Cocktails

Handball Cooler

Handball Cooler is an alcoholic cocktail built on Vodka. It leans sparkling and citrus. Built and served in a Highball Glass. Expect about 19.6% ABV and roughly 141 kcal (estimated per recipe).

Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamHow we calculate nutritionSuggest a correction

Cocktailalcoholic19.6% ABV3 ingredients

At a Glance

141 kcalCalories

19.6%ABV

0.8gSugar

1gCarbs

1.42Std Drinks

Estimated from parsed ingredients and typical ingredient nutrition. Some ingredient data may be approximate.

These nutrition figures are approximate estimates for this recipe — actual values vary with your exact measures, brands and serving size.

On this page

How hard is it to make?

Moderatestirred drink

Why: 3 ingredients, stirred drink, requires bar spoon

Estimated from the ingredient count and technique.

Ingredients

2.0 ozVodkaBase Spirit
2.0 ozSoda waterMixer
Orange juiceJuice

How to Make It

Pour vodka into ice-filled Highball glass.Pour
Fill almost to top with soda water.Top
Top with orange juice and stir.Stirred
Add lime.Add

How to Serve

Glass: Highball Glass
Temperature: Chilled
Ice: Ice
Method: Stirred

Served Chilled

Taste profile

Primary flavours

Sparkling Citrus

Supporting notes

Flavor tags are derived from ingredient-level flavor mappings.

Estimated sensory profile

StrengthLight – Strong

BodyLight – Full

SweetnessDry – Sweet

AcidityFlat – Crisp

FruitinessEarthy – Fruity

Dry finish

What do these dimensions mean?

When to serve

SummerSuggested from its citrus and sparkling notes.
Seafood DinnerSuggested from its citrus notes, pairing with ceviche and seafood.

Occasion tags are inferred from drink style, serving format, flavour profile, food-pairing theme, recipe metadata, and strict multi-signal supplemental rule matches.

Food pairings

Seafood Ceviche Salads

Food pairings are derived from the drink flavour signature, mapped to one dominant pairing theme, then limited to coherent public suggestions.

Diet & lifestyle

Compatible, based on the listed ingredients

Gluten-Free Vegan Vegetarian

Not compatible

KetoLow-CarbLow-Sugar

Diet tags are ingredient-level and nutrition-estimate based. Product brands, preparation methods, quantities, and substitutions may change compatibility.

Alternatives to try

Choose an ingredient to see reviewed substitutions, or filter for a different preference.

Reviewed ingredient substitutions

Vodka2.0 oz

GinWorks, but changes the drink

How much to use: Use the same volume; expect more juniper and herbal aroma.
What changes: Gin can replace vodka when a more botanical result is acceptable.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Soda Water2.0 oz

Carbonated WaterGood swap

How much to use: Use the same amount.
What changes: Carbonated water is usually a close substitute for soda water.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Club SodaGood swap

How much to use: Use the same amount.
What changes: Club soda is usually a close substitute for soda water.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Sparkling WaterGood swap

How much to use: Use the same amount.
What changes: Sparkling water is usually a close substitute for soda water.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Tonic WaterNot a neutral swap

How much to use: Use only if you want a tonic-style drink.
What changes: Tonic water is not a neutral replacement for soda water; it adds bitterness and sweetness.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Orange Juice

Pineapple JuiceWorks, but changes the drink

How much to use: Use the same amount first; reduce sweetener if the drink becomes too rich.
What changes: Pineapple juice can replace orange juice when a more tropical result is acceptable.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Grapefruit JuiceNot a neutral swap

How much to use: Use less at first and consider adding a little sweetener.
What changes: Grapefruit juice is not a neutral substitute for orange juice; it makes the drink sharper and more bitter.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Reviewed component substitutions are not guarantees that the replacement was tested in this exact recipe. Follow the reviewed adjustment note and taste before serving.

Preference filters use current ingredient, nutrition and diet evidence. They are not medical advice, and this database contract does not store user selections.

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Last updated June 18, 2026

Ingredients, measures and method are taken from the source recipe; roles and serving details are mapped from reviewed evidence.

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Related searches

Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Match it with foodFind food pairings that complement the flavors in this drink.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a Handball Cooler?: The Handball Cooler is a cocktail made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Highball Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 19.6%. A standard serving contains approximately 141 calories.
What does a Handball Cooler taste like?: Handball Cooler has a flavour profile featuring Sparkling, Citrus, Sweet, Tart. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
What food goes well with a Handball Cooler?: Handball Cooler pairs well with Seafood, Ceviche, Salads. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
How strong is a Handball Cooler?: The Handball Cooler has an ABV of approximately 19.6%. That's approximately 1.42 US standard drinks. This recipe is estimated to contain 141 kcal, 0.8g sugar, 1.0g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and ingredients used.
When is a Handball Cooler typically served?: Handball Cooler is often suggested for Seafood Dinner, Summer, based on its flavour profile and typical serve.
What drinks are similar to a Handball Cooler?: If you enjoy Handball Cooler, the "similar flavour profile" suggestions on this page point to cocktails that share its flavour character. Drinks with a matching spirit base and comparable body and acidity feel closest.
Can I make a Handball Cooler at home?: Yes. The Handball Cooler uses 3 ingredients, making it easy to prepare at home. You will need a Highball Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?: Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?: Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Handball Cooler with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.