Vodka and Tonic (VAT)
A refreshing, bubbly and citrus vodka cocktail ∙ Build ∙ 2 min ∙ 9.8% ABV ∙
A Vodka and Tonic is a highball built simply from vodka and tonic water over ice, finished with a lime wedge.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Pour the ingredients into the ice-filled glass: Vodka 50 mlTonic water 120 ml
- Garnish with a lime wedge
Tips
- Give the lime wedge a light press or twist over the rim before dropping it in; you want the oil from the peel, not a squeeze of sour juice.
History
The vodka tonic has no single documented inventor; it emerged as an American variation on the gin and tonic once vodka became widely available and fashionable in the United States. Tonic water goes back to the quinine-based anti-malarial tonic of 19th-century British India, which gave rise to the gin and tonic that the vodka version imitates.
Vodka only became common in the American market in the mid-20th century, promoted through drinks like the Moscow Mule in the 1940s and 1950s. Once it displaced gin as the country's dominant clear spirit, bartenders and home drinkers began substituting it in the familiar tonic-water highball. The resulting vodka tonic became a standard low-fuss mixed drink rather than a bar creation tied to one date, place, or bartender. It later gained pop-culture visibility through mentions in Ian Fleming's novel From Russia with Love and in Elton John's song "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road."
FAQ
What is a vodka and tonic called?
A Vodka and Tonic, often shortened to vodka tonic or VAT.
What is a dirty vodka tonic?
A dirty vodka tonic usually means adding a splash of olive brine to a Vodka and Tonic, borrowing the "dirty" term from a dirty martini. It is a variation, not part of this recipe.
What is vodka, tonic water, and lime called?
Still a Vodka and Tonic: the lime wedge is the drink's standard garnish, not a reason for a new name.
What is the ratio of vodka to tonic?
This recipe uses 50 ml vodka to 120 ml tonic, roughly 5:12, so the tonic makes up most of the glass. Less tonic gives a stronger pour, more makes it milder.
What to mix with vodka and tonic?
Vodka and tonic water already make a complete two-ingredient drink, finished with a lime wedge. Some drinkers add mint leaves or a cucumber slice for extra aroma.
How do you make the best vodka tonic?
Fill a chilled highball glass with ice, add 50 ml vodka, then pour 120 ml tonic gently so it keeps its fizz. Press or twist the lime wedge lightly over the rim, then drop it in: that releases the peel oil without adding sour juice.
