What is the built method of cocktails?

You’ve probably heard the terms “built drink” and “built cocktail”, but what exactly does it mean? Well, it essentially means you add all the ingredients straight into the glass, no need for fancy home bartending tools, shaking or straining. With that said, many may benefit from a gentle stir to mix the ingredients.

Built drinks are some of the most popular around and come in many variations. Unlike say sours or martinis, “building” a cocktail refers to the technique used to make the drink, rather than a specific style or family of cocktails.

For example, a Vodka Soda (aka Skinny Bitch) is a built drink but so is a Mojito. Both are very different, yet both are built drinks. A Gin and Tonic, Vodka Tonic (aka Skinny Bitch), Pimm’s Cup, Tom Collins, Paloma, Sea Breeze, and all Spritzers are all other great examples of built cocktails.

Is there a certain order for cocktail ingredients? 

Some bartenders may insist on a ‘strict’ order for building a drink —ice first, then mixer, followed by spirit—but that’s not necessarily the case.

For built drinks, the order of adding the spirit versus the mixer isn’t particularly important. “When you’re making a drink like a Mule or a Gin and Tonic, you’re probably going to put the ice in first, just because it’s speed of service,” explains Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador.

While the order may not so important for built drinks, the quality of your ingredients is. From spirits to mixers, high-quality ingredients will always result in a better tasting drink.

Built cocktails vs layered cocktails

You may have heard people use the terms “built drink” and “layered cocktail” interchangeably. But there is an important difference.

“A layered drink is a built drink, but a built drink doesn’t have to be a layered drink,” explains Rico. “When you make a layered drink, there may be an ingredient where you may use a cocktail shaker,” he says. Take, for example, an Irish Coffee where you need to shake the cream before building and layering your drink.

In comparison, the key rule for a built drink is that everything is assembled directly in the glass, with no need for shaking or blending. This is not the case with layered drinks.

OK, ready to build some drinks? Check out this video where Rico shows you how to make 3 easy to make party drinks with just a couple of ingredients and take just minutes to make!

What mixes well with Absolut Watermelon? Here’s our top 5 cocktails!

The sun is shining, you’ve got friends coming over, and you’ve got a bottle of Absolut Watermelon. In other words, you’ve got all the ingredients for an incredible summer hang.

Imagine yourself slicing open a perfect, summer-ripe watermelon, where the sweetness of the juicy center greets your nose instantly. Yep, that’s the aroma of Absolut Watermelon. Take a sip and there’s the unmistakable summery essence of ripe watermelon with all the sweetness of juicy red flesh, without any of the rind.

So maybe you’re wondering, what drinks you can make with Absolut Watermelon. From a Martini and a Cosmo to a Spritzer and a Punch, we present five of our favorite drinks to make with Absolut Watermelon.

1. Absolut Watermelon Martini

It’s no secret that Absolut Vodka tastes incredible as the base for a Martini, so much so that we created a drink collection devoted to the 10 types of Martinis that every home bartender should make.  

But there’s one Martini missing from that list…the Absolut Watermelon Martini.  

This delicious Martini mixes Absolut Watermelon, muddled Watermelon, and a dash of Simple Syrup. Served in an elegant Martini Glass with a Watermelon Wedge, the Absolut Watermelon Martini is the most sophisticated summer cocktail you’ve ever seen.   

Discover how to make an Absolut Watermelon Martini. 

2. Absolut Watermelon Fizzy Punch 

Summer is around the corner, and we’ve got just the drink for your next party. “It’s fruity, it’s sweet, and it’s easy as heck to whip up when you’ve got your friends coming over,” says Rico.

For this one, you’ll need a blender and, because it’s a drink that’s made for parties, you’ll also need a pitcher.

The Absolut Watermelon Fizzy Punch mixes Absolut Watermelon, Fresh Blended Watermelon Juice, Lemon Juice, and Simple Syrup. It’s then topped up with bubbly Soda Water and garnished with a Sprig of Mint. OK…have you ever seen a more summer drink?

Take a look at the recipe for an Absolut Watermelon Fizzy Punch.

3.Watermelon Cosmopolitan

One of the most beloved cocktails in the world, the Cosmopolitan is known for its delicious sweet and tart citrus and cranberry flavors, and is one of the most popular drinks made with Absolut Citron.

