Many factors unite us as a community, be it through literature, music, or films. For those of us who enjoy indulging in a drink, cocktails surely make the list as well. There’s a charming aspect to cocktail culture worldwide — while you’re enjoying your favorite mix, someone far away in a different nation might be savoring the same concoction. When it comes to global connections in the realm of spirits, vodka stands out as the frontrunner. You may wonder why vodka? As a versatile spirit that excels when paired with other flavors, vodka can be complemented by countless ingredients, no matter their origin.

We consulted a range of vodka authorities: Claire Mallett from Catch One LA, Mark Simmonds from Broken Shed Vodka, Jennifer Jackson from Thompson Hotels, Ross Hensley from Aspen Vodka, and Sean Kenyon from Blue Collar Cocktails, to hear their thoughts on the vodka cocktails that are cherished and frequently ordered worldwide. Additionally, these drinks are a must-try if you haven’t experienced them yet. Cocktail lovers and creators, whether near or far, often pull inspiration from a variety of cultures and flavors. However, they unanimously agree that vodka serves as a creative canvas, inviting inventiveness with ingredients to craft cocktails that break boundaries and expectations.

Discover more: The 40 Absolute Best Cocktails That Feature Only 2 Ingredients

The classic gimlet cocktail, traditionally prepared with four parts gin and one part sweetened lime juice, is steeped in English heritage, yet at its core, it serves to highlight a quality base spirit. If you’re using an exceptional gin, your gimlet will undoubtedly impress. So why not replace the gin with a premium vodka and give it the same appreciation?

Mark Simmonds, the master distiller at Broken Shed Vodka, has observed the rising trend of the gimlet, particularly its transformation into a vodka version rather than the traditional gin. “Vodka is experiencing a revival as consumers begin to appreciate the subtle richness of high-quality premium vodkas. It’s the perfect moment to enhance the classic gin gimlet into a vodka variant,” Simmonds remarks. He views this evolution as a sophisticated way to savor premium vodka, and given the wide variety of vodkas produced across different countries, it’s no wonder it has garnered international popularity.

Many are familiar with the kamikaze shooter, which combines vodka, lime juice, and orange liqueur. This shot is a sweet and sour delight best taken with friends, often followed by a jubilant “Woo!” Nevertheless, if we strip it of its lively persona, it’s actually a fairly simple sour cocktail quite similar to a margarita, just swapping vodka for tequila.

Originating on an American naval base in Japan during World War II, this cocktail has transitioned into a widely enjoyed drink not just as a shooter but also as a classic cocktail for any season. For optimal enjoyment, Mark Simmonds recommends preparing it in the style of a martini: the vodka as the main spirit, the orange liqueur serving a role akin to vermouth, and an additional squeeze of lime juice to adjust the sourness to your preference.

While vodka is a prominent choice in the U.S. today, thanks to our love for vodka martinis, Claire Mallett, beverage director at Catch One, shares that it took approximately twenty years for vodka to gain a foothold in America following its introduction in the 1930s. It was James Bond’s famed “shaken, not stirred” martinis that drew American attention to vodka. Meanwhile, in Europe, especially in Russia and Poland, vodka has always been the favored spirit and remains so to this day. “We are currently enjoying the era of the martini,” Mallett notes. “Its simplicity on the palate and versatility in cocktails has made it a favorite, and all vodka truly asks for is to be chilled.”

The dirty martini perfectly embodies the essence of European simplicity. A quick rinse of dry vermouth, followed by 3 ounces of vodka and ½ ounce of olive juice, creates a cocktail that highlights the excellence of quality vodka. To reach that ideal level of ice cold, Mallett advises shaking the martini until ice chips form at the top before it’s poured into the glass.

The Kukur Tihar cocktail, named after the Festival of Dogs in India, beautifully showcases the flavors of India and the South Asia region, which is why Claire Mallett is a huge admirer of this Indian-inspired beverage. This drink is crafted with vodka, olive juice, grapefruit juice, and grapefruit soda, drawing from the inspirations of a Greyhound and a Salty Dog, while introducing Indian spices through cardamom bitters for an extra layer of flavor and flair.

As cocktail enthusiasts explore more adventurous flavors and textures, the Kukur Tihar stands out as a prime example of how global palates are evolving, allowing bold and aromatic flavors and spices to take center stage. In this cocktail, vodka serves as an excellent base spirit, letting the savory and sour notes shine. One sip takes you straight to the bustling streets of Mumbai, where the air is rich with citrus and fragrant herbs.

Meanwhile, the espresso martini maintains its status as a classic favorite in many parts of the United States. According to Claire Mallett, it’s also Australia’s “self-confessed favorite cocktail.” This passion for the coffee-infused drink makes sense, considering Melbourne’s renowned magic coffee culture—one could easily dedicate an entire weekend to exploring the city’s numerous coffee houses if they wished.

