5 x Easy Vodka Cocktails (part 1)

👨‍🏫 Join my free 3-day Beginners Cocktail Course: join.stevethebartender.com.au...
Vodka Cocktails that are quick and easy perfect for at home! Bartenders often overlook vodka as a serious cocktail ingredient due to it’s relatively neutral flavour profile but this very flavour profile allows flexibility when mixing. Vodka’s neutral taste allows it to be paired with a wide range of other flavours including sweet, sour, savoury and spicy - to name a few. Vodka is an approachable spirit - meaning drinkers that aren’t overly adventurous, that may not like herbaceous or bold bitter flavours will find vodka an easy and obvious choice when mixing.
I’ve compiled some of the most popular vodka cocktails in my most recent upload, 5 Quick and Easy Vodka Cocktails. Check it out or skip to each relevant cocktail below:
0:26 Appletini
2:35 Cosmopolitan
4:05 Caipiroska
6:08 White Russian
7:23 Sea Breeze
INGREDIENTS
Vodka
Cloud Apple Juice, Lemon Juice, Maple Syrup
Cranberry Juice, Cointreau/Triple Sec, Lime Juice
Lime, Brown Sugar
Coffee Liqueur, Milk/Cream
Cranberry Juice, Grapefruit Juice
Music by Julian Avila - Butterfly Effect: / butterfly-effect
HOW TO MAKE AN APPLETINI WITH MAPLE SYRUP
There are numerous variations on the Appletini recipe such as our previously shared Appletini recipe which makes for a citrusy, zesty Appletini. This version of the Appletini utilises cloudy apple juice that has a crisp and wholesome apple flavour which is also full of antioxidants unlike clear apple juice. The apple flavour works hand in hand with the rich tasting maple syrup.
INGREDIENTS
- 45mL Vodka (1½ oz)
- 45mL Cloudy Apple Juice (1½ oz)
- 5mL Fresh Lemon Juice (⅙ oz)
- 5mL Maple Syrup (⅙ oz)
HOW TO MAKE A COSMOPOLITAN
Made infamous from the TV series Sex in the City but this cocktail has been around long before, dating back to the 70s. It is quite similar to a Cranberry Cooler with the addition of Cointreau and served neat instead of tall on ice. It also bears a close resemblance to a Kamikaze cocktail.
INGREDIENTS
- 45mL Vodka (1½ oz)
- 15mL Cointreau (½ oz)
- 45mL Cranberry Juice (1½ oz)
- 10mL Fresh Lime Juice (⅓ oz)
HOW TO MAKE A CAIPIROSKA
Make sure you use plenty of ice, the right dilution makes this cocktail a winner!
INGREDIENTS
- 60mL Vodka (2 oz)
- ¾ to 1 Lime
- 2-3 Teaspoons of Sugar
HOW TO MAKE A WHITE RUSSIAN
INGREDIENTS
- 45mL Vodka (1½ oz)
- 30mL Kahlua (1 oz)
- Dash of Milk (or Cream)
HOW TO MAKE A SEA BREEZE
The Sea Breeze cocktail is a simple, vodka mixed drink. A good measure of vodka is mixed with tart cranberry juice and subtly bitter fresh grapefruit juice. Shake and strain over fresh ice or if you're in a rush, simply build it within your collins glass.
A slightly tart yet refreshing vodka cocktail for summer sipping!
INGREDIENTS
- 60mL Vodka (2 oz)
- 90mL Cranberry Juice (3 oz)
- 60mL Grapefruit Juice (2 oz)

[@StevetheBartender_]

🚀 Check out my top 20 tips for making better drinks at home: join.stevethebartender.com.au/20-tips-for-better-drinks

[@heyimwill7590]

Yoo cocktail book!!

[@_keato]

the mid-shake grin gets me every time.

[@StevetheBartender_]

It’s habit now! 😆

[@lorenbennett5882]

Same tho I wait for it 😂👌

[@ollieronan]

I was just about to comment thisss lol

[@adolfocedeno3411]

townley I’m so glad I’m not the only one that noticed this 😂😂

[@CandaceAguilera]

Seems like such a nice guy!

