The vodka lime soda is known for its tart flavour and low-calorie count. Clear liquors supposedly make hangovers less likely compared to something darker, but vodka hangovers still happen and they’re awful. If you want a break, the Dry team has come up with the No-vodka Lime and Soda, which, dare we say it, tastes more refreshing than the original.
The modern version of this cocktail is made with vodka, lime juice, and soda water. Previously known as the Long Vodka, it dates back to 1978 and is claimed to have been invented by Jacky Bevan, who accidentally made a customer’s gin, lime and lemonade with vodka. A few years later, Jacky visited a local pub in Scotland and ordered her creation, which the landlord then put on the menu.
Our No-vodka Lime and Soda is great for quenching your thirst on a hot day, or giving you a zingy boost before a night out. By using real limes instead of lime cordial, this mocktail packs a punch. You won’t even realise that it’s booze-free.
Things you’ll need:
- Soda water
- Sugar syrup – shop bought or homemade
- Ice – cubed
- Limes for juice and optional garnish (or use lime cordial)
- Highball glass
- Optional straw
How to make a No-Vodka Lime and Soda:
The No-Vodka Lime and Soda mocktail is quick and fun to make. If you have any pent-up anger, squeezing limes is the way to go. The recipe will make one glass, so adjust accordingly if you want to share it.
To start with, fill your glass with as much cubed ice as you wish. Then squeeze the juice from two or three limes into your glass. Carry on squeezing when you think you’re done: you’ll be surprised how much you can get out. The more juice, the better it will taste. Then add 30ml of sugar syrup to the glass and mix with a spoon.
Now, fill the rest of your glass with soda water and mix again. If, like me, you’re partial to a key lime pie, don’t fill the glass to the top. It will have more tartness if you use less. If you fancy throwing some different flavours into the mix, you can switch to a different soda. Ginger ale, tonic water, lemonade and lemon-lime soda work well, too. Finally, garnish with sliced lime.
Top tip: If you don’t have sugar syrup at home, you can make it yourself by dissolving 300g of caster sugar into 150ml of water on a low heat. After letting it cool, it can go straight into a mocktail or be bottled for future use.
Featured picture: Joe Coughlan, Picture editor: Charlotte Doyle