Bought a 40% proof bottle of Russian Vodka, forgetting that I really don't like the taste of vodka, and this bottle has a really powerful yucky taste. What I'm looking for is what I can mix with it to mask, or at least dampen, the vodka taste. I tried Sprite, but maybe my 1/2 'n 1/2 was a bit over generous in the vodka department. So any ideas ?

tomato juice and a splash of Encona

1/2 and 1/2 is way too strong. A 1/4 or a 1/3 at most.

Pop it in the freezer for an hour or so then try it neat.
It'll taste different.

I love neat vodka and generally don't mix it with anything, unless it is cheap Value shite. Zubrowka Bison Grass is sacrilege mixed with anything.

If you don't like the taste of it, then get some WKD Blue.

try coke. asda own brand, say. you will get to like the vodka

Is it just me that thinks the OP is a bit... mad?

You bought vodka, which you knew you didn't like and you're wondering how to mask the taste when you're mixing it half and half?

For reference, a measure of vodka should be 25ml, or 50ml for a double.

Half and half indeed

Whatever you buy to go with it you'll still be able to taste the vodka unless you drown it. Might as well pour the vodka down the sink and recycle the bottle and cap.

Save the vodka, and give it to someone who will appreciate it, as a Christmas present later this year. (like me, for example )

Then go and treat yourself to a bottle of something you actually enjoy drinking.

If you don't like it then will you really be able to enjoy a drink containing it, how ever well masked?

I'd just donate it to a bottle stall or something.

I think it's a bit bizarre to drink something you don't like. How do you forget you don't like something anyway?

Coke. But you won't mask nothin' if you're going half and half! No one goes half and half with vodka or any spirits!

A capful of vodka in a tumbler topped up with coca cola, ice and a slice of lemon. You won't taste any vodka like that.

Very strange post though!

The only exception to this rule is good whisky where only a small dash of water is allowed.

The standard UK single pub measure of 25ml is a waste of time. You would never serve someone a measure that size in your home.

Half and half for ANY spirit is ridiculous.

Half and half would be much too strong for me. I get a pub measure and add a whole tin of diet coke, even then I find it a little strong.

What about using it to make margaritas?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/margarita

Ok then, a lot of mixtures to try with the main suggestion being the "1/2 and 1/2 wtf are you crazy" one ! + "buying cheap vodka, what do you expect ?!"

I haven't had alcohol for a good number of years and that was one of those bottles of cheap 4% lemon vodka £1.29 from Tescos, so I "naturally" assumed I could duplicate the "hmmm this taste lemony with a very slight tang of vodka" ness with a bottle of sprite and some crappy vodka - boy was I wrong.

Will try the "not so much darn v" way from now on until the bottle is ended, cos methinks no-one would want this brand as a gift, let alone a 1/3 finished bottle.

Bloody Mary is made with vodka, isn't it? Tomato juice and Worcestershire sauce would mask the taste.

I have whisky with coke sometimes. I didn't know it wasn't allowed. Will I get in trouble?

I think that's the least of your worries tbh Walter

This what you do with your vodka:

Beg, borrow or Buy a large jar (1 litre or more)
Pick some fruit from the hedgerow: Damsons, plums, blackberries or Sloes.
Wash the fruit and half fill the jar with it. Pour on a cupful of sugar and top up with the vodka.

Seal and shake every week for a fortnight.

Drink at Xmas.

What's all this about half & half being a problem?

I do that all the time with vodka. Or more accurately . 1/2 vodka, 1/4 ginger ale, 1/4 lemonade.

Great idea!! I know someone who does this each year and uses it for Christmas presents.

It's more just that it's such a phenomenal amount of alcohol

25ml of 37.5% spirits will be around 1 unit, so half of a 250ml glass would be 5-6 units per drink.

If it's a big pint glass double that to 10-12 units per drink.

It's not a problem until you realise your liver has eroded away

There are people here drinking vodka, whiskey, brandy etc. straight.

Having half vodka and half mixer is surely better than drinking it straight.

Why? It's still the same amount of alcohol.