[@superunknown831]

I always tell myself “he’s not going to smile this time” then he does. Then I smile

[@matthewwestbrook4715]

I love how he smiles when he shakes hahahah

[@StevetheBartender_]

🍻

[@mercedesbenz8853]

Geezz, i noticed that too🤭🤭

[@user-ni8mg9dm5d]

Me too. Hottie

[@peterliakos187]

@@StevetheBartender_ 1 qq

[@chrismorse3522]

By

[@Malvarez909]

I like how everytime he shakes the drink, he smiles! that's not only key to bartending for customer satisfaction. But it lets you know, he knows he nailed the drink!

[@DeeDocker]

I noticed that too and started laughing. He has become my go-to for drinking building.

[@proflucasiano]

Starts shaking :[ Mid shaking :B

[@jonathanalexander4806]

Haha I thought is only me

[@mopar1hemi858]

Hahahah he saw u staring

[@svk-i]

the cutest!

[@RapFaChanel]

@uh wot Thnx :)))

[@Mossbergg]

you should do top 10 most ordered drinks you get and make a tutorial out of it !

[@StevetheBartender_]

Kind of like this one: 10 EASY COCKTAILS IN 10 MINUTES - kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4POfmugqKxgnrs

[@lewisgregory6282]

@@StevetheBartender_ i think my boi anton is on about the 10 most commonly requested cocktails>>>

[@ASMRGoddessChynna]

Yes, that’s a great idea !!

[@charliewhelan9488]

@@lewisgregory6282 I imagine there is a massive overlap

[@nattynut93]

This quarantine will make me an alcoholic 😂

[@massimotoriello1901]

Uguale in tutto il mondo.... Ciao

[@rivka21]

What’s the update? Haha

[@franciscogallardo5224]

a mi tambien me pasa lo mismo

[@alexpolicarpo4344]

Both

[@raghavkatyal826]

I've tried making about 5-6 of your cocktails and they turn out great every time. Great content, Steve, and you just come across as a super likeable person too! Cheers from India!

[@cory-leeramos3879]

I don't really drink, but this showed up on my feed so I started watching and kept watching because he's just so like-able and the drinks are so pretty.

[@DustWolphy]

likewise, I wish there was more variety in mocktails

[@StevetheBartender_]

Thanks Cory!!

[@StevetheBartender_]

I have some non-alcoholic options on my to do list =)

[@musicholic903]

Yeah, he makes me thirsty :p

[@HansDelbruck53]

A good reason to start drinking then. An occasional cocktail or three won't make you an alcoholic.

[@missroxywildflower5508]

I don't even really drink but I'd drink all night just to watch this magic in person. That flaming orange peel move was rad.

[@StevetheBartender_]

Thanks Roxy!! 🔥

[@Kamamura2]

Who would have thought all the pesticides in the orange peel are so flammable... ;-)

[@theghostrider430]

Yeah that orange peel was brilliant

[@michelweienborn2828]

How did I that work btw?

[@davidcoiner6550]

@@michelweienborn2828 All citrus fruits have a lot of oil in their peels. If you squeeze the peel fast, it will shoot the oils out, and they are quite flammable just like most oils are.

[@jamesboyd5040]

I’ve just started my hospitality course in college, and have just been awarded my licence to serve alcohol in a restaurant, these videos are helping me on the way to being a bartender, keep up the good work Steve your a great inspiration to me 🙂

[@anthonymaclaren1364]

My favorite part is when he does the lil smile while shaking it just looks so professional

[@StevetheBartender_]

My pick - the Caipiroska, any day of the week!! How about yours? -- as always, recipes and measurements in the description (including ounces!)...

[@anandshekhawat3353]

Mine too. 🖐

[@Dee_Cee227]

I like Mojito so this one is a clear winner for me too

[@stephane.foisy.186]

That is a good drink but really prefer the cachaca variant for more flavour.

[@StevetheBartender_]

@@stephane.foisy.186 yeah, likewise but it wouldn't work in this vodka video >_< actually, I'd probably go a Caipirissima (rum) over a Caipiroska/Caipirinha!

