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Cocktails

Soviet

Served in a Old-Fashioned Glass

Reviewed by , Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic25.3% ABV4 ingredientsexcellent recipe
284 cal25.3% ABV2.53 US std3.6g sugar7.1g carbsAbout these numbers

Difficulty

Moderateshaken drink

Why: 4 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker

Best for: Salty Food, Seafood, Aperitif

Ingredients & Tools

BaseModifierGarnish
  • 2.0 ozVodkaBase
  • 2.0 ozAmontillado SherryModifier
  • 2.0 ozDry VermouthModifier
  • 1 garnishLemon TwistGarnish
Tools:shaker

How to Make It

ShakeGarnish
  1. Shake with ice and strain into ice-filled old-fashioned glass.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
  2. Add lemon twist.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.

Best For

AperitifHappy Hour

Food Pairings

Salty FoodSeafood

Diet & Lifestyle

Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian

Make it your way

Adjust this drink

Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.Make it simplerTry drinks with three ingredients or fewer.

Swap notes

Base spiritVodka is the most forgiving swap. A neutral vodka keeps the drink clean. Flavoured vodkas add character but change the balance — cut back on other flavourings if you use one.CitrusA citrus twist mostly changes aroma, not acidity. Lemon, orange and grapefruit twists each push the drink in a different direction.
GarnishA citrus twist adds aroma and oils to the surface of the drink without changing acidity. Lemon is sharp and clean, orange is softer and sweeter, grapefruit is more bitter. Express the peel over the glass and wipe the rim for maximum impact.

Explore next

Cocktail recipesMocktail alternativesFood pairingsFlavors

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Frequently asked questions

What is a Soviet?
The Soviet is a cocktail made with 4 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 25.3%. A standard serving contains approximately 284 calories.
What does a Soviet taste like?
Soviet has a flavour profile featuring Dry, Citrus, Botanical, Caramel. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
What food goes well with a Soviet?
Soviet pairs well with Salty Food, Seafood. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
How strong is a Soviet?
The Soviet has an ABV of approximately 25.3%. That's approximately 2.53 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 284 calories, 3.6g sugar, 7.1g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
When is a Soviet typically served?
Soviet is a popular choice for Aperitif, Happy Hour. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
What drinks are similar to a Soviet?
If you enjoy Soviet, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
Can I make a Soviet at home?
Yes. The Soviet uses 4 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Old-Fashioned Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Soviet with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.