Copycat Cutwater Vodka Soda Cocktail Recipe

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Looking for a refreshing drink that’s both simple and delicious? Let’s talk about the Cutwater Vodka Soda Cocktail. This easy-to-make drink is perfect for relaxing on a warm afternoon or serving at your next get-together. With crisp flavors and a smooth finish, it’s sure to impress guests and satisfy your craving for something light.

What Is a Cutwater Vodka Soda Cocktail?

Cutwater Vodka Soda is a line of ready-to-drink canned cocktails from Cutwater Spirits, basically their vodka plus carbonated water with a hint of natural flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces Cutwater Vodka
• 4 to 6 ounces club soda
• Fresh lime wedge
• Ice cubes.

Instructions:

1. Chill Your Glass: Start by chilling a highball or Collins glass in the freezer for about five minutes. This helps keep your cocktail cool without watering it down too quickly.
2. Add Ice: Remove your glass from the freezer and fill it to the top with ice cubes. Using large, clear cubes helps the drink stay cold longer.
3. Pour the Vodka: Measure two ounces of Cutwater Vodka and pour it over the ice.
4. Top with Club Soda: Gently pour in four to six ounces of club soda, depending on your taste. Tilt the glass slightly and pour the soda slowly to preserve the carbonation.
5. Garnish with Lime: Squeeze a fresh lime wedge over the drink for a burst of citrus, then drop it into the glass.
6. Give It a Gentle Stir: Use a bar spoon or a straw to gently mix the ingredients, which helps meld the flavors without losing the bubbliness.

Tips For The Perfect Cutwater Vodka Soda Cocktail:

• Choose Good Vodka: Cutwater Vodka’s clean profile is ideal, but any smooth vodka can work if you can’t find Cutwater locally.
• Use Quality Club Soda: Bottled club soda typically has stronger, longer-lasting bubbles than soda from a gun or tap.
• Mind the Garnish: Fresh lime is classic, but experiment with lemon, cucumber, or even fresh berries for a twist.
• Serve Immediately: Vodka sodas are best served fresh and cold for optimal refreshment.
• Don’t Over-Stir: Mixing too vigorously can flatten the soda. Stir gently to keep those bubbles lively.

What To Serve Cutwater Vodka Soda Cocktail With

Seafood Appetizers:

• Shrimp Cocktail: The classic combination of chilled, plump shrimp with a tangy, horseradish-spiked cocktail sauce is a perfect match for the crisp, clean flavors of a vodka soda.
• Oysters on the Half Shell: Raw oysters with a squeeze of lemon and a dash of hot sauce offer a briny, oceanic flavor that pairs beautifully with the effervescence of the Cutwater Vodka Soda Cocktail.
• Smoked Salmon Canapés: Thin slices of smoked salmon on top of crisp cucumber rounds or buttered toast points, garnished with dill and capers, provide a rich, savory contrast to the drink.
• Ceviche: This Latin American dish of raw fish or seafood “cooked” in citrus juice and spiced with chili peppers is a refreshing, zesty companion to the vodka soda.

Light Salads:

• Watermelon and Feta Salad: The combination of sweet, juicy watermelon, salty feta cheese, and fresh mint is a refreshing, summer-friendly pairing.
• Caprese Salad: Slices of ripe tomato and creamy fresh mozzarella, layered with basil leaves and drizzled with balsamic vinegar, offer a simple, elegant complement to the drink.
• Arugula and Parmesan Salad: Peppery arugula leaves tossed with shaved Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and olive oil provide a bright, tangy contrast to the cocktail.

Sushi And Sashimi:

• Tuna or Salmon Sashimi: The clean, pure flavors of raw tuna or salmon, served with soy sauce and wasabi, mirror the simplicity and freshness of the vodka soda.
• Cucumber Rolls: These light, vegetarian sushi rolls, filled with crisp cucumber and sometimes avocado or cream cheese, offer a cool, refreshing crunch.
• California Rolls: A classic sushi roll filled with crab (or imitation crab), avocado, and cucumber, California rolls provide a mix of creamy and crisp textures that pair well with the cocktail.

Grilled Vegetables And Kebabs:

• Grilled Asparagus: Slender spears of asparagus, lightly charred on the grill and seasoned with olive oil, lemon, and salt, offer a smoky, vegetal flavor that complements the drink.
• Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves threaded onto skewers and drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a colorful, flavorful appetizer.
• Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Marinated grilled shrimp, seasoned with garlic, lemon, and herbs, provide a savory, protein-rich option that pairs well with the lightness of the cocktail.

Cheese And Charcuterie:

• Prosciutto and Melon: The classic Italian pairing of thin-sliced prosciutto ham and sweet, ripe cantaloupe or honeydew melon is a refreshing, salty-sweet companion to the vodka soda.
• Goat Cheese and Crackers: Tangy, creamy goat cheese spread on crisp, neutral crackers offers a simple, satisfying contrast to the drink.
• Manchego and Quince Paste: The nutty, slightly sweet flavors of Spanish Manchego cheese, paired with the fruity, sticky quince paste, provide a sophisticated, tapas-style nibble.

Ingredient Substitutes:

Vodka Substitutes:

• Tito’s Handmade Vodka
• Absolut Vodka
• Ketel One
• Grey Goose
• Belvedere

Flavored Vodka:

• Cucumber vodka for a crisp garden-fresh note
• Citrus (lemon or orange) vodka for extra brightness
• Berry-infused vodkas for a touch of natural sweetness

Other Clear Spirits:

• Gin: Offers herbal and botanical notes, transforming your drink into more of a Gin & Soda
• White rum: Adds slight sweetness and tropical undertones
• Tequila blanco: Delivers peppery zest and richer flavor

Club Soda Substitutes:

Sparkling Water:

• Plain sparkling water is closest to club soda. Brands like San Pellegrino, Perrier, or La Croix work well.
• Flavored sparkling water (lemon, lime, berry) adds extra character, but avoid sweetened versions unless you want a sweeter drink.

• Seltzer Water: Seltzer is essentially carbonated water, sometimes without added minerals. It delivers refreshing bubbles and is an easy substitute.
• Tonic Water: Tonic has a slightly bitter profile due to quinine; use it for a more complex, grown-up twist. Pair with a citrus garnish for balance.

Garnish Options Substitutes:

• Lemon wedges or slices for an uplifting tart note
• Grapefruit twists for bitterness and color
• Orange wheels for subtle sweetness and aroma
• Fresh herbs (mint, basil, rosemary) for aromatic flair
• Thin cucumber slices for a spa-like sense of freshness
• Seasonal berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, for color and a hint of fruit

Final Thoughts

The Cutwater Vodka Soda cocktail proves that simplicity can be truly satisfying. With just a handful of quality ingredients, you get a drink that’s crisp, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion.

More Recipes:

• Copycat Tillamook Ice Cream Mudslide Recipe
• Cutwater Whiskey Sour Recipe
• Copycat Ketel One Espresso Martini Recipe