However, to create this Cosmopolitan variation, we swap Lemon-Flavored Vodka for Absolut Watermelon. Mixed with Triple Sec, Lemon Juice, and Cranberry Juice, it’s a Cosmo but with a big, juicy, summery twist.

Here’s how to make a Watermelon Cosmopolitan.

4. Watermelon Vodkarita 

“Wait, am I in Mexico?!” you ask. Clearly, you’ve just sipped a Watermelon Vodkarita.

OK, if you love a Margarita, you’re gonna love the Watermelon Vodkarita. This incredible shaken cocktail mixes Absolut Watermelon, Fresh Watermelon Juice, Fresh Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, and a splash of Orange Liqueur.

Served in a Lime and Salt-Rimmed Rocks Glass and garnished with a Lime Wedge, it really is the taste of Mexico…just without the Tequila.

Watch Rico & Hedda Bruce make a banging Watermelon Vodkarita!

5. Absolut Watermelon Spritz 

“The best summer cocktail meets the best summer fruit,” says Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador. Take a sip and we think you might just agree!

When the sun is shining, nothing screams summer like a Spritz. So, imagine whatever happens when you make one with an Absolut Watermelon. Oh yeah!

The Absolut Watermelon Spritz mixes Absolut Watermelon, Fresh Watermelon Juice, a dash of Simple Syrup, and…wait for it…Champagne (or Prosecco). Now that’s a Spritz!

Here’s our recipe for the Absolut Watermelon Spritz. Watch Rico and Hedda Bruce make a delicious Watermelon Spritz.

While St. Patrick’s Day is traditionally associated with Irish beer or Irish Whiskey, it’s also famously linked with the color green. So, if you’re on the hunt for some amazing, green-colored cocktails for your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, you’re in luck. Or should we say, you’ve got the luck of the Irish.

Below you’ll find five green-themed Vodka Cocktails for St. Paddy’s that are so good, they’ll make all other party hosts green with envy.

Get ready to sham-rock your taste buds! Sláinte!

Matcha Cocktail

Here’s a cocktail that’s as green as the Emerald Isle. Matcha, a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed Green Tea Leaves, gives this cocktail its vibrant color and unique flavor.

We’ll go so far as to say you’ve never had anything quite like a Matcha Cocktail, and what better time to try it than St. Paddy’s Day? This cocktail mixes Absolut Lime, Fresh Pressed Apple Juice, Fresh Pressed Lime Juice, a dash of Simple Syrup, and a touch of Matcha. Plus, with that sprig of Mint on top, it couldn’t be greener! Here’s how to make a Matcha Cocktail.

Appletini

Also known as a Sour Apple Martini, the Appletini is a classic cocktail that epitomizes the spirit of the glamorous cocktail culture of bustling urban lounges and chic social gatherings of the 90s.

It combines the tartness of Green Apples with the smoothness of Absolut Vodka. A little sweet, a little tart, the Appletini tastes a lot like a Granny Smith Apple. Discover how to make an Appletini.

Oh! If you’re looking for an alcohol-free version of the Appletini, don’t miss our Virgin Appletini recipe. 

Flying Grasshopper

Hop into the spirit of St Patrick’s Day with the Grasshopper It combines the cool, minty flavor of Green Mint Liqueur, the sweetness of White Cacao Liqueur and the smoothness of Absolut Vodka. It’s like a fresh breeze on a sunny Irish meadow.

Serve this at your St Paddy’s Day gathering and you’ll have your guests feeling they’ve exchanged a Shamrock for a four-leaf clover! Learn how to make a Flying Grasshopper cocktail.

Absolut Re-Tini

Get ready to shake things up this St. Paddy’s Day with the Absolut Re-Tini! We guarantee you’ve never had a cocktail like this one. It takes a little preparation, but it’s sure to be the talk of your St. Paddy’s Day celebration.

Absolut Vodka provides the cocktail’s smooth base, while a Syrup – wait for it – made from Pea and ‘Sad’ Herbs brings a truly unique aromatic flavor with its mix of Sugar Snap Peas and wilted Herbs (hence the term ‘sad’) like Basil, Coriander, Parsley, or Chives.

