This crisp, citrusy cocktail hits all the right notes-sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of kick. The STP Cocktail has become one of my favorite go-to drinks for warm evenings on the patio or when I’m hosting friends and want something easy but impressive. It’s light, refreshing, and endlessly customizable. Let’s walk through how to make it, plus a few fun twists and tips to make it your own.
STP Cocktail
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Highball or Copa
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) vodka – use a clean, neutral vodka for the best base flavor
– 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice – freshly squeezed really makes a difference
– ½ oz (15 ml) simple syrup – adjust to taste depending on your sweetness preference
– Tonic water – enough to top off the glass
– Fresh mint leaves – for garnish
Equipment
– Cocktail shaker
– Jigger or measuring spoons
– Highball glass
– Strainer
– Bar spoon (optional)
Method
- Fill your shaker with ice. Pour in the vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well for about 10-15 seconds until the shaker feels cold to the touch.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top it off with tonic water. Stir gently if needed.
- Garnish with a few fresh mint leaves. A lime wheel or cucumber slice also works great here.
Tip: Chill your glass ahead of time so the drink stays colder longer. Just pop it in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before making the cocktail.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good shake with ice before serving and top with tonic water and garnish right before drinking so it stays bubbly and fresh.
Storage
Once mixed with tonic water, this cocktail is best enjoyed immediately. Leftovers won’t hold up well because of the fizz. If you’ve pre-batched the base (vodka, lime, syrup), keep it chilled in an airtight container for up to a day.
Flavor Profile
It’s bright and zesty, with a clean citrus punch from the lime and a mellow sweetness from the syrup. The tonic adds a slightly bitter edge that balances everything beautifully. I’ve made this drink countless times-one trick I learned along the way: don’t overdo the syrup. You want the lime to shine.
Ingredient Swaps
– Vodka: Try gin for a more botanical flavor
– Lime juice: Lemon juice works too, but gives a slightly softer citrus note
– Simple syrup: Maple syrup adds a deeper, earthy sweetness
– Tonic water: Club soda if you want something less bitter
Variations
STP Sunset
– Add a splash of cranberry juice at the end for a rosy hue and a touch of tartness.
STP Garden
– Muddle a few cucumber slices with the lime juice before shaking. Add a drop or two of rosewater for a floral note.
STP Sparkler
– Swap tonic water for dry sparkling wine. It’s festive and perfect for brunch or celebrations.
Virgin STP
– Skip the vodka and use sparkling water or flavored soda instead. It’s just as refreshing and perfect for kids or anyone skipping alcohol.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs especially well with food that has a little heat or bold flavors:
– Spicy tapas: Think patatas bravas, chorizo, or jalapeño poppers
– Grilled seafood: Shrimp skewers or charred fish tacos are a great match
– Fruit desserts: Try it alongside a berry tart or grilled peaches with whipped cream
I love sipping one of these with grilled shrimp tacos on a summer night-it’s a simple combo, but it really works.
Tips & Tricks
- Always use fresh lime juice. Bottled just doesn’t have the same brightness.
- If you’re making drinks for a group, mix a big batch of the base (vodka, lime, syrup), then top each glass with tonic individually.
- Want it sweeter? Add a touch more syrup or a splash of orange liqueur like Cointreau.
- Don’t skip the garnish. Mint adds aroma with every sip and makes the drink feel special.
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes-just mix the vodka, lime juice, and syrup. Keep it chilled and add tonic and garnish just before serving.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
You can in a pinch, but fresh lime juice gives the drink its signature zing.
What’s a good non-alcoholic version?
Use sparkling water or tonic in place of vodka. You’ll still get that refreshing citrus-mint combo.
How can I make it sweeter?
Add more simple syrup or try a sweet liqueur like elderflower or orange.
What food goes best with it?
Spicy appetizers, grilled seafood, or fruity desserts all bring out different sides of the cocktail.
Can I make it low-sugar?
Absolutely. Use less syrup or try a sugar-free version. You can even use stevia or agave nectar.
This cocktail’s all about balance and freshness. Whether you’re mixing one up for yourself or making a batch for friends, it’s a crowd-pleaser that never feels heavy. Once you get the base down, don’t be afraid to play with flavors-STP is a great starting point for all kinds of creative twists.
