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The Londoner's Guide to London
10 January 2009
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Vodka Cocktails

Vodka Cocktails

Vodka cocktails range from the extremely alcoholic to the fantastically creative and whilst many people are familiar with traditional unflavoured vodka, there are now so many flavours of vodka - from rose petal to chilli - the list of cocktail recipes is seemingly endless.

  • Tatanka
    This is the favoured mixed vodka drink in Poland. Mix apple juice and Zubrowka (bison grass vodka) in a 2:1 ratio, and serve in a tumbler with ice.
  • Metropolitan
    Ben Reed's deliciously modified Cosmo. In a shaker two thirds filled with ice add a large (50ml) shot of Absolut Kurant vodka and a small (25ml) shot of each of the following - Cointreau, fresh lime juice and cranberry juice. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Flame some orange zest over the drink, wipe the rim with the zest, and then add it to the drink.
  • Moscow Mule
    This fine cocktail became popular again when Smirnoff launched a ready-mixed version. When made properly it is a superb drink. Fill a highball with ice, and add a large (50 ml) shot of vodka. Squeeze a lime (cut into wedges) into the glass, and drop the husks in. Top up with ginger beer (or ginger ale if ginger beer is not available), stir and serve with a straw.
  • Vodka Espresso
    A cocktail which was invented on the spur of the moment by top mixologist Dick Bradsell, when he was working at the infamous Fred's Bar, in Soho in the Eighties, will always have a devil may care air about it. According to Dick, a famous model came into the bar, and asked to mix her a drink that would, Wake me up, and then fuck me up. Into a shaker half filled with ice, add a large (50ml) shot of vodka, a large shot of freshly made espresso coffee, a dash of sugar syrup and a dash of Toissant liqueur (or Kahlua). Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass.
  • Bloody Mary
    Into a shaker half filled with ice add a large (50ml) shot of vodka (pepper vodka works well), 200ml of tomato juice, Tabasco (between 2 and 10 dashes, depending on your tolerance), 2-3 dashes of Worcestershire sauce, a teaspoon of horseradish sauce, a dash of port or red wine, the juice of quarter of a lemon, and a quick grind of salt and pepper. Shake and strain into an ice-filled highball. Garnish with a small stick of celery.
  • White Russian
    This cocktail found new fans following the scene in The Big Lebowski when Jeff Bridges' character (The Dude) downed enough of them to knock out George Best. His version employed the American product half and half, which is equal parts milk and cream, but the original combination is much better. In a shaker two thirds filled with ice add a large (50ml) shot of vodka and a small (25ml) shot of Kahlua. Shake and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Layer a small shot of single cream over the top, by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
  • Anouchka
    Created by the legendary Salvatore Calabrese, one of the capital's most talented mixologists. It was originally made for a Russian guest, who asked for something, Strong and sweet. Into a cocktail shaker half filled with ice add a large (50ml) shot of vodka, and two dashes of creme de mure. Stir, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  • Dillitini
    A great Dick Bradsell invention. Into a shaker half filled with ice add a large (50ml) shot of vodka, a small (25ml) shot of aquavit, and a handful of fresh dill. Shake very thoroughly for 20-30 seconds, then strain into a chilled martini glass.
  • Detroit Martini
    Another Bradsell creation. Into a shaker half filled with ice, add a large (50ml) shot of vodka, a dash of sugar syrup, a dash of orange bitters and a sprig of mint. Shake very thoroughly for 20-30 seconds, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with another sprig of mint.
  • Harvey Wallbanger
    Reputedly invented by a Californian surfer named Harvey, who had a penchant for Screwdrivers. One day he lost a surf contest, and decided that his usual tipple wasn't strong enough for him to drown his sorrows. He decided to add some Galliano to the mixture, and spent the evening bumping into things, hence the name. In an ice-filled highball add a large (50ml) shot of vodka, and top up almost to the rim with fresh orange juice. Stir, and then float half a small (25ml) shot of Galliano on top. Serve with a straw and a smile.
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