Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic11.3% ABV3 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Easy
Why: 3 ingredients
Best for: Caviar, Salty Food, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients
BaseMixerGarnish
- 4 clVodkaBase
- 10 clTonic WaterMixer
- 1 SliceLemon PeelGarnish
How to Make It
- Wash and cut 1 wedge and 1 slice of lime or lemon.
- Fill a tumbler with fresh ice.
- Pour the desired dose of vodka and top up with the tonic.
- Squeeze the lime wedge into the glass and decorate with the slice.
- That's all, very simple: it's just the recipe for happiness!
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritVodka is the most forgiving swap. A neutral vodka keeps the drink clean. Flavoured vodkas add character but change the balance — cut back on other flavourings if you use one.CitrusA citrus twist mostly changes aroma, not acidity. Lemon, orange and grapefruit twists each push the drink in a different direction.BubblesTonic water adds bitterness and subtle sweetness — soda water is a clean swap if you want less bitterness. Ginger beer adds spice and is notably sweeter. If swapping tonic for something else, taste as you go because the bitterness balance shifts more than you expect.
GarnishA citrus twist adds aroma and oils to the surface of the drink without changing acidity. Lemon is sharp and clean, orange is softer and sweeter, grapefruit is more bitter. Express the peel over the glass and wipe the rim for maximum impact.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Vodka Tonic?
- The Vodka Tonic is a cocktail made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Highball Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 11.3%. A standard serving contains approximately 217 calories.
- What does a Vodka Tonic taste like?
- Vodka Tonic has a flavour profile featuring Bitter, Citrus Peel, Sweet, Lemon. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Vodka Tonic?
- Vodka Tonic pairs well with Caviar, Salty Food, Seafood. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Vodka Tonic?
- The Vodka Tonic has an ABV of approximately 11.3%. That's approximately 0.96 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 217 calories, 29.0g sugar, 29.0g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Vodka Tonic typically served?
- Vodka Tonic is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner, Summer. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Vodka Tonic?
- If you enjoy Vodka Tonic, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Vodka Tonic at home?
- Yes. The Vodka Tonic 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 Vodka Tonic 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.