How to Substitute Vodka in for Tequila, Rum and Other Spirits

Most people know that you can make your martini cocktail with either vodka or gin. But that’s only the beginning. Vodka works magnificently in place of clear spirits such as gin, silver rums and tequilas, and it can even be a substitute for whiskey in some drinks. (And we recommend vodka vs. gin when it comes to martini cocktails.) With the classics, the sky’s the limit of what you can make with vodka.

A New Perspective on the Old Fashioned

The old fashioned is one of the oldest cocktail recipes in the world. First made around the 1880s in New York or Louisville, KY (a spirited debate remains to the present day), traditional preparations involve bourbon or rye, simple syrup and Angostura bitters. For a fresh take on this time-tested pour, try an old fashioned cocktail with vodka instead of whiskey.

Vodka Gimlet

Dating back to the 18th century when British sailors used it as a vitamin C elixir to ward off scurvy, the Gimlet is a quintessential cocktail, made with gin or vodka. When composed with gin, botanicals create a moving tapestry of flavor profiles. Made with vodka, this drink can be more assertive with an added zesty, slightly sweet taste. Try our vodka gimlet recipe and be sure to serve ice cold.

Viva la Vodkarita

Tequilas and mezcals are having a moment, and it’s no wonder. Often found in cocktails with light and refreshing flavors, these agave-distilled spirits impart sweet, fruity or earthy flavors to drinks. But did you know you can swap out the tequila for vodka for a lighter tasting option that lets the other ingredients cut through the mix?

Often called a vodkarita or a vodka margarita, these riffs on the classic Mexican cocktail are unexpected pours for your next cocktail party. If you crave citrus flavors, try our L’Orange Tommy’s Margarita that uses Grey Goose L’Orange flavored vodka in addition to Patrón® Silver for more traditional margarita flavors.

Mixing Up the Mojito

Few drinks taste as refreshing as a mojito on a hot summer day. Originally developed as a remedy for tropical illness, the mojito has become a staple summertime cocktail.

If you’re mixing up a batch of mojitos but discover you’re out of rum, substitute Grey Goose Vodka for the 1 ½ oz of rum, muddle your mint and lime, then shake and build the drink as you would typically.

If cool and herbaceous mint flavors are pleasers to your palate, the Mint Cooler adds tart lemon notes and club soda bubbles for a mojito alternative.

More Ways to Substitute Vodka in Cocktails

Vodka is a versatile spirit — the drinks listed here are just the beginning, so get creative. Check out our vodka essentials articles to learn more about how to incorporate vodka into your cocktails.