The tangy Tomatillo Juice pairs perfectly with the so-called ‘Trashcan Citrus Husk Olive Brine,’ made from Citrus Husks (Lemon or Lime leftover from juicing or cooking), Water, and Olive Brine. To add a little more spice to this already savory cocktail, finish it off with a dash of Coriander Powder.

See, we weren’t kidding when we said you’ve never tasted anything like it!

Check out our recipe for an Absolut Re-Tini.

Vodka Basil Smash

This herb-focused green colored cocktail is sure to be a smashing hit for any St. Patrick’s Day gathering. If you’re lucky and it’s sunny, there’s no better way to celebrate than to sip a Vodka Basil Smash!

It combines muddled Basil Leaves, the tang and zest of Fresh Lemon Juice and the smoothness of Absolut Vodka to create a drink that’s guaranteed to make your St. Paddy’s Day as legendary as a Celtic tale. Take a look at our Vodka Basil Smash recipe.

Few cocktails are as famous and beloved as the Espresso Martini. So loved is this cocktail that it even has a special day set aside for its celebration. That’s right, every year on 15 March, people around the world celebrate Espresso Martini Day. Cheers to that!

Although it’s far from a traditional Martini, the Espresso Martini is certainly the best-known and most loved of all the contemporary Martinis. Year after year, the it takes the title as most popular cocktail. And that was even before Absolut and Kahlúa teamed up with singer Sabrina Carpenter for her Short n’ Sweet Tour in North America last year.

How and when was the Espresso Martini invented?

The invention of the Espresso Martini was the result of a spontaneous lightbulb moment by the late, legendary London bartender Dick Bradsell, who also created other iconic cocktails like the Bramble, the Treacle and the Russian Spring Punch.

“The story goes that in the mid-80s a supermodel walked up to Dick Bradsell and asked him for a drink in a manner we can’t repeat here,” shares Michael Bergström, Drinks Expert from Bartenders’ Choice Awards.

“The Bartender swiftly pulled a Fresh Espresso from the newly installed Coffee Machine in the bar and mixed it with Vodka, Kahlúa and a touch of Sugar. He then gave it a good shake and strained it into a Martini Glass, and just like that a modern classic was born.”

Today, the most common Espresso Martinis are made without Simple Syrup, however, how sweet the drink should be is, of course, up to the individual.

Garnishing an Espresso Martini

An Espresso Martini is traditionally garnished with three Coffee Beans, gently placed on top of the drink’s creamy head, which is said to symbolize health, wealth, and happiness.

Although it’s not uncommon to see an Espresso Martini garnished with just a single coffee bean.

Hedda Bruce, an Award-Winning Bar Manager in Sweden, suggests crushing a single Coffee Bean with your thumb and then sprinkling it on top of your drink.

Modern versions of the Espresso Martini

Since its invention around 1983, many variations of the Espresso Martini have appeared using flavored vodkas. And trust us, they’re incredible.

Absolut Vanilia adds a wonderful hint of creamy vanilla decadence, while Absolut Citron is a nod to southern Italy, where an Espresso is usually served with a piece of lemon zest.

Another wonderful variation is an Espresso Martini with Absolut Grapefruit with a splash of Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice, which adds a wonderful juiciness and fruitiness.

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So, how you know the history behind this favorite cocktail, the question is, are ready to make THE ultimate Espresso Martini? Check out the recipe for a classic Espresso Martini.

Lime zest, forget the rest.

It’s no secret that we love citrus here at Absolut, which is why we made Absolut Lime – our beloved Lime-Flavored Vodka.

Absolut Lime is bursting with so much flavor, we’re salivating just talking about it. “With Absolut Lime, you get the full flavor of Lime – you get the flavor of the flesh, you get the juice, you get the zest,” shares Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador.

One of the best things about Lime Vodka is its versatility. It adds a wonderful citrus freshness and zest to any drink. Just try it in a Lime Vodka Soda and you’ll see what we mean!

Below, we’ve got five incredible and easy to make cocktails with Lime Vodka. So, grab your Citrus Elbow and let’s get mixing!

Absolut Lime Cosmopolitan

The Cosmopolitan is one of the most loved and iconic modern cocktails. And it’s famously linked to Absolut Citron, our delicious Lemon-Flavored Vodka that inspired its creation.

