Cocktails with Vodka
Vodka is a neutral spirit, distilled until almost nothing of its own flavor is left. It can be made from grain, potato, grape or nearly anything else fermentable.
ABV40%That is the strength of most bottles: 37.5% is the EU minimum and 40% the US one.
Substitutes for Vodka
Light white rum
The closest swap, in the same amount. It stays in the background and adds a soft cane note.
Gin
Swaps one for one where its botanicals fit.
Flavored vodka
Stands in for plain vodka only where that flavor suits the drink.
Neutral grain spirit
Cut it with water first: two parts to three of water bring 96% down to about 38%, close to vodka strength.
Aged or strongly flavored spirits (whiskey, dark rum or tequila)
Not substitutes: they rewrite the drink.
On the label
- "Distilled 5× / 7×"
- Mostly marketing. Once a spirit is neutral, more distillations add little, and a high number sells purity more than it delivers it.
