The rise of flavoured spirits over the last 20 years has been nothing short of astonishing. However, one flavoured spirit has stood out in particular... vanilla vodka.

With this in mind, how can bartenders use this? Is vanilla vodka just a gimmick or can you make amazing creations with it? Here's our 5 best vanilla vodka cocktails for you to enjoy...
 

Vanilla vodka cocktails 

Can you make cocktails with vanilla vodka? Of course, you can! It's time bartenders started putting some respect on the name of this brilliant infused vodka. A vanilla vodka cocktail can be the star of the show, if done well! So, check out these delicious cocktails using vanilla vodka below...
 

1. The Snowfall

The Snowfall cocktail

Like many vanilla vodka cocktails, the Snowfall was created relatively recently, at a New York bar in 2002. By muddling an actual vanilla pod, the cocktail takes on an intense vanilla flavour. Sweet, creamy and served ice cold, you'd think it was vanilla ice cream!
 

Ingredients: 

  • 45ml vanilla vodka
  • 45ml single cream
  • 15ml sugar syrup (simple syrup) 

Method: 

  • Step 1 - Muddle a vanilla pod at the bottom of a cocktail shaker. 
     
  • Step 2 - Add all the ingredients with ice and shake well. 
     
  • Step 3 - Strain into a cocktail glass and serve. 

 

2. Vanilla French Martini

French Martini

Turning a classic into your own unique creation is an immensely satisfying achievement. It's as easy as changing one ingredient. This is exactly what the Vanilla French Martini is! By swapping the regular vodka for a vanilla twist, you change the dynamic completely. Smooth, creamy notes run right through this vanilla vodka cocktail, easing any tartness that the Chambord or pineapple juice may bring. You won't be able to stop after one sip, it's so good!
 

Ingredients:

  • 40ml vanilla vodka
  • 20ml Chambord
  • 40ml pineapple juice

Method:

  • Step 1 - Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously.
     
  • Step 2 - Fine strain the cocktail into a Coupe glass.

 

3. Porn Star Martini

Vanilla Pornstar Martini cocktail

This is probably the most famous of them all and we couldn’t leave it out. Created at The Townhouse in London in 2002, the Porn Star Martini is popular in bars across the world. Not only is it one of the best vanilla vodka drinks, but also one of the best cocktails out there. If you've never had one, you're missing out!
 

Ingredients: 

  • 40ml vanilla vodka 
  • 20ml passionfruit liqueur
  • 20ml passionfruit purée 
  • 20ml fresh lime juice
  • 10ml vanilla syrup 
  • Champagne to fill

Method: 

  • Step 1 - Take all the ingredients expect the Champagne and add them into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well.
     
  • Step 2 - Strain into a chilled Coupe glass.
     
  • Step 3 - Pour a shot of Champagne on the side and serve. 

 

4. Vanilla Espresso Martini

Espresso Martini

Those of you who have a taste for coffee may take a liking to this cocktail. This version of the Espresso Martini is one of the sweeter types of Martini out there. The vodka still adds a soft bite, but the vanilla does just enough to soften the blow and compliment the creamy coffee flavour. Add a couple coffee beans after straining to truly round off the Martini.  
 

Ingredients: 

  • 45ml vanilla vodka
  • 30ml espresso coffee
  • 20ml coffee liqueur
  • 5ml sugar syrup (simple syrup) 
  • A pinch of salt 

Method: 

  • Step 1 - Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well.
     
  • Step 2 - Strain into a Martini glass and serve. 


Discover how easy it is to make a simple syrup for cocktails at home. 
 

5. Vanilla Vodka Soda

Vodka soda

Let's finish on a simple one. The Vanilla Vodka Soda easily marries together the creamy, sweet vanilla notes and the citrus flavours of the soda water. This makes for a well balanced cocktail, easy to make and easy to enjoy! If you fancy a bit more of a citrus pop, add a little fresh lemon juice into it. Of course, garnish with a lemon slice and enjoy this refreshing cocktail.
 

Ingredients:

  • 40ml vanilla vodka
  • Lemon-lime soda to top

Method:

  • Step 1 - To a glass of ice cubes add the vanilla vodka.
     
  • Step 2 - Top with the lemon-lime soda and serve up.

 

 Vanilla vodka FAQs

A shelf of vodka brands Absolut Vodka

What is vanilla vodka? 

Vanilla vodka is simply a vanilla flavoured vodka. Vodka is a neutral spirit, without flavour. Upon adding the vanilla, the vodka becomes infused and takes on the vanilla taste.

Learn more about what is vodka and discover how best to use it, history and production process... 
 

What are the best vanilla vodka brands?

Some of the best vanilla vodka brands include Ciroc vanilla vodka, Stolichnaya 'Stoli Vanil' and Absolut vanilla vodka. A vanilla vodka recipe can really be enhanced by using one of these brands because of their quality. Other honourable mentions go to Cariel and Corsair vanilla vodka.
 

What mixer goes well with vanilla vodka?

The best mixer with vanilla vodka is lemon-lime soda. Just like with the Vanilla Vodka Soda, it's a great combination of citrus, sweet and creamy flavours. However, other popular mixers include cranberry juice, pineapple juice, lemonade and Coca Cola.
 

How do you make vanilla vodka?

Making vanilla flavoured vodka is very simple. Take a bottle of vodka and a vanilla pod. Split the vanilla pod open and drop it into the vodka. Leave for a week, shaking the bottle daily to ensure the aromas escape the pod into the vodka. Finally, strain the vodka thoroughly and enjoy in a vanilla vodka cocktail.
 

Get started on making these vanilla vodka cocktails professionally with our bartender course. You'll to perfect all the classics in one of bartending school, located worldwide. Start your journey with us today...