The classic Cosmo already features Fresh Pressed Lime Juice. So, imagine swapping the Lemon-Flavored Vodka for Lime and garnishing your drink with a Lime Wedge instead of Orange. That’s right, the Absolut Lime Cosmopolitan takes Lime to exhilarating new heights! Here’s how to make a Cosmopolitan with Absolut Lime.

Lime Vodkarita

The Absolut Lime Vodkarita may have just three ingredients – Absolut Lime, Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice, and Agave – but when it comes to Lime zest, it’s everything your taste buds could ask for and more.

“It tastes like Fresh Lime with a real fresh citrus zing”, says Rico. But to take things even further, be sure to serve the Absolut Lime Vodkarita in a Lime-rubbed, Salt-rimmed Glass. It’s the taste of Mexico with a Vodka twist, discover how to make an Absolut Lime Vodkarita.

Absolut Lime Iced Tea

Summertime means Iced Teatime. The Absolut Lime Iced Tea mixes Absolut Lime, Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice. Cold Brew Iced Tea and Simple Syrup. And it’s lime divine. But, of course, it wouldn’t be complete with a Lime Wheel  garnish.

Tip! To make your Cold Brew Iced Tea, simply place a few Tea Bags in Cold Water and then put it in the refrigerator overnight or up to 10 hours. Check out our Absolut Lime Iced Tea recipe.

Sit Down

Sit Down is a stirred drink featuring three different alcohol types – Absolut Lime, Calvados Apple Brandy, and the bitter herbal liqueur Amaro Ramazzotti.

Served in an elegant Martini Glass, the result is a mix of complex herbal and fruity flavors. Trust us when we say it, the Sit Down offers a cocktail experience like no other. Discover the recipe for the Sit Down cocktail.

Absolut Lime Mule

Year after year, the Moscow Mule consistently ranks among the most popular cocktails, and 2024 was no exception, with the drink ranking as the third most popular cocktail of 2024.

Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice gives the Moscow Mule its signature zesty punch, so when you use Absolut Lime instead of Absolut Vodka, the flavor of Lime takes front stage and blends perfectly with the spiciness of the Ginger Beer. Welcome to your new favorite Mule. Here’s how to make a Mule with Lime Vodka.

The mix of vodka and triple sec is a winning combination that can be found in countless cocktail recipes and has been a crowd-pleaser for decades.

Triple sec, with its orange-flavored liqueur known for its sweet and zesty profile, complements many spirits, adding a burst of citrusy delight to any drink. Absolut Vodka, on the other hand, was born to mix and stands as the hero in so many drink recipes, from a Martini to a Bloody Mary and everything in between.

Here, we highlight five easy-to-make cocktails to make at home that blend vodka and triple sec. For home bartenders, this dynamic duo is an essential go-to to have in your repertoire. Serve any of these drinks at your next gathering, and you simply can’t go wrong.

Cosmopolitan

When you think Vodka and Triple Sec, you wouldn’t be alone if the first cocktail that came to mind was the Cosmopolitan. That’s why it’s #1 on our list.

This iconic mix of Absolut Citron Vodka, cranberry juice, freshly squeezed lime juice, and, of course, triple sec, has made the Cosmopolitan cocktail royalty.

The fusion of orange-flavored triple sec with lemon-flavored vodka? It doesn’t get any better than that. Discover how to make a classic Cosmopolitan with our cocktail recipe.

Long Island Iced Tea

The Long Island Iced Tea can be seen as the rockstar of cocktails, strutting its deceptively smooth looks while hiding a wild side with its mix of five different spirits.

It mixes Absolut Vodka, light rum, gin, triple sec, and tequila blanco. It then cranks up the flavor with Lemon Juice, a splash of cola, and a zesty squeeze of lemon. The result? A cocktail that marches to the beat of its own drum.

Back in 1972, a newspaper crowned the Long Island Iced Tea as “The unofficial drink of Summer,” and it’s been causing a stir ever since.

Discover how to make a Long Island Iced Tea.

Lemon Drop Martini

The Lemon Drop Martini is a classic vodka cocktail that boasts that winning flavor combination of lemon and orange, thanks to Absolut Citron and triple sec – a match made in cocktail heaven.

