The question of whether or not to mix vodka with water has been debated for years, with some stating that the two are incompatible and others swearing by it.
In this post, we’ll put an end to the debate once and for all as we continue our mixing drink 101 series and answer the age-old question; can you mix vodka with water?
Vodka is one of the most popular distilled alcoholic beverages in the world. It originated in Eastern Europe, with both Russia and Poland claiming to have first invented vodka.
It’s tasteless, blends well with mixers, and delivers a boozy kick, with most vodka brands having an alcohol content by volume (ABV) of 40% or more.
With spirits that are strong, it’s common for drinkers to use mixers to dilute the drink and lower the alcohol by volume, making it more palatable and enjoyable.
But can this powerhouse spirit be mixed with water?
Let’s find out…
Can You Mix Vodka With Water?
Yes, vodka can be mixed with water, in fact, mixing vodka with water is common among vodka enthusiasts and those that want to avoid the extra calories of mixing with soda.
Fruit juices, soda, ginger beer, and other mixers are often loaded with sugars and additives which can increase the calorie count of the drink significantly.
If you’re someone that’s watching your waistline or on a diet then using these types of mixers may not be the smartest idea, so using water as an alternative works well.
Mixing vodka with water also allows the drinker to dilute the drink to help reduce the overall alcohol content, making it more enjoyable than drinking vodka neat.
In Russia and Poland, vodka is typically drunk neat in small shots, whereas in the West, it’s often preferred with a mixer such as soda or tonic.
I think I would throw up if I drank vodka neat, so I’ll stick to using a mixer.
Respect to the Russians and Poles!
>> Read more: Can you mix rum and vodka?
What Is Vodka And Water Called?
There is no specific name given to the mix of vodka and water unlike some other mixed drinks, however, some people refer to the drink as simply “vodka water” or “vodka tonic” when a splash of tonic is added.
The name of this drink may also vary depending on your location in the world and depending on the region and culture, as different countries and communities often have different names for mixed drinks.
Whilst it’s simply called “vodka water” here in the US, it’s likely called “wimp drink” or similar in Russia!
>> Read more: Can You Mix Gin And Vodka?
How Does Vodka Taste With Water?
The taste of mixing vodka with water will depend mostly on the quality and type of vodka you use as well as the ratio of spirit to water, I would recommend a 1:4 or 1:3 ratio personally.
In general, the taste of vodka water is smoother than drinking vodka neat as the water dilutes the overall alcohol content and makes the drink more palatable.
Some people find that adding water to vodka enhances the subtle flavors and aromas of the vodka, which is especially true if you’re drinking flavored vodka.
I’ve tried mixing vodka with water a couple of times, and my personal favorite is Pineapple Ciroc chilled and served with ice.
It’s not my favorite drink in the world I won’t lie, but it works well especially when I’m on a diet and watching my caloric intake but still want to enjoy a few drinks.
The taste of the drink can also be influenced by the temperature, with many people preferring to drink vodka waters chilled or on the rocks.
Give it a try, sparkling water works well too if you don’t want a drink that’s flat.
>> Read more: Can you mix whiskey and vokda?
Why Do People Mix Vodka With Water?
There are a number of reasons why people mix vodka with water, with one of the primary reasons being to reduce the overall alcohol content of the drink and make it more enjoyable.
As mentioned earlier, many people drink vodka water if they are in a gym routine or on a diet as it’s a drink that contains very few calories.
On average, vodka water contains around 75 calories per drink, whereas a vodka Coke contains around 168 calories.
Another common reason for drinking vodka with water is to try and counteract the dehydrating effects of alcohol.
We’re all guilty of not drinking enough water when consuming alcohol, so by purposefully adding water to the drink it can help to keep the drinker hydrated.
>> Read More: Can You Mix Rum And Whiskey?
Does Vodka And Water Still Get You Drunk?
Yes, drinking vodka and water will still get you drunk, although it may take more drinks as the alcohol content of the drink decreases as you add water.
The amount of alcohol consumed and at which rate will ultimately determine how drunk you may become, so it’s important to space vodka waters out if you don’t want to become too intoxicated.
Drinking vodka neat can make a person drunk very quickly as it’s a drink that is often between 40% – 50% ABV, so diluting it down with water allows for a more enjoyable drinking experience with less pronounced effects.
Most people become woozy after two shots of vodka, and it usually takes around 5 shots for the average man to become drunk and between 3 – 4 for the average woman.
Whilst adding water does dilute the concentrate, it depends on how quickly you drink your vodka water as well as many other factors including age, weight, medication, etc.
Remember that vodka is a strong spirit that should be enjoyed and consumed in moderation, so go easy with the vodka waters and always drink responsibly.
>> Read more: Can you mix whiskey and wine?
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, yes, you can certainly mix vodka with water. It’s very common in those that are watching their calories but still want to enjoy a few low-cal drinks with friends.
Adding water with vodka is a great way of diluting the drink and making it smoother and more enjoyable.
I enjoy vodka as much as the next person, but drinking vodka neat is not for the faint-hearted, so adding a mixer like water is a great idea.
As a whole, vodka water is a simple but effective mixed drink that can be enjoyed in a number of settings, and it’s highly customizable as you can try different types of water and flavored vodka.
Give it a try and let me know your thoughts!