Few drinks inspire and impress us more than the VOTR. The impact of this special cocktail comes as much from its crystalline beauty as it does from the clarity of its flavor. It’s glorious—cold, clear, and cleanly unadorned—everything you could ever want in a refreshing beverage. And while fools may call it unimaginative, plain, and practically flavorless, we can’t argue, but we can suggest that perhaps they don’t understand its appeal.

The glass used may vary, but we like something tall and slender to accentuate the drops of condensation. When you reach for the VOTR, it has to be cold, and it will be if you make it properly. The ice should be cubes, and there’s no need to bother with anything fancy, just use plenty of what you have. (Note: If you don’t have any ice, you cannot make this cocktail.)

Once you have the right glass packed to the rim with ice cubes, now comes the highlight—vodka. It is admittedly not the base spirit we write about most often, but it is perfect in this case. While gin might look the same, vodka avoids all of those citrus notes and flowery botanicals. You don’t want any of that in this drink.

VOTR
1.5 oz vodka (or just make a double)
Ice cubes

Fill a glass with ice and top with vodka. Serve with a shrug and an eye roll.

Consider what this drink would look like if you used whiskey or rum—or even brandy for that matter. Yep: brown. Nobody wants a brown cocktail with all of that dirty barrel flavor. Or worse, what if this had something sugary or sour to muck everything up. We want none of that. Not here. Not today. Just use your best vodka. Please and thank you. Or you can mix some Everclear with water. You’re welcome.