Various elements unite us as a human community, whether they are books, music, or films. For those who enjoy a drink, cocktails certainly belong on that list as well. There is something enchanting about cocktail culture worldwide — as you savor your favorite drink, someone else, perhaps on another continent, is enjoying that same concoction. When discussing global connections through spirits, vodka stands out as a prominent player. Why vodka, you might wonder? As a neutral spirit that thrives when combined with other flavors, vodka can take on a myriad of tastes from various origins.

To delve deeper into this topic, we interviewed several experts in the vodka industry: Claire Mallett from Catch One LA, Mark Simmonds of Broken Shed Vodka, Jennifer Jackson from Thompson Hotels, Ross Hensley of Aspen Vodka, and Sean Kenyon from Blue Collar Cocktails. They shared their thoughts on the vodka cocktails that are favored and frequently ordered across the globe. These are drinks that, if you haven’t experienced them yet, you absolutely should. Whether near or far, cocktail lovers and creators may draw from a variety of flavors and traditions, yet they all agree: vodka serves as a blank canvas for creativity, allowing for innovative cocktails that transcend both expectations and geographical boundaries.

For further reading: 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 undeniably steeped in English tradition. At its core, it’s a perfect showcase for a quality spirit. If you employ a superb gin, your gimlet will surely impress. So, why not substitute the gin with an excellent vodka and extend that appreciation?

Mark Simmonds, the master distiller at Broken Shed Vodka, has observed a surge in the popularity of the gimlet worldwide, now crafted with vodka instead of the traditional gin. He explains, “As vodka gains newfound appreciation, particularly for its nuanced richness found in high-quality premium brands, it’s the perfect moment to transform the classic gin gimlet into a vodka alternative.” Simmonds views this shift as a sophisticated way to enjoy quality vodka, and given the diverse array of vodkas produced globally, it’s no wonder this drink has become a beloved choice across different cultures.

Many recognize the kamikaze as a shooter; concocted with vodka, lime juice, and orange liqueur, this sweet and tangy shot is best savored amongst friends, often followed by a jubilant “Woo!” But peeling away its reputation reveals a simple sour cocktail that parallels a margarita, substituting vodka for tequila.

Originating on an American naval base in Japan during World War II, this cocktail has become popular not only as a shooter but also as a classic cocktail to enjoy year-round. For the best experience, Mark Simmonds recommends preparing it like a martini, where vodka serves as the main spirit, the orange liqueur plays the role of vermouth, and lime juice adds a touch of extra acidity as needed.

Vodka has certainly become a cornerstone of American cocktail culture, especially as we relish our vodka martinis and reflect on life before this beloved spirit. Yet, Claire Mallett, beverage director at Catch One, notes that it took nearly twenty years for vodka to catch on in America after it first appeared in the 1930s. It was ultimately James Bond’s “shaken, not stirred” martinis that drew American attention to this spirit. Meanwhile, in Europe, particularly in Russia and Poland, vodka has consistently been a favored choice. “We are currently in an era dominated by the martini,” Mallett remarked. “It’s appreciated for its straightforward flavor and versatility in cocktails; all vodka requires is to be served chilled.”

Thus, the dirty martini perfectly embodies the essence of European simplicity. With just a rinse of dry vermouth, followed by 3 ounces of vodka and ½ ounce of olive juice, you have a cocktail that highlights the finest qualities of a premium vodka. For that ultimate ice-cold experience, Mallett suggests shaking the martini until little ice chips form on the surface when straining into the glass.

Inspired by the Festival of Dogs in India, the Kukur Tihar cocktail beautifully showcases the flavors of India and South Asia, making it a favorite of Claire Mallett. This cocktail is crafted from vodka, olive juice, grapefruit juice, and grapefruit soda, drawing inspiration from a Greyhound and a Salty Dog, while introducing a hint of Indian spices through cardamom bitters for an extra layer of flavor.

As cocktail enthusiasts grow bolder in their choices of flavors and textures, the Kukur Tihar stands as a prime example of the global evolution of taste, where vibrant, aromatic flavors and spices take center stage. Vodka serves as an ideal base spirit, allowing the savory and sour notes of the drink to shine. A single sip transports you to the bustling streets of Mumbai, enriched with the scents of citrus and fragrant herbs.

While the espresso martini remains a steadfast classic in the United States, Claire Mallett refers to it as Australia’s “self-confessed favorite cocktail.” This affection for the coffee-infused drink is hardly surprising, given Melbourne’s remarkable, often referred to as magic coffee culture — one could easily spend an entire weekend visiting countless coffee shops throughout the city, should one choose to do so.