[@christinavincetic9539]

I'd go for the appletini 😄

[@stephane.foisy.186]

My guilty pleasure is the white russian with half and half cream and a strong coffee liqueur.

[@northernninety7]

My favorite cocktail so far

[@baseddepartment1306]

The dude abides.

[@drzonnked8923]

I use heavy whipping cream and just a little bit of milk

[@Tmanowns]

I like a blind Russian, sub the cream for Irish cream. It's like an alcoholic milkshake. Doesn't need as much coffee liqueur, since the cream is so sweet.

[@trentlothringer2867]

@@baseddepartment1306 like this aggression will not stand man, the dude abides with with a good caucasian

[@Rachellemiano]

I love the Sea Breeze! And of course the mid-shake gin gets me every time! 😁

[@piersbrown3308]

Hi Steve, loving all the content as a cocktail enthusiast. came up with a layered shot cocktail off the top of my head yesterday: in equal parts: Strawberry liqueur, followed by orange juice, topped with vodka of choice.

[@alexandrabillett6451]

I've been making a sea breeze for parties without knowing it, this whole time... I've just looked in my fridge and been like "yeah, cranberry juice and grapefruit, why not". Neat to know it's a legitimate thing lmao.

[@Gamerbeans]

Mom:what do you want be when you grow up Me: a bartender

[@StevetheBartender_]

Lol! Would your Mum approve? >_

[@bruhmomment2999]

My mom might she likes her old fashioned and bloody mary

[@nacholopez7348]

Rethink that dude it can be exhausting

[@gabrielcampos5320]

bauerpower13 you will have to work maybe with just one day free per week and everyday going home really late at night

[@michelleisawesome4ev]

Steve the Bartender yes I’ve told her that’s my plan and she approves

[@WD.909]

I love how simple and straightforward these videos are!

[@kbr2726]

He’s so freaking adorable 🥰 that smile gets me every time

[@OksieFoxy]

I have no clue why KZbin decided to recommend me this at 7 o’clock in the morning but I’m so glad they did lol what a pleasant video. Thoroughly enjoyed it, will be watching more!

[@StevetheBartender_]

Lol, 7am!? KZbin has a drinking problem 🤣🤣🤣

[@blehh134]

9 am here lmao

[@scrltjkbx]

aye, its 7:21 on a friday rn and im debating a couple things lmao

[@matteopisanello7787]

I see alcoholic video suggestions at any hour 😂

[@iriniskevofilax2846]

I love that you smile every time you shake up the cocktails

[@greenpea9412]

Hello Steve. So glad to find a format set up this way. You do a fantastic job. Right now I'm trying to learn to mix simply to have fun at home with my family and friends. You do a great job of getting to the amounts and what to do with them to make a particular drink. That makes it easy for a person like me that wants to look up a drink name and see how it's made. It's fun to watch somebody mix stuff that really knows what their doing and that is certainly you. I'm enjoying all these. Thank you Sir.

[@worldpuzzler]

Really love the way u smile when you start the shake everytime.

[@obamaslefteyeball1710]

The sea breeze looks fantastic. So visually pleasing

[@criszimmermann2848]

Just discovered your channel and now bingeing it! Fabulous content. Quick and to the point with just enough flourish to keep me watching!

[@mauriehsunso3034]

Wow, youre amazing. Your videos are satisfying to watch and easy to learn from. But my favorite part is, that you have such a clear structure in your description! Great Channel!

[@devonmiller636]

That shake smile! Every other KZbind who makes drinks has a weird look on their face when they shake. I appreciate the smile!

[@2chinsofficial828]

Im gonna frame that smile in my house lowkey

[@StevetheBartender_]

Haha lol

[@shwetasingh4338]

No one is free from sorrows but your smile says you can always brighten it up :D loved all of them... Much love and peace to you ❣️

[@maxloh7760]

That cheeky little grin when he shakes melts my soul 😂😤😍😫

[@krishobbins8971]

Love the videos! Your smile makes the videos every time lol

[@christophermeza3332]

White Russian is my favorite out of them all.. just because of how no 2 cocktails will ever look the same

[@rachell830]

You are easily the best presenter of cocktail recipes. I like the little bit of history you provide on the drink and I could watch your videos all day. Well done.