Mixed with freshly squeezed lemon juice and a touch of simple syrup, it tastes just like lemon drop candy, hence the name. And who doesn’t love those? Check out our Lemon Drop Martini recipe.

Yankee-Dutch

Here’s a lesser-known drinks that everyone needs to get to know a whole lot better. This sophisticated, stirred drink blends Absolut Vodka, triple sec, bourbon, and cherry brandy.

Bourbon often carries subtle hints of orange, and when you pair it with triple sec and finish it off with an orange twist, those citrus notes really shine. But add in the rich, fruity depth of cherry brandy? It’s a game-changer.

Simply put, the Yankee-Dutch is stunning. Learn how to make a Yankee-Dutch cocktail.

Absolut Raspberri Ruby

Tart, sweet, juicy and citrusy. The Absolut Raspberri Ruby checks all the boxes.

This cocktail mixes Absolut Raspberri Vodka with the sweet orange flavors of triple sec, a splash of grapefruit juice, a dash of lemon juice, and is garnished with a grapefruit wedge and a fresh raspberry. Sound delicious? Trust us, the combination of raspberry flavors and citrus work so well together.

If you love fresh, fruity drinks, this might just well be your new favorite drink.

See our recipe to discover how to Absolut Raspberri Ruby

If you love Tequila drinks (and who doesn’t?), then you’re going to love the latest episode of Absolut Drinks with Rico, where Rico makes a Cantaritos.

What is a Cantaritos, you ask?

The Cantaritos is a Tequila-based cocktail originating from Mexico and could say it’s a cousin to the Paloma cocktail – another Tequila classic from Mexico!

The Cantaritos is believed to have originated during the Mexican Revolution (1910 – 1917) and it’s been a Mexican favorite ever since.

Served in a traditional clay jug rimmed with Salt, it combines Tequila, Fresh Citrus Juice, and a splash of Grapefruit Soda, then garnished with a Lime Wedge. In other words, it’s like the taste of Mexico in a glass…or rather, the taste of Mexico in a clay jug to be more accurate.

Is it difficult to make a Cantaritos?

Nope. Not only does the Cantaritos taste incredible but, as Rico explains, “It’s easy to make and you have every ingredient on your doorstep.” That’s right, no exotic fruits or hard-to-find ingredients, nor any shakers or blenders.

“Once you’ve got everything prepped, it’s a built drink, so you can just dump everything into the glass,” says Rico.

The key to making a great-tasting Cantaritos is fresh juice. We say it every time – there’s nothing like fresh-squeezed juice. For this drink, you’ll want to have a Citrus Elbow handy because you’ll be juicing fresh Lime, Orange and Grapefruit. That’s right – the Cantaritos is one juicy cocktail!

Not sure what a Citrus Elbow is? Check out our article of essential home bartending tools.

“Can you make a Cantaritos with Vodka instead of Tequila?”

You’re a regular here, aren’t you?

As with every episode of Absolut Drinks with Rico, in addition to making the classic drink, Rico likes to make a variation of the drink using Vodka instead of the original spirit. Many times, Rico uses one our delicious Absolut Flavored Vodkas instead of the original Absolut Vodka.

In this episode, Rico recreates the Cantaritos using Absolut Peppar instead of Tequila and replaces Salt with Tajin spice to Rim the drinking vessel. Pepper-Flavored Vodka and Tajin Spice? Oooooh, now that’s spicy!

So…what do you think? “Will It Vodka?”.

You’ll just have to watch to find out!

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Don’t forget to like and subscribe to Absolut Drinks on YouTube so you never miss a drink!

In the latest episode of Absolut Drinks with Rico, Rico makes a Sloe Gin classic known as the San Francisco (Café Royal Version).

With its origins dating all the way back to 1937, “It’s an undeniable classic”, declares Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador.

So, how do you make a San Francisco (Café Royal Version)?

Very easily. You see, the San Francisco (Café Royal Version) is an equal parts, stirred drink. This means no shaking, no special home bartending tools nor any elaborate preparation.

Unsure what “equal parts” means? No problems – check out our post where we explain what a “part” is and how to use parts to make cocktails.

The San Francisco (Café Royal Version) is made with equal parts Sloe Gin, Dry Vermouth, Sweet Vermouth, and a couple of dashes of both Orange and Angostura Bitters.

