Perfect Lemonade Cocktail

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My lemonade cocktail is super simple and refreshing – with just 4 ingredients! And trust me this ain’t your grandma’s lemonade. Whip up this sweet and sour boozy drink to beat the heat!

titled (shown in tall glass) lemonade cocktail recipe


 

Of all the summer cocktails out there, spiked lemonade is absolutely my favorite. After all, is there anything more refreshing than a nice lemonade cocktail on a warm summer day?

Tangy and sweet, I love pairing this boozy drink with a whole variety of summertime dishes. A decadent, rich chocolate dessert or a delicious summer salad would be just the thing.

Or both! Why hold back? This drink is good with just about anything.

lemonade cocktail recipe ingredients

Lemonade Cocktail

I have a whole list of simple cocktails that you can make in a flash! From a classic white russian to easy breezy pina colada, mix up a drink for any occasion.

And because I love lemon so much, you can also find a boatload of lemony treats right here on my site. Try out my delicious frozen basil lemonade, frozen yogurt, creamy fruit dip, or blueberry cake!

pouring vodka over lemons for spiked lemonade

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Make a whole gallon.
Need enough for a whole party? Just maintain the right ratio of vodka to 7-Up! For every 6 ounces of vodka, add another 8-16 ounces of the soda per your preference.

Think pink!
Make a pink lemonade cocktail with a dash of cranberry juice or grenadine. Some strawberries or cherries would also be very cute and refreshing.

Invest in your ingredients.
Using good quality ingredients makes all the difference in the world, and this is especially the case with drinks! Use a premium vodka for a premium cocktail.

Feeling fresh and herbaceous?
A sprig of mint or basil pairs beautifully with lemons and will add a pleasant twist to the cocktail.

muddling lemons in vodka cocktail

Ingredients Needed For Spiked Lemonade

  • Lemons So what’s the best lemon to use for mixed drinks? I recommend a nice Meyer lemon. They’re nice and sweet, and have thinner skin than most other variations. Eureka lemons could make a good substitute as well. 
  • Vodka – Common vodka brands to use in cocktails are Smirnoff and Grey Goose. As I said before, make an effort to use good quality vodka! 
  • 7-Up – A sweet and bubbly lemon-lime soda! You can use Sprite as a substitute, or ginger ale for a less sweet drink.
  • Ice – Don’t skip out on the ice! Mix more for a less strong drink, and mix just a bit to avoid over dilution. Don’t want it watered down at all? Use frozen lemons or strawberries!

This recipe serves two, so have two large glasses on standby.

spiked lemonade in 2 glasses

Lemonade Cocktail FAQ

Can you make a non-alcoholic spiked lemonade?

Sure! Just replace the vodka with more 7-Up or seltzer water.

How do you “muddle” a cocktail?

“Muddling” for a drink is simply mashing up whatever fruit or herbs you’re using. A muddler would certainly be helpful, but a mortar and pestle or even a plain potato masher will do the trick.

Basically, you want to shred the lemon until it’s a pulpy, thick juice.

Can I use lemon juice instead of fresh lemons in cocktails?

You certainly could, though it takes away from the freshness of the drink, in my opinion. Substitute one lemon with two tablespoons of juice.

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

citrus slices with 7up and vodka in tall drinking glass

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Other Perfect Summer Cocktails


lemonade cocktail in tall glass with lemon slices

Perfect Lemonade Cocktail

Donna Elick
My lemonade cocktail is simple and refreshing, with just 4 ingredients! This recipe makes the perfect sweet and sour boozy drink for summer!
5 stars from 1 review
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drink
Cuisine American
Method Mixed
Servings 2

Ingredients
 

  • 5 small lemons, sliced thin (divided)
  • 6 ounces premium vodka
  • 10 ounces 7-Up, or more or less, to taste
  • 8 ice cubes

Instructions
 

  • Fill a large glass (approximately 20 ounces) with the slices from 4 lemons. Add vodka and allow to set for 15 minutes.
    Using a muddler or similar instrument, muddle lemons thoroughly. Your lemons should be shredded when done.
  • To two tall drink glasses, add 4 ice cubes to each, add half of the remaining lemon slices to each, pour half of the lemon vodka mixture through a strainer and into each glass.
    Add 4-8 ounces of 7-Up to each glass; stir gently to combine, and serve cold.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 333cal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 23mg | Sugar: 21g | Fiber: 8g | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 2mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
titled pinterest image for lemonade cocktail recipe

Originally published May 2013, updated and republished March 2022

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14 Comments

  1. You had me at 'muddled lemons' Donna! I love all these lemony cocktails— I'll see you at Ladies Night 🙂

  2. Oh this looks so good right now.I just shared it over on my FB page,buy I believe this calls for a pin too.

  3. This drink is wonderful on these hot and humid days we've been having in Wisconsin. I've passed this one on to many! Great recipes and great job! Thank you, Sue

  4. And if you are a pink lemonade fan, add some gin and have a good time also. Just a little southern hospitality I learned visiting my Aunt Norma Jean is Savannah when I was a young lady. No wonder she always said : " well ain't that just precious" lol!

  5. Mary Stevens — Basically mash the lemon & vodka (or whatever ingredients need muddling) together so they break apart & the flavour comes out. They make proper muddling tools that look sort of like mini baseball bats, but you can use the end of a wooden spoon or similar. It is more vigorous than stirring, closer to a pound or a grind with the stick/spoon.

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