Cocktail & Other Recipes By Spirit Vodka Cocktails

Vodka Red Bull

Vodka Red Bull in a glass with ice next to a can of Red Bull

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

Sometimes you want an expertly made and well-balanced cocktail. And sometimes you want some booze and artificial energy, together, in a glass. There are multiple ways to accomplish that simple desire, but none is quite as popular as the Vodka Red Bull.

This straightforward drink eschews the modern fascination with “craft” and fresh ingredients, and is content to operate from its own silo of party drinks. Particularly favored by the college crowd and club-goers, the Vodka Red Bull is a common call at a variety of different venues, from dive bars and glitzy clubs to chain restaurants. And considering the drink requires only two ingredients, it’s a tried-and-true order that’s difficult to get wrong.

The Vodka Red Bull is typically served with ice in a tall glass, although some drinkers may choose to serve it like a “bomb.” In that case, a shot of vodka is dropped into a glass containing Red Bull, similar to a Boilermaker.

Whichever way you serve it, the pairing puts the Red Bull front and center, as the more-neutral vodka takes a back seat to the carbonated energy drink’s strong flavor. So, if you like Red Bull, you’ll probably like the Vodka Red Bull. And with its mix of caffeine, taurine and B vitamins, it can put some pep in your step during your next night out.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces vodka

  • Red Bull, to top

Steps

  1. Add vodka to a highball glass with ice.

  2. Fill with Red Bull and stir.