To accentuate the elegance of this drink, Rico recommends serving it in a Nick & Nora Glass and garnishing the drink with a Maraschino Cherry on a cocktail pick.

To learn more about how to make your drinks look great, read this post.

What does a San Francisco (Café Royal Version) cocktail taste like?

Despite being an easy to make cocktail, the San Francisco (Café Royal Version) is wonderfully complex –both fruity, and aromatic.

“It’s super sweet. You’ve got both worlds of two different Vermouths, both dry and sweet, balancing it out and you have that Sloe Gin,” shares Rico.

Make this one for your guests at your next gathering and you’re sure to earn some cocktail cred.

“Can you make the San Francisco cocktail with Vodka instead of Sloe Gin?”

If you’re a regular viewer of Absolut Drinks with Rico, you’ll know that, in addition to making the classic drink, Rico likes to make a variation of the drink with Vodka, often times with one of our Absolut Flavored Vodkas.

In this episode, Rico reimagines the San Francisco (Café Royal Version) by swapping Sloe Gin for Vodka. He sticks to the original recipe with one part Dry Vermouth and one part Sweet Red Vermouth, but uses one part Absolut Vodka instead of Sloe Gin, along with a few dashes of Angostura and Orange Bitters.

To keep the drink’s viscosity and sweetness, he adds a couple of bar spoons of Maraschino Syrup to bring out the red fruit flavors.

But the question remains, “Will It Vodka?”.

Watch to find out!

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Don’t forget to like and subscribe to Absolut Drinks on YouTube so you never miss a drink!

When you’ve got a house full of people, you need drink recipes that are quick to make but will still impress your guests.

Lo and behold, we’ve got five simple party drinks you and your guests will love. These party drinks have one thing in common—they’re all two-ingredient wonders.

Two-ingredient cocktails are not only easy to throw together, but both ingredients play an equal role and complement each other perfectly. Get your measurements right, and you’ll have a drink that comes together literally in seconds and you know that tastes amazing.

The Key to Two-Ingredient Cocktails

“When you’re making a drink with just two ingredients, make sure they’re the best you can buy,” says Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador. With two-ingredient drinks, you can’t hide anything, so the quality of your ingredients is everything.

This means using Premium Vodka Products and grabbing a Citrus Press and making your own Fresh Squeezed Juice instead of store-bought stuff.  Don’t miss our article on the 7 essential home bartending tools.

Make a Batch of Cocktails

All five drinks below can be made as batched cocktails and so depending on how many guests you’ve got coming, this can be the difference a relaxed evening and a stressful one. Our suggestion? Mix up a big batch of any of these drinks, sit back, and enjoy the party!

To make a large batch of these drinks, simply use “parts” when making the drink. Not sure what a cocktail part is? No worries – learn how to measure cocktails using parts right here.

Now, without further ado, we introduce to you five of our favorite party drinks with just two ingredients each:

Vodka Cranberry

The Vodka Cranberry is such an easy to make cocktail that Rico can make it with his eyes closed. Watch the video below.

But, of course, easy to make doesn’t mean not delicious. In fact, the Vodka Cranberry is one of the most popular drinks around, so much so that it ranked as the fourth most popular cocktail last year. And for good reason. The tartness and subtle sweetness of Cranberry Juice marries perfectly with the smooth, clean flavor of Absolut Vodka.

Effortlessly cool, easy to batch and perfect for any occasion, here’s how to make a Vodka Cranberry.

Vodka Soda

Got a bottle of Soda Water and Absolut Vodka at home? Now just grab a Lime for garnish and you’re all set.

“The key to this drink, I think, is to get a lot of fresh Lime Juice in there,” says Rico. So, when you’re adding the garnish, give the Lime a good squeeze to get that juice into your drink.

It’s moments like these you’re reminded that simplicity is often best. And it seems so many of you agree, with the Vodka Soda named in the top 10 most popular cocktails last year.

Crisp, bubbly, delicious, check out our recipe for a Vodka Soda.

Screwdriver

This two-ingredient classic cocktail is loved at cafes, bars and homes all over the world. Made with Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice and Absolut Vodka, the Screwdriver works wonderfully during any occasion, and works especially well during brunch.

