Do you want to make a super simple cocktail that’s thirst quenching and delicious? Look no further than the vodka press. A straightforward mix of vodka, club soda, and lemon-lime soda, the vodka press is an understated yet sophisticated drink. With a little more personality than a vodka tonic, but a lot less sugar than a Moscow Mule, it’s a perfect choice for the calorie conscious drinker.
Vodka Press Ingredients
2 oz Vodka
The star of the show. Opt for a high-quality vodka that is smooth and well-distilled. I I like to use a crisper vodka in my Vodka Press to let the lemon lime flavors shine through. Something like a Grey Goose or a Skyy Vodka works really well in this cocktail.
2 oz Club Soda
This adds the fizz and lightness to the cocktail, enhancing its refreshing quality.
2 oz Lemon-Lime Soda
For a touch of sweetness and citrus flavor which complements the vodka beautifully. For a low calorie version use diet soda - it tastes just as good. Big name brands like Sprite or 7Up both work well. If you really want to up the quality of your drink, though, try out a craft or artisanal lemon-lime soda.
Ice
A few cubes. The bigger the better, as they will melt more slowly and allow you to savor your drink without it becoming diluted.
Garnish
A slice of lemon or lime, or even a sprig of mint, can add an extra zing and visual appeal.
How to Make a Vodka Press
Prepare Your Glass
For the best outcome you should pre-chill your highball glass in the freezer for 10 minutes. Once it’s ready, fill your glass to the top with ice cubes.
Measure the Vodka
Pour 2 ounces of vodka over the ice.
Add the Sodas
Slowly pour equal parts of soda water and lemon-lime soda into the glass. The typical ratio is 1:1:1 of vodka, soda water, lemon-lime soda, but you can tweak this to your taste.
Stir Gently
Using a stirrer or a bar spoon, gently mix the ingredients.
Garnish Your Drink
For a final touch add a slice of lemon or lime, or a mint sprig to your glass. Enjoy!
Mixology Tip - The Pouring Order Matters
Always pour the vodka first, followed by the club soda and finally the lemon-lime soda. The order you pour your ingredients is important for the Vodka Press as it’s a fizzy cocktail. Going in this order helps to mix your ingredients naturally and means you don’t need to stir as vigorously, so you won’t disturb the carbonation of your drink.
Variations of the Vodka Press
As vodka is a neutral liquor, the Vodka Press is quite a versatile cocktail which goes nicely with different flavors. Here are a few variations for you to try out:
- Flavored Vodka: Substitute plain old vodka with a flavored variety like citrus or berry.
- Fruity Additions: Even better than a flavored vodka, muddle fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries in the glass before adding the other ingredients for a fruity punch.
- Vodka Press “Mojito”: If you have some leftover ingredients from your mojitos, don’t let them go to waste. Muddling mint and fresh lime into your Vodka Press perfectly complements the lemon lime soda.
The History of the Vodka Press
When I first came across the Vodka Press I assumed the name came from something to do with “pressing” the vodka, although this makes no sense when you know how the drink is made.
It actually evolved as a variation of the Presbyterian cocktail which is a concoction of whisky, club soda and ginger ale. This was then adapted by switching the ginger ale for lemon-lime soda to make the Whisky Press (also a must-try, by the way!).
One day a smart mixologist thought “this would taste great with vodka”. Or, more likely, a bartender ran out of whisky and substituted it for vodka and just like that, the Vodka Press was born.
The Verdict
The Vodka Press won’t be winning any awards for “most classy cocktail” any time soon. It might not have the charm of a Vodka Collins but it is a playfully fruity and fizzy drink. It’s worth a try next time you’re at the bar, or if you want a quick and easy drink to make at home.
