As the temperatures soar and summer days stretch out before us, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing glass of lemonade to quench your thirst. But why settle for just any old lemonade when you can elevate it to cocktail status? We’ve rounded up 18 mouth-watering lemonade cocktails that are perfect for sipping on the patio, poolside, or at your next outdoor gathering.
From fruity twists like Strawberry Basil Lemonade Martini and Watermelon Mint Lemonade Margarita, to boozy takes on classic Arnold Palmer with a spiked twist, these recipes offer something for everyone. And the best part? They’re all ridiculously easy to make! So grab your favorite glass, ice, and citrus fruits – it’s time to get your summer sipper game on.
Sparkling Blueberry Lemonade Cocktail
This refreshing drink combines the sweetness of blueberries with the tanginess of lemonade, all wrapped up in a fizzy package.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups blueberries
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 4 oz sparkling water
– Ice cubes
– Fresh blueberries and lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the blueberries until smooth.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the blueberry puree, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir until well combined.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, stir in the sparkling water.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Sparkling Blueberry Lemonade Cocktail over the ice.
6. Garnish with fresh blueberries and lemon slices, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve in just a few minutes.
Strawberry Basil Lemonade Martini
Refresh your senses with this sweet and tangy martini, perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up. This unique blend of strawberry, basil, and lemon will transport you to a sunny day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and pureed
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1 cup vodka
– 1 cup lemonade (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Ice
– Fresh strawberry slices for garnish
Instructions:
1. Muddle the basil leaves and strawberries in a cocktail shaker.
2. Add vodka, lemonade, lemon juice, and sugar to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well-combined and chilled.
4. Strain into a martini glass.
5. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices.
Cooking Time: None! This is a drink recipe, not a cooking one.
Enjoy your refreshing Strawberry Basil Lemonade Martini!
Spiked Arnold Palmer with Vodka
A refreshing twist on the classic Arnold Palmer, this Spiked version adds a kick of vodka to the mix.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7-Up)
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz vodka (such as Grey Goose or Ketel One)
– 1 oz brewed tea (black or green, whichever you prefer)
– Ice cubes
– Lemon slice or wedge for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the lemon-lime soda and brewed tea.
3. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and vodka.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a lemon slice or wedge.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Enjoy your Spiked Arnold Palmer!
Lavender Honey Lemonade Cocktail
Escape to a whimsical world with this refreshing cocktail that combines the sweetness of honey, the tartness of lemonade, and the subtle charm of lavender.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz lavender syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 4 oz freshly squeezed lemonade
– Ice
– Fresh lavender sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lavender syrup, and honey syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with freshly squeezed lemonade.
6. Garnish with a fresh lavender sprig.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation only)
Note: To make lavender syrup, combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and 1/4 cup dried lavender buds in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Let cool before using.
Watermelon Mint Lemonade Margarita
Cool off with this refreshing twist on the classic margarita! This sweet and tangy drink combines the flavors of watermelon, mint, and lemonade for a perfect summer sip.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon chunks
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 cup lemonade (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 1/2 ounces tequila
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
Instructions:
1. In a blender, puree the watermelon chunks until smooth.
2. Add the fresh mint leaves and blend until well combined.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl to remove any excess pulp.
4. Add the lemonade and stir until well combined.
5. Rim a glass with salt.
6. Fill the glass with ice and pour in the watermelon-mint-lemonade mixture.
7. Top with tequila and garnish with additional mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None!
Bourbon Peach Lemonade Smash
A refreshing twist on the classic lemonade smash, this Bourbon Peach Lemonade Smash combines sweet and tangy flavors with a hint of bourbon.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh peaches, diced
– 2 cups lemonade (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
– 1 tablespoon honey syrup (equal parts honey and water dissolved)
– 1/2 cup ice
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine diced peaches and lemonade. Stir to combine.
2. Add bourbon and honey syrup. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved.
3. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Bourbon Peach Lemonade Smash mixture over the ice.
4. Stir gently and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and serve!
Raspberry Gin Lemonade Fizz
A refreshing twist on classic lemonade, this fizzy drink combines the sweetness of raspberries with the tanginess of gin and a splash of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh raspberries
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup gin (such as Bombay Sapphire)
– 4 cups lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7-Up)
– Ice cubes
– Fresh raspberries and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, puree the raspberries until smooth.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the raspberry puree, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Add the gin to the pitcher and stir to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. To serve, pour the lemonade mixture into glasses filled with ice. Top each glass off with 1 cup of lemon-lime soda.
6. Stir gently and garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Cucumber Lime Vodka Lemonade
A refreshing twist on classic lemonade, this recipe combines the cooling flavors of cucumber and lime with a hint of vodka for a sophisticated summer drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 cup vodka
– 1/4 cup diced fresh cucumber
– Juice of 1 lime
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice and simple syrup. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add vodka to the pitcher and stir to combine.
