VODKA TONIC
The Vodka Tonic: A Mid-Century Highball
The Vodka Tonic emerged during the 1950s and 1960s as vodka gained popularity in America and bartenders began substituting it into established cocktail templates.
The drink is a straightforward variation of the Gin and Tonic, replacing gin with vodka, according to Liquor.com. The cocktail combines vodka with tonic water and fresh lime. This simple formula creates a crisp, refreshing drink where tonic water's quinine bitterness and effervescence complement vodka's clean, neutral character, as noted in Difford's Guide.
The Vodka Tonic gained widespread popularity during vodka's rise to dominance in American bars throughout the latter half of the 20th century. The drink appealed to those who found gin's botanical flavors too assertive but still wanted the refreshing qualities of a tonic-based highball.
The Vodka Tonic remains one of the most popular simple mixed drinks worldwide, valued for its accessibility and ease of preparation. The drink's simplicity makes the quality of both vodka and tonic water crucial to the final result, leading to increased interest in premium tonic waters during the craft cocktail revival.
RECIPE:
2 oz vodka
4-5 oz tonic water
Lime wedge for garnish
Method:
Fill a highball glass with ice.
Add vodka and top with tonic water.
Stir gently to combine.
Squeeze lime wedge over the drink and drop it in as garnish.