Tip! If you want to get your drinks up to bar-level quality, you need to make your own juice. Don’t miss this post where we share how to use a juicer to make incredible cocktails.  Here’s how to make a Screwdriver cocktail.

Absolut Raspberri Tonic

Who doesn’t love the taste and aroma of Raspberry? There’s something undeniably nostalgic about it – the ripeness, the sweetness, the tartness – it’s incredible.

For this drink, there’s no need for shakers or blenders. The Absolut Raspberri Tonic is built directly in a highball glass. It doesn’t get easier than that.

Simply fill your Glass with Ice Cubes, then measure and pour Absolut Raspberri (Raspberry-Flavored Vodka) into the Glass, followed by Tonic Water, and then garnish with a Lemon Wedge. Trust us, it’s berry hard to beat during summer. Here’s how to make an Absolut Raspberri Tonic.

The Greyhound

The Greyhound is a personal favorite around here. It mixes the sheer deliciousness of Absolut Grapefruit (Grapefruit-Flavored Vodka) with Fresh Grapefruit. That…is…all. And yet it checks all the boxes. It’s juicy, it’s fruity, it’s zesty, it’s tart, and it’s almost creamy if you juice your Grapefruit using a Centrifugal Juicer. Serve this, and you’ll have guests declaring it “Drink of the Party”. Here’s how to make The Greyhound cocktail.

Absolut Citron is more than just a delicious Lemon-Flavored Vodka, it’s our most popular flavored vodka and even inspired the creation of The Cosmopolitan, one of the most loved and best known modern cocktails.

With its bright, zesty Lemon flavor and sheer versatility, Absolut Citron has earned its place as a must-have for home bars. In addition to The Cosmopolitan, it serves as the perfect foundation for both timeless classics and innovative cocktails alike.

Below we highlight five of the best, easy-to-make cocktails with Absolut Citron.

Citrus Martini

A classic Vodka Martini is traditionally garnished with a Lemon Twist or a Green Olive as the ultimate symbol of sophistication and elegance. With the Citrus Martini, the flavor of Lemon is dialed all the way up.

The delicious Citrus-forward Martini mixes the deliciousness of Absolut Citron, with Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice, the sweet Orange flavors of Triple Sec and a touch of Simple Syrup to create a Martini that’s a real citrus sensation!

Here’s how to make a Citrus Martini.

Absolut Citron Espresso Martini

This isn’t just another lemon-y twist on an classic cocktail recipe but a lemon-y twist on the most popular cocktail today.

In southern Italy, an Espresso is typically served with a piece of Lemon Zest, so you could say the Absolut Citron Espresso Martini is a nod to southern Italy. It’s quite simply zest-in-class!

Discover our recipe for an Espresso Martini with Absolut Citron.

Lemon Drop Shot

Bright, sweet, and bursting with zest, the Lemon Drop Shot is the ultimate party pleaser.

A cousin of the Lemon Drop Martini, it combines Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice with Absolut Citron, which is then sweetened and balanced out by Simple Syrup and its Sugar-coated Shot Glass.. The best part? Since it’s a shot, all those incredible flavors are packed into one zesty hit. Sweet, sour and so incredibly good. Discover our recipe for the Lemon Drop Shot.

Citron Gimlet

The Gimlet flourished in the 20th century golden age of the cocktail and it’s still here today. And for good reason – it’s simple to make and delicious to drink.

Traditionally made with gin, the Citron Gimlet gives the spotlight to Absolut Citron, giving this timeless cocktail an irresistible citrus twist.

Picture this: Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice, a hint of Lime Peel, our beloved Lemon-Flavored Vodka, and a touch of Simple Syrup. It’s a citrus lover’s dream! The only question is, how can something simple be so good? Learn how to make a Citron Gimlet.

Absolut Negroni

The Negroni is an undisputed classic and a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts worldwide. Now, imagine giving this beloved drink a zesty makeover with a lemon twist—introducing the Absolut Negroni!

Traditionally made with Gin, the Absolut Negroni swaps in Absolut Citron, creating a citrus sensation, where the Lemon notes intertwine perfectly with the Italian bitter red liqueur. Trust us on this one, this variation on the classic Negroni is utterly citru-licious!

Here’s how to make a Negroni variation with Lemon-Flavored Vodka.