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SKYY Vodka Cocktails for Summer

June 06, 2023 by

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The sunny season is in full swing, and what better way to beat the heat than with an inspired lineup of SKYY summer vodka cocktails? Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard barbecue, or simply seeking a tasty sipper, The Mixer’s got you covered. Embark on a flavor-filled journey with us as we unveil our sensational SKYY Vodka cocktails that are tailor-made for summer. From zesty fruit infusions to tropical libations to transport you to paradise, these drinks are the perfect companions for those long and lazy days with friends.  

1. Vodka Soda

Two SKYY Vodka Soda cocktails with grapefruit peel garnish and a bottle of SKYY Vodka

If you love to keep it light, one of the best summer cocktails with vodka is the low-calorie Vodka Soda. With no added sugar, the spirit is given a chance to shine, so choosing good quality vodka is important. If you want to add a little sweetness, a touch of simple syrup turns this drink into a delightful Tom Collins 

Learn more: Easy Syrup Variations for Cocktail Making

2. Vodka Martini

Classic SKYY Vodka Martini with lemon peel garnish

A classic Vodka Martini is a symbol of sophistication and elegance, known for its crisp and clean profile. It’s a drink that epitomizes timeless style, perfect for folks who appreciate a smooth, unfettered clinker. Whether enjoyed as an aperitif or a signature drink for special occasions, a Vodka Martini is the quintessential choice for discerning palates.

3. SKYY Ancho Pineapple Soda

Two Ancho Pineapple Sodas served on a wooden tray with a bottle of SKYY vodka and bowl of pineapple wedges on the side

This is a delicious summer vodka cocktail mixed together using spicy Ancho Reyes Chili Liqueur (made from ancho and poblano chiles) SKYY Infusions Pineapple and club soda. It’s a real crowd-pleaser in warmer months and easy to batch for bigger parties

More pineapple inspo: 15 Totally Tropical Pineapple Juice Cocktails

4. Vodka Cranberry

Two SKYY Vodka Cranberry cocktails with fresh lime and cranberry garnish

For summer cocktails made with vodka that offer a welcome bit of zing, we like to turn to the time-honored Vodka Cranberry. The taste of the cranberry juice is sweet and tart, and the lime adds a lovely zesty twist, making it very drinkable and the perfect choice for just about any summer gathering.  

5. SKYY Moscow Mule

SKYY Vodka Mule cocktails with cucumber, mint and lime garnish

Our list of refreshing summer cocktails with vodka wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Moscow Mule. A classic cocktail with a long history, it’s surprisingly not from Russia but, instead, from the United States, originating in 1940s New York. So, what is a Moscow Mule made of? It’s a spicy combination of vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer — and guaranteed to deliver a feisty kick!   

More Mules! 13 Delicious Mule Cocktails to Make at Home

6. Cosmopolitan

Two SKYY Vodka Cosmopolitans with a bottle of SKYY Vodka Citrus next to them

Looking for summer vodka cocktail recipes with a classy vibe? You’re wanting a Cosmopolitan, darling. Bringing together citrus-infused SKYY Vodka, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and cranberry juice, with lime peel garnish for extra zest, the Cosmo is an iconic drink that beautifully balances citrusy sweetness with the invigorating sharpness of lime.   

Advice from our expert

Headshot of Tristam Fini from Campari Academy

We sat down with Tristram Fini from Campari Academy in the UK, and chatted to him about all things SKYY Vodka. Here are some of his top tips to keep in mind when mixing vodka drinks.  

  • Pairing SKYY Vodka with citrus works really well. In a vodka soda, a grapefruit twist adds a touch of bitterness that balances perfectly with the vodka’s saltiness, creating a well-rounded and balanced flavor profile.
  • Oysters and raw seafood make an excellent match for a Vodka Martini, due to the briny and mineral characteristics of SKYY Vodka.
  • Avoid overpowering the delicate flavors of vodka with excessive sweetness or too many additional flavors. Use simple, complementary ingredients to let vodka shine in your cocktails.
  • For a modern cocktail like a Cosmopolitan, balance is crucial. The sweet and tart notes of a well-made Cosmopolitan complement slightly spicy dishes. Tacos al pastor, with their pineapple and chili flavors, make an excellent pairing choice.

More summer vodka cocktails to explore

Sea Breeze

A Sea Breeze cocktail garnished with grapefruit

An easy blend of vodka, cranberry, and grapefruit juice, the bright and breezy Sea Breeze is a cocktail for just about everyone. Its bright, refreshing, and bold cranberry color sets it apart and makes it a stand-out vodka-based summer cocktail for get-togethers like color cocktail parties

Key Lime Martini

Key Lime Martini with mint and lime garnish

To make the best Key Lime Martini, you will need vanilla vodka, key lime juice, fresh pineapple juice, heavy cream, and cream of coconut. We love serving it with a Graham cracker rim to lean into all the flavors and textures of the iconic pie that inspired it. 

