A refreshing citrus vodka twist cocktail brings bright flavors and a touch of sparkle to any occasion.

This easy-to-make drink needs just four ingredients: vodka, fresh citrus juice, simple syrup, and club soda.

Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, this drink mixes sweet and tart notes in a light, bubbly blend.

The fresh-squeezed citrus adds a natural zest that store-bought juice can’t match.

The recipe takes less than five minutes to put together, making it great for both casual get-togethers and fancy parties.

The mix of citrus juices can be adjusted based on what fruits are in season or personal taste preferences.

Citrus Vodka Twist Cocktail Recipe

This refreshing drink combines fresh citrus juices with smooth vodka and a splash of simple syrup for a bright, balanced taste.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Ingredients

2 oz premium vodka
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1 oz fresh orange juice
0.5 oz simple syrup
Ice cubes
Orange twist for garnish

Instructions

Fill the cocktail shaker with ice.
Pour vodka, lemon juice, orange juice, and simple syrup into the shaker.
Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled.

Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass or coupe.
Cut a 2-inch strip of orange peel for the twist.
Hold the orange peel over the drink, yellow side down, and gently twist to release oils.

Run the peel around the rim of the glass and drop it into the cocktail.

Notes

Store fresh citrus at room temperature for best juicing results. Roll fruits on the counter before cutting to extract more juice.

This cocktail works best with freshly squeezed juices. Avoid bottled alternatives as they can taste bitter and artificial.

Make simple syrup by combining equal parts sugar and water in a pot. Heat until sugar dissolves, then cool before using.

The drink can be made sweeter or more tart by adjusting the simple syrup amount between 0.25-0.75 oz.

Tasting Notes

The Citrus Vodka Twist greets the nose with bright lemon and lime aromas mixed with subtle orange notes. A light hint of fresh herbs adds depth to the citrus scent.

The first sip brings a crisp, clean taste of vodka that blends smoothly with the citrus flavors. The lemon and lime create a refreshing zing on the tongue.

Orange notes add a sweet balance to the tart citrus elements. The sweetness stays mild and never becomes too strong or syrupy.

Flavor Profile:

Primary: Fresh lemon, lime
Secondary: Sweet orange
Base: Clean vodka
Finish: Bright, citrusy

The texture feels light and smooth. Ice keeps the drink cold and provides a nice dilution as it melts.

A gentle herbal note appears in the finish, along with lingering citrus. The aftertaste stays clean without any harsh alcohol burn.

This cocktail works well as a sunny afternoon drink or evening refresher. The citrus flavors shine through clearly while the vodka adds structure without dominating.

Must Have Ingredients

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Substitute

A simple vodka swap can change the taste of this cocktail. Regular vodka works well instead of citrus vodka. Add an extra squeeze of lemon or lime to make up for the missing citrus flavor.

Non-alcoholic versions need plain soda water instead of vodka. Mix in a splash of citrus juice to keep the drink’s bright taste. Lemon-lime soda makes a good substitute too.

Other citrus options:

For a twist on the drink, try gin or white rum. These spirits blend nicely with citrus flavors. Keep the other ingredients the same.

Sugar-free simple syrup fits in for people watching their sugar intake. Plain sparkling water replaces tonic water when needed. Fresh citrus juice beats bottled juice every time, but bottled works in a pinch.

Citrus Vodka Twist Cocktail Recipe