Vodka lemonade is a refreshing drink that brings smiles to any gathering. The tangy zip of fresh lemon juice mixed with smooth vodka creates a perfect balance of flavors that never goes out of style.
A classic vodka lemonade squeeze needs just three ingredients: good quality vodka, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup. The simple recipe takes less than 5 minutes to make.
This drink works great for parties, backyard barbecues, or lazy summer afternoons. The recipe can be doubled or tripled to serve more people, and it’s easy to adjust the sweetness to match anyone’s taste.
Equipment
- Large pitcher or mixing glass
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Cocktail shaker
- Ice cube tray
- Collins glass
- Bar spoon
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Sharp knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 2 oz premium vodka
- 4 oz fresh-squeezed lemonade
- 1 lemon for garnish
- Ice cubes
- Optional: 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Optional: Club soda for topping
- Fresh lemonade ingredients:
- 6-8 fresh lemons
- 4 cups cold water
- 3/4 cup sugar
- Extra lemons for garnish
Instructions
Make fresh lemonade first:
- Juice the lemons to get 1 cup of juice
- Mix juice with water and sugar
- Stir until sugar dissolves
- Chill for 30 minutes
- Build the cocktail:
- Fill Collins glass with ice
- Pour vodka over ice
- Add lemonade
- Stir gently with bar spoon
- Top with club soda if desired
Garnish:
- Cut lemon wheel
- Place on rim of glass
- Add straw if desired
Notes
4 cups lemonade
Ice
Lemon wheels for garnish
Keep drinks cold with frozen lemon ice cubes made from lemonade.
Must Have Ingredients
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|---|---|---|
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 | Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
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 | 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 |
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 | 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 |
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 | 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
The vodka lemonade squeeze brings a bright, zesty taste that wakes up the taste buds. Fresh lemon juice creates a perfect balance between sweet and tart flavors.
This cocktail starts with crisp, clean vodka notes, followed by the natural sweetness of fresh lemonade. The squeeze of lemon adds an extra layer of citrus punch.
Key Flavor Components:
- Fresh lemon: Sharp, citrusy
- Vodka: Clean, neutral
- Simple syrup: Sweet, smooth
- Soda water: Light, effervescent
The drink’s texture is light and refreshing. Tiny bubbles from the soda water create a gentle fizz that lifts the cocktail.
Garnishing with a lemon wheel and mint sprig adds fresh aroma to each sip. The mint brings a cooling sensation that pairs well with the citrus.
The finish is clean and crisp, with lingering notes of lemon. Ice dilution helps mellow the alcohol bite while keeping the drink cold and refreshing.
Temperature plays a key role in the taste experience. Serve this cocktail very cold for the best flavor balance.
Substitute
Different spirits can replace vodka in this cocktail. Gin makes a refreshing alternative with botanical notes. White rum adds a tropical twist.
Skip the alcohol for a non-alcoholic version. Mix lemonade with club soda or sparkling water for a fizzy drink.
Fresh-squeezed lemonade works best. Store-bought versions can work too. Pink lemonade adds a fun color change.
Common substitutes for vodka:
- Gin
- White rum
- Tequila
- Club soda (non-alcoholic)
- Sparkling water (non-alcoholic)
Lime juice can replace lemon juice for a different citrus flavor. Add mint leaves or fresh berries to create new taste combinations.
Sprite or 7-Up mixed with fresh lemon juice makes a quick alternative. Use a ratio of 2 parts soda to 1 part lemon juice.