Love limes? 15 Sublime Lime Cocktails You Gotta Try

Long Island Iced Tea

Front image of three homemade Long Island Ice Tea Cocktails with Lemon garnish

The Long Island Iced Tea is a great choice if you’re looking for easy summer vodka cocktail recipes to make for larger groups ahead of time. These multi-spirit drinks can be quite potent, so stick to the measurements and enjoy them slowly. For a lighter version, take the amount of liquor down a notch and add more cola. 

Watermelon Martini

Two Watermelon Martinis with sugar rims

The best vodka summer cocktails for those really hot days should ideally offer some welcome hydration (and a bit of a kick). This is when we turn to watermelon drinks. Full of fruity flavor and deliciously refreshing, the Watermelon Martini is the perfect thirst quencher to savor by the pool while sunbathing or to serve pitcher-style at a garden party. 

Read next: 11 Watermelon Cocktail Recipes to Impress a Crowd

Lemon Drop Martini

Lemon Drop Martini

Arguably the best fruity Martini recipe for cocktail newbies who love a lemony zing, the Lemon Drop Martini is a fresh breeze of a drink. Arriving at the party with a perky attitude and a sugary rim, this perfectly easy summer cocktail with vodka hails from the heydays of the 1970s and was named after a zesty candy that was equally popular at the time.    

Vodka Iced Tea

Three Vodka Iced Tea cocktails in tumblers with lemon and mint garnish

Simple, delicious, budget-friendly, and very satisfying, our Vodka Iced Tea recipe features unsweetened black iced tea, but feel free to play around with different flavors and garnishes to make this summer vodka-based cocktail your own.  

It’s teatime! Easy Tea Cocktails for Chilled Celebrations

Vodka Sidecar

Two Vodka Sidecar cocktails in coupe glasses with sugar rims and lemon wheel garnishes

Sometimes you just have to lean into a complete classic. This is when we like to pour a Vodka Sidecar. A great cocktail for sweet and sour fans, this zesty spin on the traditional version of the drink layers Grand Marnier orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice over vodka. Add a sugared rim and you’ve got all the makings of a gorgeous drink.  

Learn more: Grand Marnier vs Cointreau: Everything You Need to Know

Blue Hawaiian Long Island Iced Tea

A Blue Hawaiian cocktail on a Tiki bar counter overlooking a warm and inviting beach bar scene at dusk

If you are keen on a fun, refreshing drink with an island-style vibe, you’ve got to try our Blue Hawaiian Long Island Iced Tea recipe. Featuring a bright cerulean color thanks to the inclusion of blue curaçao, it looks as lively and boisterous as it tastes. Even though it features a longish list of ingredients, it also comes together very easily, which makes it perfect for beginners.    

Screwdriver

Bright orange Screwdriver cocktail

Vodka and orange juice served over ice is also known as a classic Screwdriver cocktail. This is a very popular drink, and it makes sense – fruity juices are known to be a good pairing for vodka. Serve these refreshing orange cocktails as a cheeky start to brunch, or poolside with friends on a hot day.  

You might also like: 11 Zesty Orange Juice Cocktails for Every Occasion and Season 

Strawberry Shrub Cocktail

Strawberry Shrub Mocktail

A shrub drink calls for a non-alcoholic syrup made with concentrated fruit, sugar, and vinegar. The syrup can be used in mocktails or in cocktails that call for an acidic fruity twist. The Strawberry Shrub cocktail adds vodka to the mix for a berry-forward drink filled with fantastic fruity flavors.  

Blue Martini 

Two Blue Curaçao cocktails in coupe glasses served in a modern lounge setting

Slightly sour with strong tropical notes, the Blue Martini is an easy party drink that your friends will love. To make one, you’ll need a good quality vodka, blue curaçao, sour mix, and fresh pineapple juice. Use an orange peel, fresh pineapple wedge, or maraschino cherry to garnish.  

How SKYY vodka is made

Two Turtle Dove SKYY rainbow cocktails served on a wooden table with a bottle of vodka and a plate of grapefruit wedges, in a beach setting

SKYY Vodka was born from a deep appreciation for the San Francisco Bay. Inspired by the coastal waters that surround the city, the brand embarked on a quest to capture the essence of this unique environment in a bottle. Through meticulous exploration, SKYY’s master distillers discovered a treasure trove of minerals hidden within these waters. These minerals possessed a distinct character – a subtle salinity and minerality that promised to elevate the spirit within.

Intrigued by this discovery, SKYY infused its vodka with these coastal elements, yielding a liquor that was not only smooth but also a true reflection of its birthplace. However, the journey to perfection didn’t stop there. SKYY remained a pioneer in their field, developing a groundbreaking quadruple-distillation, triple-filtration process. This relentless pursuit of quality resulted in a vodka that is both fresh and exceptionally smooth.

Watch: vodka 101

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Vodka is a versatile and refreshing spirit that is perfect for summer. Its neutral flavor profile makes it an excellent base for a wide range of cocktails, from classic favorites like the Vodka Tonic and Moscow Mule to fruity and tropical drinks like the Strawberry Shrub or the Cosmopolitan. Whether you prefer your vodka mixed with soda, juice, or in a signature cocktail, it's sure to provide a cool and refreshing experience during the hot summer months.

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