Vodka as a base for cocktails is fast replacing other liquors due to its rising popularity. Many bartenders prefer it over gin because there are only a handful of truly world-class gins — like Bombay Sapphire — available, which are quite expensive.
Vodkatini
Many martini aficionados wrinkle their noses at the hint of vodka being used instead of gin for a martini but the Vodka martini or Vodkatini has all but overtaken the original gin martini in popularity. The universally accepted rule, however, is to use just the tiniest hint of vermouth.
Ingredients
60 ml vodka
A dash of dry vermouth
A pitted olive to garnish
Method
Fill a mixing glass with ice and stir till the glass has chilled. Tip the melted water out and top up with more ice. Add the dry vermouth and continue stirring. Strain the liquid out and top up with ice once more. Add the vodka and stir in a continuous circular motion till the vodka is thoroughly chilled. Strain into a frosted martini glass and garnish with a pitted olive.
Vodka Espresso
The cocktail is designed to both wake one up and give an added zing.
Ingredients
60 ml vodka
25 ml espresso coffee
A dash of sugar syrup
Coffee beans to garnish
Method
Pour the espresso coffee, vodka and sugar syrup into a shaker and shake it sharply. Then strain in a whisky glass filled with ice. Garnish with coffee beans.