[@StevetheBartender_]

Thank you! Your kind words are appreciated!

[@beatrizcandeias2708]

Caipiroska is really famous in my country for the summer. Let me tell you, nothing feels better than the yellow sugar mixed with vodka and fresh lime. God, this brings back memories!

[@kasperilehtonen1200]

Caprioska is brilliant because its very good and amazingly simple at the same time

[@Andrew-he1sh]

Stumbled on your channel the other day with your 10 cocktails vid and love it, I am looking forward to working my way through all your vids.. just in time for summer and stocking my bar.. I love a caipirinha in summer and the caipiroska should be equally tasty and refreshing!.. you do burn through limes though.. but I love lime!.. anyway thanks for the vids!!..

[@urionandon]

subscribed to your channel after previous video and I have to admit that your videos are so friendly and understandable, thanks!

[@StevetheBartender_]

Thanks for the sub Subwoofer811! Glad you like my vids - will keep em coming!

[@karatemario2760]

Absolutely fantastic thank you! You really highlighted the drinks simplicity, I am a beginner and I know that this video has definitely helped me and given me 5 new cocktails I can try out right away!

[@maxpeterpopovic8965]

Love all your cocktails. Thanks

[@AllInGlory]

i've never seen your content before, but you've inspired me to make cocktails for my friends this summer

[@bethn9219]

Love these! I’ve been drinking more vodka lately and these really helped add some variation to my drinks. I was just basically drinking shots or adding it to blood orange lemonade. My favorite is the cosmopolitan. I’d never had one before and I love it! Thanks for your videos, I’ve been trying to keep up with all your new ones as well. 🙂

[@StevetheBartender_]

Glad you loved them Bethn921! You should check out the 1934 Cosmopolitan too (gin based)!

[@ajvintage9579]

That Apple fan and the flaming orange were so fun!

[@michaelmathers6361]

love them all! you made it simple and easy! thanks!

[@opskar98]

I love this new series of easy drinks that is possible for a regular guy to make at home without stocking a full home bar!! My favourite is probably the caipiroska out of these though I have not tried all of them before

[@StevetheBartender_]

Thanks Jacob! Caipiroska would probably be my go to cocktail as well.... I'm a big fan of citrusy drinks. Let me know how you go if you try any of the others..

[@FarOutRadioMusic]

You're a good shaker, Steve. I hate seeing wimpy shakes!

[@carmentoro4888]

Loving your videos, and the way you smile while shaking it!

[@noodlelad_8647]

That grin during the shake let’s you know it’s a good drink

[@jenniferlawing51]

Sea breeze or Cosmo are my favorite. And I love that grin.

[@celestebigaignon6054]

Got my birthday coming up and was looking for cocktails we can make for fun! Thanks so much, now I have a few ideas!

[@StevetheBartender_]

Most welcome! Only a handful of ingredients so you can mix them all for your birthday! >_

[@raminderkapoor9413]

Loved all of it

[@jarrydcooper2931]

Thanks for the detailed instructions 👍🏼 keep them coming mate.

[@StevetheBartender_]

No worries Jarryd! Will definitely keep the videos coming!

[@donnamyrose]

I can’t wait to try making these!

[@PriyankaSharma-cf3ug]

For homemade cocktails, you can check out the below KZbin link: kzbin.info/aero/PL1nFQi8Z617B1lFI4MJ1YOWZIiM4ZHIRH

[@NotThatBob]

Summer now and omg those fruit drinks look so amazing. Thanks Steve.

[@sohamteli6623]

The texturing parts, u give to every cocktail was ossom

[@rosie7351]

Does lighting the orange peel bring out the flavor? Never seen that before, cool!! All of the drinks look like a work of art. I love the detail.

[@bak025]

Yes it gives it the aroma of the peel and it makes the drink really nice in my opinion.

