Warm spring and summer days call for refreshing drinks that bring a smile to everyone’s face. A spiked lemon vodka lemonade offers the perfect mix of sweet, sour, and spirit to brighten any gathering.
This simple cocktail combines fresh-squeezed lemon juice, vodka, and a splash of sparkling water to create a light and crisp drink that takes just 5 minutes to make.
This crowd-pleasing recipe works great for backyard parties, picnics, and casual get-togethers. The mix of tangy citrus and smooth vodka creates a balanced taste that keeps guests coming back for more.
Each glass can be customized with different garnishes like mint leaves, berries, or citrus slices. The recipe also scales up easily to serve larger groups in a pitcher format.
Spiked Lemon Vodka Lemonade Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Large pitcher (2-quart capacity)
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Long-handled spoon for stirring
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Ice cube trays
- Highball glasses
Ingredients
- 2 cups vodka premium quality
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice about 8-10 lemons
- 3/4 cup simple syrup
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Fresh mint sprigs optional
Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Make simple syrup by heating sugar and water in a small pot until sugar dissolves. Let the syrup cool after removing it from the heat.
- Squeeze lemons and strain juice to remove pulp and seeds.
- Pour the vodka into the pitcher.
- Add fresh lemon juice and the cooled simple syrup.
- Pour in cold water and stir well.
- Chill the mixture for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour the cocktail mixture into glasses.
- Garnish with lemon slices and mint sprigs if desired.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Collins Strawberries in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Collins Candied Ginger in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
 | Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
 | WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
 | Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
 | Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
 | Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
 | 1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
 | Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Tasting Notes
This cocktail starts with bright, zesty notes of fresh lemon. The vodka adds a clean, crisp backbone without overpowering the citrus flavors.
The sweetness level sits at a perfect balance – not too tart, not too sugary. Each sip brings a refreshing mix of sweet and sour that makes it very drinkable.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Fresh lemon zest
- Sweet citrus
- Clean vodka
- Light sugar
- Bright acidity
The drink has a smooth, silky texture that coats the palate nicely. Ice dilution helps mellow any alcohol heat while keeping the drink cool and refreshing.
When served properly chilled, the cocktail delivers a cooling sensation perfect for warm weather enjoyment. The finish is clean with lingering notes of fresh citrus.
The carbonation from club soda adds a pleasant effervescence that lifts the flavors and creates a lively mouthfeel. This bubbly quality makes each sip feel light and energetic.
Temperature Tip: Serve between 35-40°F for optimal flavor and refreshment.
Substitute
Can’t find vodka or lemons? No problem. Some easy swaps work great in this drink.
Replace vodka with gin, white rum, or tequila. Each spirit brings its own taste but keeps the drink refreshing.
For a non-alcoholic version, use plain sparkling water or ginger ale instead of vodka. Add extra lemon juice to keep the tart flavor.
No fresh lemons? Store-bought lemon juice works too. Use 1 ounce of bottled juice to replace 2 lemons.
Try lime or orange instead of lemon for a different citrus twist. Mix and match citrus fruits to create new flavor combinations.
Quick Alternatives:
- Gin + tonic water
- White rum + club soda
- Tequila + lime juice
- Sparkling water + extra citrus
- Ginger ale + lemon juice
Make sure to adjust sugar levels when using different mixers. Some alternatives might need more or less sweetness to taste right.