The espresso martini traces its roots back to the late 1980s in London, but the Australian version gives it a local twist by incorporating the beloved Mt. Black Coffee Liqueur, creating a genuinely regional take on this global classic. Moreover, the Australian variation replaces simple syrup entirely, opting instead for vanilla vodka and coconut rum, which contribute a smoother, rounder sweetness. This version also includes authentic espresso along with the coffee liqueur, enhancing the coffee flavor with depth and richness.

The Scots have certainly gotten many things right, from the Scotch egg to haggis (which may not appeal to everyone, but suits this savory-loving writer just fine) and, of course, Scotch whisky. As Claire Mallett explains, during World War II, the lack of vermouth in the U.K. led to the use of Scotch in martinis instead, a practice that never quite faded away, resulting in what is known as the Scottish Pete’s martini. This drink features a robust, peaty Scotch (Mallett suggests Laphroaig) as a floater, poured on top of a vodka and olive juice mixture that has been shaken and strained into the martini glass. It adds the perfect level of complexity and richness that vermouth typically offers, without overpowering the vodka.

This cocktail has not only garnered a following among martini enthusiasts across the Atlantic but has also attracted dedicated Scotch drinkers thanks to that distinguished peaty floater. To finish it off, garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary along with olives—blue cheese-stuffed ones are a decadent choice if you have them on hand.

Meanwhile, the cosmopolitan remains a quintessential cocktail in the U.S. Originally a marketing strategy in the 1960s aimed at boosting Ocean Spray cranberry juice sales, according to Jennifer Jackson, beverage enterprise manager at Thompson Restaurants, this cocktail combines vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice, hitting all the right notes and becoming immensely popular nationwide. Dale DeGroff, often referred to as the “King of the Cocktail,” further propelled the drink’s fame while at the iconic Rainbow Room in New York City.

What about its appeal beyond the United States? The answer lies in the iconic series “Sex and the City.” The show achieved international fame as it became available for streaming on platforms like Netflix and HBO Max in various countries. As the favored drink of the character Carrie Bradshaw, the cosmopolitan gained traction as the go-to beverage for a glamorous, accomplished journalist in New York City, navigating life and celebrations with her equally stylish friends. (I could debate the plausibility of a journalist writing a column in a local publication while residing in a junior one-bedroom on the Upper East Side, but that’s another story.) Regardless of where you find yourself in the world, any bartender worth their salt will gladly prepare a cosmopolitan upon request, no hesitation involved.

For devoted weekend brunch fans, a meal isn’t truly complete without a cocktail, and more often than not, that drink is a bloody mary. This classic cocktail typically features vodka as its core ingredient, complemented by a spicy, savory tomato juice blend, and is garnished with celery and olives. While it’s nearly impossible to find a brunch menu in the U.S. that doesn’t showcase a bloody mary, interestingly, this drink first originated in Paris at Harry’s New York Bar, crafted initially by Fernand Petiot.

As noted by Ross Hensley, the global brand ambassador for Aspen Vodka, the cocktail rose to prominence when Petiot relocated to New York City and featured it on the menu at the St. Regis King Cole Bar. Consequently, by incorporating local variations of the bloody mary into St. Regis cocktail menus worldwide, this drink has broadened its appeal beyond the borders of America, capturing the hearts of brunch enthusiasts globally.

The vesper martini presents a delightful fusion of flavors: With three parts gin, one part vodka, and half a part of Lillet Blanc or dry vermouth, this cocktail offers an impressive blend of tastes all in one glass.

As per Ross Hensley, the widespread appeal of the vesper martini can be attributed to none other than the suave and ever-thirsty James Bond 007, who famously requested the drink in the film “Casino Royale.” The key distinction between Bond’s order and the version we enjoy today is that Bond’s martini was crafted with Kina Lillet, a component that is no longer available. The iconic British spy and his cocktail choice continue to be recognized globally, contributing to the vesper’s popularity in cocktail lounges around the world.

The martini, as an iconic beverage, is not just a flawless concoction; it also serves as inspiration for countless other cocktail recipes. While the classic formulation utilizes gin as its primary spirit, it’s entirely permissible to substitute vodka, provided it’s of premium quality. Given Europe’s renowned reputation for producing exceptional vodkas, it’s no wonder that the vodka martini has gained immense popularity worldwide. Sean Kenyon, a bartender and owner at Blue Collar Cocktails, remarked, “In the past two decades of cocktail revival, we’ve pursued greater complexity in our drinks, favoring unique flavors and subtlety. The vodkatini has experienced a resurgence, but in a fresh and (I believe) improved manner; we are now employing vodkas that possess both flavor and character.”

Regardless of the martini’s origins, its straightforwardness allows it to be easily adapted to any nation, any dialect, and, crucially, any cocktail menu. Wherever you may find yourself, as long as there is vodka available at the bar, it’s highly likely that you’ll encounter patrons indulging in vodka martinis.

Check out the original article on Tasting Table.