 2.5 parts orange juice.
If you want to get creative, vodkas infused with vanilla or fruit flavours add an exciting new dimension to the taste profile - and vodkas that have a colour create a beautiful gradient effect before you stir it in.
Or, you can add a splash of Galliano to your Screwdriver to turn it into a classic Harvey Wallbanger.
2. Vodka & Pineapple Juice
If you love the fruity freshness of a Screwdriver but are craving something a little more exciting, try switching out the orange juice for pineapple juice to create a bright, summery cocktail that's perfect for making in large batches for a punch at your next party.
To get a little more sophisticated, add some Chambord to create a classic French Martini.
3. Vodka & Grapefruit Juice
If you enjoy fruity flavours but find orange and pineapple too sweet for your palate, add a bittersweet twist by substituting the juice for grapefruit juice. If you have a juicer, we'd highly recommend juicing your own grapefruit for the ultimate freshness, but if not, store-bought juice is perfectly fine.
Garnish with a slice of lime or grapefruit, or jazz it up with a cheeky sprig of rosemary.
4. Vodka & Cranberry Juice
Sometimes called a Cape Cod cocktail, vodka and cranberry juice is one of the most popular combinations. The fresh tartness of the cranberry juice prevents it from becoming too sweet, and you can even combine it with other juices to take the edge off the tartness and up the sweetness.
Mixing in some orange juice creates a beautiful pink blush colour, or use citrus-infused vodka to up the crispness and add depth to the flavours.
5. Vodka & Lemonade
There's nothing more refreshing than an ice-cold lemonade next to the pool, and you may as well add a cheeky splash of vodka to it. Because why not?
One of the best things about this mixer is that there are countless variations of lemonade you can try to suit your palate. From dry and fizzy to sweet and gentle, there's a lemonade out there for everyone. You can even experiment with pink lemonade or a lemon & ginger soda to give this classic an innovative new spin.
Because the flavour of vodka & lemonade is so versatile, you can go wild with garnishes. Toss some berries in, add a slice of lime, crushed mint leaves, or a sprig of rosemary. Don't forget the cocktail umbrella to create the ultimate poolside feel!
6. Vodka & Ginger Beer
This is one of our absolute favourites, but it's très important that you find a high-quality ginger
beer that emphasizes the distinctive character of the ginger beer. Add a splash of lime to create a Moscow Mule, or use lemon, Vermouth, and Creme de Cacao to create a 21st-century spin on a classic Mule. Either way, this summer refresher is simply fabulous.
All in all, it's almost impossible to go wrong when you're mixing vodka cocktails. We suggest trying each of the mixers on the list, experimenting with garnishes, and finding your favourite. We predict that you'll find at least three favourites that you can come back to time and again.
Check out our online store for the widest variety of English vodkas to start your experimenting journey!