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Simple Summer Vodka Lemonade Drinks
With the upcoming holiday weekend, I always like to think of something fun and festive to bring to all the parties/cookouts we’ll be attending. These spiked (or not spiked) lemonades fit the bill perfectly. And with this weekend being the 4th, I love the fact that these can be made either red, white, or blue! Keep reading to find out more about this idea summer drink and then get the recipe to make your own (you are going to be craving one soon!).
Summer Drink Recipes
When summertime rolls around, I automatically start thinking about cool, refreshing and creative drink options. With the sun shining, the hot afternoons and the long days, what sounds better than sitting down with a cool, flavorful cocktail? Sounds pretty idyllic to me! The summer also gives me reason to get creative with my drinks. There are so many fresh fruits available and also so many flavors that I just automatically associate with summer.
Every summer, I immediately start thinking of new ways to make my afternoon cocktail even better (yes, I do intend on having a cocktail every afternoon- it’s a fantastic, relaxing tradition…just one though, I swear!). I make a few different recipes, tweak them until they are perfect and then share with everyone I know. Sounds easy right? I mean, taste testing drink recipes can’t be that hard…
While it is definitely enjoyable to develop summer drink recipes, there is a little more that goes into it so let me explain.
Fresh Fruit Drinks
When I start to think of new summer drink recipes, I always think about what is in season, what captures the essence of summer and how I can work all of that into a perfect drink. When I think of summer fruits and what flavors remind me of summer, this is what I come up with:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Watermelon
- Lemons
- Mint
- Peaches
- Basil
- Cherries
- Lemon Balm
- Limes
- Coconut
- Honeydew
…and so many more. Isn’t summer the best time to get food inspiration?! One thing that all of these flavors has is that they are refreshing. No one ever took a bite of mint and said “man, that warmed me up!”. Each fruit or herb on this list has that cooling, revitalizing quality that you want in a summer drink.
This year, when I was thinking about summer drink recipes, my min automatically went to lemonade. Of course, lemonade is a summer classic that can never be replaced. But maybe it could be made a little bit better…
Alcoholic Summer Drinks
The first think that came to mind that would make lemonade better would be vodka. Sure, that would make the lemonade purely for the 21 and over age group but wouldn’t it be delicious?! Adding alcohol to drinks certainly does put a twist on them and makes them a little more grown up. So rather than drinking lemonade like a kid, you can drink lemonade like an adult (sometimes being an adult is great!).
Okay, okay, it is not a completely original idea to add vodka to lemonade. In fact, it is a classic summer drink already. It is delicious and refreshing so it has been winning hearts for years! So, in order to make a vodka lemonade my own personal creation, I decided to take the recipe a step further. Add a few ingredients that I felt embodied summer even more.
Sparkling Summer Drinks
There is something about sparkling drinks that also scream of summer. I think the fizzy, cool bubbles is the reason. Making my vodka lemonade a little bit fizzy would definitely turn up the “summer” in my glass. The easiest way to accomplish this without altering the flavor of the drink too much would be to just add some club soda. Simple enough! A splash of club soda and my drink was even more summery and invigorating.
Sweet Summer Drinks
I love anything that is sweet so adding a touch of sweetness to my drink was necessary. I opted to add maple syrup as it is completely natural, blends into cold drinks well and has a delicious flavor that would stand out in this vodka lemonade recipe. One sip with that syrup and I was hooked! Now, just one more thing…
Summer Drinks with Berries
The last thing that my perfect vodka lemonade needed was some color. Since summer is also berry season, adding a handful of berries to the drink just seemed natural. Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries or a few lemon slices all work fantastically. Now, not only is the drink delicious beyond belief but it is also so pretty! And, once you are done drinking, you will have some tasty spiked fruit left at the bottom of your cup- no one will be able to resist now…
Summertime Spiked Lemonade
If you haven’t already started getting the ingredients out to make this delicious summertime drink, you should. It is easy to make, easy to drink and easy to make again when you need another glass! Enjoy it all summer long to help you stay cool! Enjoy 🙂
Spiked Lemonade Cocktail Ingredients
- No products found.
- Maple Syrup
- Club Soda
- Vodka
- Fruit garnish
Spiked Lemonade Requirements
Make sure you have the right supplies to serve when your guests are enjoying cocktails:
Fruit Cocktail Recipe
I’ve made these a few times and they’ve always gone over really well. I usually prep all the fruit ahead of time and set out for people to add in as much as they please. Then I make a few batches of the spiked lemonade and that’s it. It’s a party with little effort. These can definitely be made without the vodka and are amazing for kids. We’ve even put them in the blender for a slushy (minus the soda water).
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Summertime Spiked Lemonade
- Prep Time: 2 mins
- Total Time: 2 mins
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drinks
Description
This is a great recipe to take your favorite summer drink to the next level!
Ingredients
- 8oz Lemonade
- 1.5 tsp maple syrup
- splash club soda
- 1oz vodka
- Fruit for garnish
Instructions
- This is an easy one…
- Combine the ingredients in a mason jar
- Add your choice of fruit
- repeat!
Notes
-Make a large batch of spiked lemonade ahead of time by mixing all the ingredients together in a pitcher except for the club soda. Add the soda in right before you are serving
-Use a flavored vodka to add an extra layer of flavor (strawberry, vanilla and berry all work well!)
-Use pink lemonade to make a pretty pink drink
-Freeze plain lemonade in ice cube trays then use the lemonade ice cubes to cool down your drink without watering it down
-Replace the syrup with honey or a low calorie sweetener if you don’t have any syrup on hand
More Simple Summer Cocktail Recipes
Still not satisfied? Need even more delicious and refreshing ideas? Read on for some more suggestions…
Berry Skinny Wine Cooler
Bring on the sunshine and cookouts because this Berry Skinny Wine Cooler is about to make the summer heat far more bearable! [Read More]
Skinny Summer Cocktail
So here’s something a little more magical for you guys…although chugging beers in 2.7 seconds may not be the best thing for your liver, you CAN have occasional adult beverages with your friends and family while still rocking a hot bod the next day! Yup this is true…[Read More]
Simple Skinny Sangria
This drink couldn’t be easier to pull together. Just combine the raspberries, peaches, and vodka in a container and let sit overnight (or for at least 6 hours if you are making the day of). When you’re ready, add the Prosecco, soda water, and garnish with fresh lime slices and mint leaves… [Read More]
How To Make Flavored Water
Flavored Water with Real Fruit
And once the parties are over, one of our favorite things to do is mix and match fresh and/or frozen fruits in with fresh lemon slices. It is super sweet + delicious. And it is so simple! All you need to do is toss a few fruit slices in a glass or mason jar and fill it up with filtered water. Drink up or keep the glass in the fridge until you are ready for a cold crisp refreshing drink. Great for re-hydrating 🙂
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