Easy Vodka Cocktail Recipes That Aren't a Vodka Soda

Let's face it: Vodka sodas may be an easy, refreshing way to get tipsy, but they do little to excite your taste buds. Here, 15 cocktails to shake up your vodka drinking.1Henley HighballIn a shaker filled with ice, combine 2 oz. vodka, 1 ½ oz. apple cider, 1 oz. simple syrup, and ½ oz. lemon juice. Shake, and strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with 1 oz. soda water, 3 dashes of Fee Brothers Barrel-Aged Bitters, and 2 dashes of orange bitters. Garnish with baby’s breath and zested orange.Recipe from Ryan Lindquist, Bar Manager of LUXBAR.2Autumn Harvest PunchPut 2 apples, cored and thinly sliced; 2 pears, cored and thinly sliced; and 1 lemon, thinly sliced, in a punch bowl. Pour in 5 ¾ cups apple cider, 3 cups Smirnoff No. 21 vodka, and ¼ cup fresh lemon juice. Stir to combine, and chill until ready to serve. Right before serving, add in 1 liter ginger ale. Garnish with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise pods. Serves 16.Recipe from Megan Marlowe, Strawberry Blondie Kit...