Perfect bubbles and a touch of vodka and lime make this "Vodka Tonic with a twist" our go-to for a quick late-afternoon drink. We love to drink this Vodka Lime Seltzer outside while we BBQ or while watching the kids run around like crazy in the forest. Plus, with just 4 natural ingredients and about 4 minutes, this drink the perfect way to start a truly relaxing evening.
Tell me all about this Vodka Lime Seltzer
- How is it different - The popular name for a similar drink is a Vodka Tonic. However, that cocktail is made with sugary (typically high-fructose corn syrup) tonic water. We much prefer this drink with zero sugar and zero calorie seltzer water and adding a bit of all-natural agave for the perfect tart/sweet combo.
- Flavor - The great thing about this recipe is it can totally be made to your tastes. Start with your favorite brand of Vodka. We like to use a local brand made here in Golden, CO called Vanjak. It's delicious and pure. Their vodka is corn-based and gluten free.
Fresh limes add the perfect amount of tart flavor. You can substitute with lime juice in a jar (or those cute squeeze bottles), but the taste won't be as fresh. Last, we LOVE our local Boulder, CO Madhava for their all-natural organic agave to add a perfect sweetness without the refined sugar! - Difficulty Level - Super super simple. Literally not sure if any recipe could be easier. It'll take about 4 minutes to pull the ingredients from the cupboard and give it a quick measure and stir.
Vodka Tonic Ingredient substitutions
Are you out of something, but still want to achieve a similar flavor? No problem!
- Vodka Substitute - Aquevitt, Tequila or White Rum are close options that'll give you a different flavor, but still delicious!
- Lime Substitute - Limes are fairly important to a Lime Seltzer, but there's no reason why you can't make a Lemon Seltzer, an Orange Seltzer or even a Pineapple Seltzer! But you'll need some sort of citrus juice to make it something close to the original recipe.
- Seltzer Water - This is an easy one. Any sparkling water or flavored sparkling water will do.
- Agave Syrup - The great thing about sugar is that you can use almost any variation for the same effect. For this recipe, honey, maple syrup or other liquid sugar will work best. But in a pinch, you can use granulated white sugar to make a simple syrup.
More easy drink recipes
- Pineapple Tom Collins
- Bailey's Irish Cream Mocha
- Raspberry Hot Chocolate - Dairy Free
- Classic Hot Chocolate
- Pumpkin Spice Steamer - Dairy Free
- Espresso Double Shot - Starbucks Copycat
- Sparkling Watermelon Refresher
Make a cocktail for a crowd
This recipe can easily be adjusted to whet the whistle of a crowd. I've done the math for you. This amount will serve 10. Easily multiply from there! I like to serve cocktails like this in a drink dispenser to make it easy for a grab-and-go beverage.
- 2 Cups Vodka — This is the equivalent of 1 shot per serving
- ⅔ Cup Lime Juice — Or about 5 fresh limes (plus more for serving)
- ½ Cup Agave Nectar — This will make it slightly sweeter, so feel free to adjust as preferred.
- 5 Cups Seltzer Water — (40 fluid ounces) Unsweetened is best.
If using a large pitcher or drink dispenser, serve with ice and lime slices. Or to make a self-serve cocktail bar, serve items separately. I like to put fruit on these little skewers.
Vodka Seltzer
Ingredients
- 1-2 shots vodka
- 1 tablespoon lime juice about half a fresh lime
- 2 teaspoons agave more if you prefer it sweeter
- ½ cup seltzer water unsweetened
Instructions
- Combine vodka, lime, and agave in a highball or other half-sized glass. Stir.
- Add ice. Preferably large square cubes.
- Top with seltzer water until glass is full, or about ½ cup.
- Garnish with lime wedge and serve.
Notes
Bob Broach
When you list "agave" in the recipe, do you mean agave nectar or agave syrup (1 part agave nectar + 1 part water)? Thanks.
Amy
We typically use agave nectar. Either will work, but if you use syrup, adjust the quantity to taste.