How to Make Vodka with Soda (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Vodka with Soda is a modern beverage that has found a place in Singapore's bustling nightlife and vibrant kopitiam culture. While not native to Singapore, this drink represents the fusion influences that define the Lion City's culinary scene. Popular in trendy bars as well as hawker centres, Vodka with Soda is enjoyed by locals seeking a light, refreshing, and lower-calorie alcoholic option. Its simplicity allows for endless creativity—garnishes like fresh calamansi, pandan, or a twist of lime give this classic drink a unique Singaporean spin. In Singapore, drinks are more than just refreshments; they're an experience. Whether enjoyed after a flavorful plate of satay at Lau Pa Sat or sipped on a rooftop overlooking the cityscape, Vodka with Soda is a versatile choice. Its crisp, clean taste pairs well with local dishes and offers cooling relief in the city’s tropical climate. By using fresh ingredients and reducing added sugars, this healthy version is perfect for those mindful of their calorie intake but still wanting to enjoy a quintessential social beverage.
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Prepare tall glasses by filling them halfway with ice cubes
Prepare tall glasses by filling them halfway with ice cubes.
Step 2 · Add 30 ml vodka into each glass
Add 30 ml vodka into each glass.
Step 3 · Squeeze juice from one calamansi lime into each glass
Squeeze juice from one calamansi lime into each glass. Remove seeds.
Step 4 · Pour 200 ml soda water into each glass to top up
Pour 200 ml soda water into each glass to top up.
Step 5 · Add mint leaves and a knotted pandan leaf for local aroma
Add mint leaves and a knotted pandan leaf for local aroma, if desired.
Step 6 · Stir gently with a long spoon
Stir gently with a long spoon. Taste and add a drop of stevia or sweetener if preferred.
Step 7 · Garnish with lime wedges and serve immediately
Garnish with lime wedges and serve immediately.
Why this recipe is healthy
Choosing Vodka with Soda over sweetened cocktails or canned drinks helps you avoid excess sugars and calories. The addition of fresh local ingredients like calamansi and pandan enhances the drink’s flavor while supporting hydration. It’s an excellent option for those tracking macros or seeking an alcohol beverage that aligns with a weight management or low-sugar lifestyle.
A note on tradition
While Vodka with Soda is not a traditional Singaporean drink, it has become popular in the city’s cosmopolitan beverage scene. Singapore’s hawker centres and modern kopitiams often feature creative twists on global classics, and Vodka with Soda is no exception. Incorporating local ingredients like calamansi and pandan reflects the city’s spirit of fusion and innovation. Typically enjoyed in the evenings or at social gatherings, this drink’s simplicity and freshness make it a staple for both locals and tourists.