If you like to drink your vodka neat, you’re probably familiar with that burning sensation that you get right after the shot or sip.
But like lemon after a tequila shot, there are many fun and sweet ways to put out that fire in your mouth. Join us as we explore the best chasers for vodka!
Does Vodka Need a Chaser?
The simple answer is no. You can drink vodka neat, on the rocks, or with a mixer.
However, many people prefer to chase their vodka with something, whether it’s juice, soda water, or even beer. This is because vodka can be a bit harsh to drink on its own, and a chaser can help make the taste more palatable, especially for those who are new to drinking the liquor.
What’s a good chaser for vodka? It really depends on your personal preference.
Top Vodka Chasers
Here are 5 chasers that pair well with vodka.
1. Ginger Ale
Ginger ale is considered the best vodka chaser, as the two flavors complement each other well. The sweetness of the ginger ale can help to offset the burn of vodka, making it a refreshing and easy-to-drink combination.
If you want to forgo a chaser and make a classic ginger ale and vodka drink, simply mix equal parts of each in a glass with ice.
It’s also common to add a wedge of lime or lemon to this drink, which can help to brighten up the flavors. If you want something a little different, try using sparkling water or seltzer in place of ginger ale. This will give your drink a lighter flavor and can be especially refreshing on a hot day.
2. Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is a tart and tangy fruit juice that makes for an excellent chaser for vodka. The sweetness of the cranberries helps to offset the burn of the vodka, making it a refreshing and delicious drink.
Want another bonus? Cranberry juice is also packed with antioxidants!
Some people like to mix cranberry juice with club soda or seltzer water to create a sparkling vodka drink. This is a great option if you’re looking for something refreshing and fizzy. You can also add a splash of lime juice to give it a tart and tangy flavor.
3. Olive Brine
If you’re looking for a savory chaser for your vodka, look no further than olive brine. The salty, acidic flavor of olive brine is the perfect complement to vodka’s clean taste. Plus, it’s cheap and easy to find (just look in the pickle jar).
It might seem strange to chase vodka with something that’s already been used to flavor another food, but it works. The brine helps to cut the vodka’s sweetness and makes for a refreshing drink, especially if you add a garnish of olives or pickles.
4. Iced Tea
Whether you drink vodka with sweetened or unsweetened iced tea, this refreshing beverage makes for a great chaser. The tea’s tannins help make the vodka more palatable.
Plus, there are lots of different ways to make iced tea, so you can experiment until you find the perfect mix for your vodka. You can pair it with the classic lemon wedge, or get creative with other fruits and herbs.
5. Tonic
A classic vodka and tonic is always a good choice for something simpler. The bubbly carbonation and bitterness of the tonic help to cut through the vodka’s sweetness, making it an easy-to-drink combo.
Others even forgo the carbonated water altogether and just mix vodka with straight tonic syrup for a more intense flavor experience.
Worst Chasers for Vodka
If there are some chasers that are great for vodka, there are also some that are not as good. In fact, some chasers can actually make your vodka-drinking experience worse, especially the morning after!
Here are some of the worst chasers for vodka.
Dark Liquor
There’s an old saying that tells people not to mix their liquor. Research shows that mixing a clear liquor like vodka with dark liquors like whiskey, brandy, or dark rum, can actually irritate your stomach!
Energy Drinks
Most people would never consider energy drinks as a chaser for vodka, but you’ll find that many young people will drink them this way. The problem is that the high levels of caffeine in energy drinks can cause you to become agitated and your heart rate to increase. This is the last thing you want when you’re trying to relax and enjoy yourself.
It can also be easy to consume too much alcohol when you’re chasing it with an energy drink. The sweetness of the drink can make it easy to forget that you’re drinking alcohol, and before you know it, you’ve had too much.
Milk
Milk might seem like an odd choice for a chaser, but some people swear by it. However, milk can actually make vodka taste even harsher and more burning. It’s not the most refreshing option out there.
If you’re looking for a creamy chaser, try using cream soda instead.
Chase Your Vodka at Zipps Liquor
Whether you’re looking to ease the burn of vodka or simply want to enhance its flavor, there are a number of different options available to you as far as chasers go.
You can experiment to find the perfect combination for your taste buds during your next hangout with friends. Check out Zipps, your favorite liquor store, to find the best quality vodka in a variety of flavors.
We’ve got plenty of locations throughout Texas so that you can find the one closest to you! Visit your nearest liquor store in Texas.