[@StevetheBartender_]

Thanks Rosie! Glad you're enjoying the vids.. flaming the orange zest adds some strong aromatics which enhances the flavour - you should try it, it's remarkably easy and impressive!

[@ritamueni4779]

I loved the caipiroska.. A resort here in Kenya calls it 'famous dawa'.. Amazing

[@kimvo116]

Hey Steve, the Sea Breeze looks so nice. Thanks for your helpful videos 🍻

[@vedbhandari7181]

the happiness when he mixes it

[@augustrainkolkata4523]

Caipiroska & Sea Breeze rock 👍 Along with the touch of that heart winning smile 😊 All good wishes from India 🙏

[@Zephxual]

Caprioska sounds amazing. I need to get myself a bartending-kit and start doing this.

[@NA-vt6mz]

Thanks for compiling all basic and party fav cocktails in one video downloaded .

[@ananyabehl8553]

The Caprioska and White Russian are so creative!! Love your content❤️

[@quintenspeleers9910]

Love your videos man, Caipiroska is my favourite. Can you do a cocktail with cucumber? keep uploading ;)

[@89megalon]

I usually like doing the Cosmopolitan. It's the most requested when im invinting friends over and usually gets me all hailed to the heavens

[@StevetheBartender_]

Can't go wrong with the Cosmo hey... have you tried the original 1934 Cosmopolitan? kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYCwma18eteXeqs

[@annasarkar3109]

Just made the caipiroska. Love it. Thanks!

[@jamatemp5713]

Fire!!! Learned something new with each drinks!!!!

[@mihailovasic4623]

Damn! Found this channel yesterday and boy am I glad! Fantastic videos! P. S. Nothing beats the Cosmo for me, but I'd like very much to try the Sea breeze! Cheers!

[@StevetheBartender_]

Thanks so much Mihailo!! Glad you’re enjoying the vids - still soooo many videos on my to do list!

[@silkymagic2418]

I like you and everything you did. Pls keep updating us. I'm ever ready to learn everything!

[@StevetheBartender_]

Thanks Samuel! Filming the top whiskey cocktails today!

[@jamaicawilliams.7435]

A mix drink

[@gegeschannel8836]

Love these

[@Rogeriodav]

Thank you very much! The drinks are easy to make and your explanation and "how to make classes" are awsome!

[@theghostrider430]

I wish there was a love react for this video than just like... Awesome recipes

[@StevetheBartender_]

Thanks Dheemanth! Glad you loved the vid!

[@matthewvanwinkle7631]

He thinks we come for the cocktail recipes, but really we are here for that smile :D

[@pottytime1]

Like the Cosmo and the Sea Breeze. Thanks for sharing :)

[@tiberiubernath6804]

well all of them are good but i like a lot how you smile everytime you shake the cocktail for just few sec.That is really nice man

[@mioser]

Never heard about Caipiroska, but now I want to try it, 'cause it sounds delicious.

[@booxwee3804]

Its quite strong but if you like vodka youll love it!

[@Sarah.0304]

My favorite during the summer months, it’s crisp and refreshing.

[@ivankontenski4396]

It's basically a Caipirinha with vodka instead of rum

[@StevetheBartender_]

Have you had a chance to try it yet Milosz?

[@ryanbutler4155]

Made it immediately upon watching the recipe for it and I must tell you, it’s pretty damn good

[@lucaorlando6754]

Once I've created a variation of the White Russian (idk if this version already exist under another name, but idc), I'll write you down what I've changed because my friends always love this method. I usually use these proportions : 1 part of chilled Espresso (italian coffee shaken with ice or kept in fridge) 2 parts of Vodka 1 part of Kahlúa (coffee liqueur) And then I add on the top (without mixing) some "milk cream" made by 2 parts of whipped cream and 1 part of milk. Another tip, I was making some Sex on the beach, but the Cranberry juice that my friend bought was quite bad. I replaced it with 1 part of Strawberry liqueur, 2 part of Blueberry juice and 1 part of lemon juice. It was (unexpectedly) really tasty.

