How to Make a Vodka Press

Looking for a light and refreshing drink to enjoy while the weather is hot? A simple vodka press cocktail is it! Made with vodka, lemon-lime soda, and club soda, this quick and easy cocktail may be your new favorite.

We’ve been loving the vodka press lately. It’s made with three simple ingredients that are bar staples, so you likely already have all the ingredients you need at home already!

In my opinion, this easy cocktail is a perfect DIY solution to those canned vodka sodas (think White Claw, High Noon, etc.). Play home bartender and save some money in the process too with the cost effective solution to these more expensive pre-made drinks.

Why You’ll Love This Vodka Press Recipe

Quick and easy to make! Measure, mix, and enjoy. It’s really that simple!

Made with common bar ingredients you likely already have. Vodka, club soda, and lemon-lime soda are all common ingredients found in home bars. And if you don’t happen to have them on hand, they’re easy to pick up.

Light and refreshing. The perfect sip for warm days.

Vodka Press Cocktail Ingredients

• Unflavored Vodka. Plain vodka is the base of this simple drink recipe.
• Lemon-Lime Soda. This adds a little pop of citrus flavor and sweetness to this light and refreshing vodka cocktail. 
• Club Soda. Club soda helps to keep this drink light on the calories while filling out the cocktail with substance and bubbles.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Helpful Equipment

Using a jigger to measure out your cocktail ingredients is always helpful. If you have a bar spoon as a part of your home bar, that will come in handy too.

How To Make A Vodka Press

Step 1 – Fill a lowball glass with ice cubes. 

Step 2 – Measure and pour vodka, lemon-lime soda, and club soda on top of the ice.

Step 3 – Gently stir to combine, sip, and enjoy!

Variations and Substitutions

• Garnish with fresh citrus. A lemon wheel, a slice of lime, a lime wedge, an orange slice, a lemon twist… you have lots of options! I personally love adding a little citrus into this cocktail recipe, and would recommend doing so.
• Add fresh herbs as garnish. There are a few ways to do this.
  • Option 1: Garnish with a sprig of fresh hers like a sprig of mint or rosemary sprigs.
  • Option 2: If you wanted to really infuse fresh herb flavors into your vodka press, add the vodka plus fresh herb leaves into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. Strain into your serving glass over fresh ice and then continue
• Top with a splash of fruit juice. Try a splash of cranberry juice, orange juice, or grapefruit juice. A squeeze of lemon juice or lime juice also goes a long way in this cocktail.
• Use flavored vodka. This drink is great with fruity flavored vodkas. Grapefruit vodka, berry vodkas, citron vodka, etc. You could also use a cucumber vodka in this recipe if that’s your jam.
• Try a different mixer. Not into lemon-lime soda? You could substitute with ginger ale if desired. Please note, this will change to flavor profile of your press cocktail.
• Reduce calories by using diet soda. If you’re counting calories, using diet soda is a great option.

How To Serve A Vodka Press Drink

You can serve this classic cocktail in a lowball glass (sometimes called a rocks glass) or a highball glass. Use whatever cocktail glass you like! The images shown in this post use this tall ribbed drinking glass.

What to Serve With a Vodka Press

You have a lot of food pairing options that go well with your vodka press. Try enjoying your cocktail with one of the ideas noted below for an elevated drink experience.

• Snacks: a simple plate of cheese and crackers or a fancy charcuterie board, mixed nuts, a veggie tray, or even chips and dip are all nice snacks that go well with this light and fizzy beverage.
• Light Fare / Appetizers: a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette, shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, tea sandwiches, or a tomato tart are more elegant options to enjoy alongside your drink.
• Meals: this light and limey cocktail goes great with tacos or Mexican dishes. Pulled salsa chicken tacos, crispy cornmeal fish tacos, or sheet pan veggie tacos are all great options.