Although the espresso martini has its roots in late 1980s London, the Australian variant enhances it with a splash of Mt. Black Coffee Liqueur, ensuring a local twist on a global classic. The Aussie rendition replaces simple syrup with vanilla vodka and coconut rum, providing a smoother and richer sweetness. It also incorporates real espresso alongside the coffee liqueur, contributing to a more intense and robust coffee taste.

The Scots have certainly mastered many things, including the Scotch egg, haggis (which may not be for everyone but has its loyal fans, including this writer), and Scotch whisky as a whole. As noted by Claire Mallett, during World War II, the British Isles turned to Scotch in place of vermouth for martinis due to a shortage, and this substitution became a long-standing tradition, giving rise to the Scottish Pete’s martini. A bold, peaty Scotch, with recommendations pointing to Laphroaig, is floated on top after shaking vodka and olive juice, lending a unique complexity that typically comes from vermouth, but without overpowering the vodka.

This cocktail not only enjoys popularity among martini enthusiasts in the U.K., but it has also won over Scotch aficionados thanks to that distinctive peaty floater. For presentation, decorate it with a fresh rosemary sprig and an olive spear, particularly if you have blue cheese-stuffed olives available.

The cosmopolitan is widely regarded as a quintessential cocktail in the United States. Emerging from a marketing effort in the 1960s aimed at boosting Ocean Spray cranberry juice sales, the cocktail—comprising vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, and a dash of fresh lime—struck all the right chords to become immensely popular nationwide, as explained by Jennifer Jackson, beverage enterprise manager at Thompson Restaurants. The drink was further popularized by Dale DeGroff, known as the “King of the Cocktail,” during his time at the iconic Rainbow Room in New York City.

What about the drink’s popularity beyond the U.S.? The answer lies in the influence of the series “Sex and the City.” The show’s international success soared when it became accessible for streaming in various countries on platforms like Netflix and HBO Max. As the favored drink of the iconic character Carrie Bradshaw, the cosmopolitan became synonymous with the image of a glamorous, thriving journalist in New York City, enjoying life with her equally successful friends. (One could debate the plausibility of a journalist afforded a junior one-bedroom apartment on the Upper East Side based on a local paper’s weekly column, but that’s a discussion for another time.) Regardless of your location, even if it’s not listed on the cocktail menu, a competent bartender will effortlessly whip up a cosmopolitan for you, no questions asked.

Any fervent brunch enthusiast knows that no brunch is complete without a cocktail, and more often than not, that drink is a bloody mary. There are countless variations, but the classic bloody mary features vodka as the primary spirit, complemented by a spicy, savory tomato juice blend, garnished with a celery stalk and olives. While it’s nearly impossible to find a brunch menu in the U.S. that doesn’t prominently feature a bloody mary, this beloved drink actually traces its origins back to Paris at Harry’s New York Bar, where it was first created by a bartender named Fernand Petiot.

As stated by Ross Hensley, the global brand ambassador for Aspen Vodka, the cocktail gained widespread attention when Petiot relocated to New York City and added it to the menu at the St. Regis King Cole Bar. By introducing local variations of the bloody mary in St. Regis locations across the globe, the cocktail has transcended its American roots and won over brunch lovers worldwide.

The vesper martini represents a perfect blend of styles: Combine three parts gin, one part vodka, and ½ part Lillet Blanc or dry vermouth, and you’ve created a delightful fusion of flavors all in one glass.

Ross Hensley attributes the widespread appeal of the vesper martini to the suave and insatiable James Bond 007, who made the drink famous in the film “Casino Royale.” The key distinction between Bond’s order and the modern version lies in the use of Kina Lillet, which is no longer produced. The British secret agent and his remarkable cocktail choice have captivated audiences globally, shedding light on the vesper’s presence in cocktail bars worldwide.

The martini, in its essence, is not just a classic cocktail; it serves as a source of inspiration for numerous other drink recipes. While the authentic version typically features gin as its foundational spirit, there’s no reason why a quality vodka can’t take its place. Given Europe’s reputation for excellent vodkas, it’s understandable that the vodka martini enjoys immense popularity across the globe. “Over the past 20 years of the cocktail renaissance, we’ve sought more complexity, unique flavors, and nuances in our drinks,” noted Sean Kenyon, bartender and owner of Blue Collar Cocktails. “The vodkatini has seen a resurgence, but in a new and, I believe, more refined manner; we’re now using vodkas with character and depth.”

Regardless of its origins, the martini’s straightforward nature allows it to be adapted across different cultures, languages, and, importantly, cocktail menus. Wherever you find yourself, if there’s vodka available at the bar, it’s highly likely that patrons are savoring vodka martinis.

Check out the original article on Tasting Table.