[@user-lv8dn8gw9z]

The start of the first one sounds like an expresso Martini, although I was taught to do expresso straight from a machine, the milk/cream is an interesting add tho

[@markusirving1662]

Loved all. Nice. I’m following for real

[@Clintsessentials]

The Sea Breeze looks really good.

[@mariadelatorre886]

Oh and the drinks look awesome, I always do Vodka, Lime juice and simple syrup.

[@StevetheBartender_]

A vodka gimlet - simple yet tasty!

[@mariadelatorre886]

@@StevetheBartender_ Yes Very tasty! That and a Bourbon old fashion are my favorite.

[@jospargo8417]

All of these look good..Seabreeze is wonderful though.

[@carcacha4]

Easy fast and to the point!! Thanks!

[@siobhanvonengelbrechten2027]

Loved this! Thank you.

[@reinerhass_ttv5186]

The first one looks quiet interessting to me, never seen such a combination before but ill try that out :D:D Best regards from germany \o/

[@MarcelloLins]

Caipiroska Recipe: I've been making these (and Capirinhas, the Cachaça version of this cocktail) for over 10 years now, so I thought I would share some details that I find make a difference. Lime: When cutting your lime, try to remove the white strains the run inside the lime. This should reduce bitterness. When placing the lime, either on your shaker or glass, have the pulps facing up before mixing the sugar in. Also, muddle it "dry", with just lime and sugar, this helps ensure that the sugar will really mix in with the lime pulp. I don't shake it myself, but that's when you can then shake it if you like. I personally prefer building it in the glass. Anyhow, I know you have tons of experience, and I don't mean to imply otherwise, but I thought I would share these "tricks" with you anyway.

[@samuelmumo530]

Newbie here on the cocktail making front. Just bought my first cocktail set but even prior I've always felt that the lime gets abit bitter for my liking when preparing directly to a glass. Will try removing the white strains

[@mtwins99]

Love you Steve you translate great on screen easy to watch

[@candyshaw636]

Oh my gosh that shake got me! 🔥🔥🔥Love it!

[@gophersan5401]

I'll try your Appletini ! ! Amazing. 🎉🎉🎷🎷

[@StevetheBartender_]

How was it? :)

[@lukkash]

a *russian drink* for guys * 2 oz of Beluga * 2 oz of Russkiy Standard * 2 oz of Stolichnaya * 2 oz of Moskovskaya * 2 oz of Mamont * ice cubes * give a good stir

[@masoncotterel1731]

why is this not also for girls?

[@rorywalker3871]

@@masoncotterel1731 just give it a rest lad

[@DigitalEkho]

gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay

[@DigitalEkho]

@@masoncotterel1731 fck up

[@josephbenobasa]

The White Russian is and would always be one of my favorite cocktails. So simple yet succinct

[@hannakhajii315]

Appletini and sea breeze seems so sweet and delicious. Thank you so much for the recipe 👍👍👍

[@iguanna41]

That white russian I saw two of my cats drinking it when my back was turned, i took if from them when I noticed but damn even house cats like your cocktails they are that good lol

[@EvaAdorable]

aww.

[@calebleland8390]

I will never turn down a White Russian. My wife introduced me to them about 24 years ago, and I haven't looked back.

[@Chillibe]

I'm putting my faith in you, if it tastes bad I'll curse your vodka to taste like Absolut.

[@calebleland8390]

@@Chillibe Have I ever led you astray? 😂😂😂

[@fanitanorris2413]

I love the Shake ‼️

[@user-uc1zn2km9w]

I like the way you mixing ingredients!

[@louannv8608]

I like the shaking part 😁 can you do that again?

[@Engineer9736]

I had to laugh at that part also. That practised dance and then the big smile halfway through 😂

[@alessioquaranta6880]

0:28 Appletini 2:42 Cosmopolitan 4:10 Caipiroska 6:16 White Russian 7:36 Sea Breeze

[@charlotterance]

The smile makes me smile. Every time without fail.

[@karytorres3977]

Awesome shake, love the cosmo😁💫

[@Dee_Cee227]

What no Moscow mule ? Kidding. May be if you had 10 vodka drinks video it'd make the list