3. Muddle (gently press) the cucumber slices with a spoon or muddler into the lemonade mixture.
4. Squeeze in the lime juice and stir well.
5. Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. Serve over ice and garnish with additional cucumber slices, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Servings: 4-6
Pomegranate Tequila Lemonade
Escape the ordinary with this refreshing twist on classic lemonade. This Pomegranate Tequila Lemonade combines sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a cool and revitalizing drink.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 1/2 cup tequila (silver or reposado work well)
• 1 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
• 4 cups water
• Ice cubes
• Fresh pomegranate seeds and lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice, pomegranate juice, tequila, and simple syrup. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the water and stir to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve the Pomegranate Tequila Lemonade over ice in glasses. Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and lime wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is a quick and easy refreshment perfect for any time of day.
Spicy Jalapeño Lemonade Margarita
A twist on the classic margarita, this spicy and refreshing cocktail combines the zesty flavors of jalapeño peppers with the sweetness of lemonade.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 ounce agave syrup
– 1/2 ounce lime juice
– 1-2 dashes cayenne pepper (depending on desired level of spiciness)
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
– Sliced jalapeños and lemon wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lemon juice, agave syrup, lime juice, and cayenne pepper.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with sliced jalapeños and a lemon wedge.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, after all.
Coconut Rum Lemonade Splash
This refreshing drink combines the sweetness of coconut and lemon with a hint of rum, perfect for warm weather or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh lemonade
– 1 cup coconut cream
– 1/4 cup dark rum
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine lemonade and coconut cream. Stir until well combined.
2. Add dark rum and stir to dissolve.
3. Add honey and stir until dissolved.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve the Coconut Rum Lemonade Splash over ice cubes.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Just chill and serve!
Blackberry Thyme Lemonade Cocktail
Combine the sweetness of blackberries with the brightness of lemon and the subtlety of thyme for a refreshing summer cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup gin
– 1/4 cup thyme-infused simple syrup (see note)
– Club soda
– Ice
– Fresh blackberries and sprigs of thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the blackberries until smooth.
2. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds and excess pulp.
3. In a large pitcher, combine the blackberry puree, simple syrup, lemon juice, gin, and thyme-infused simple syrup. Stir well.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve the cocktail over ice in tall glasses. Top with club soda and garnish with fresh blackberries and sprigs of thyme.
Note: To make thyme-infused simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Strain the syrup and let it cool before using.
Rosemary Grapefruit Lemonade Spritz
Elevate your spritzer game with this refreshing twist on classic lemonade, infused with the bright flavors of grapefruit and the herbal notes of rosemary.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup sparkling water
– 1 sprig fresh rosemary leaves
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine grapefruit and lemon juices.
2. Add the honey syrup and stir until dissolved.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, stir in the sparkling water.
5. Garnish each glass with a sprig of rosemary leaves.
Cooking Time: None (simply mix and chill)
Passionfruit Rum Lemonade Punch
This refreshing summer punch combines the sweetness of passionfruit with the tartness of lemonade, infused with the smoothness of rum. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups passionfruit juice
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 cup dark rum
– 4 cups lemonade (homemade or store-bought)
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine passionfruit juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir until well combined.
2. Add the dark rum and stir gently to avoid foaming.
3. Add the lemonade and stir until fully incorporated.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve the punch over ice in tall glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a chilled drink.
Ginger Beer Lemonade Mule
Revive your summer with this refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule, featuring ginger beer and lemonade.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 4 ounces ginger beer
– 2 ounces freshly squeezed lemonade
– 1/2 ounce lime juice
– Ice
– Lime wheel and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add the vodka, ginger beer, lemonade, and lime juice.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig.
Cooking Time: None! This is a drink recipe, not a cooked dish.
Champagne Lemonade Sparkler
Add a touch of elegance to your summer gatherings with this refreshing and bubbly Champagne Lemonade Sparkler.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups lemonade (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup champagne or prosecco
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Slices of lemon, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the lemonade and simple syrup. Stir until the sweetener is fully dissolved.
2. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Just before serving, pour the champagne into the pitcher with the lemonade mixture.
4. Stir gently to combine, taking care not to create too much foam.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Champagne Lemonade Sparkler over the ice.
6. Garnish each glass with a slice of lemon.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Peach Prosecco Lemonade Sangria
Peach Prosecco Lemonade Sangria Recipe
Summer just got a whole lot sweeter with this refreshing Peach Prosecco Lemonade Sangria recipe! Perfect for warm weather gatherings, this fruity and bubbly drink is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of Prosecco
– 2 cups of lemonade
– 1 cup of peach puree or sliced peaches
– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint leaves
– Ice cubes
– Sliced peaches and fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the Prosecco, lemonade, peach puree or sliced peaches, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the chopped fresh mint leaves to the pitcher and stir gently.
3. Chill the sangria in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Serve the sangria over ice cubes and garnish with additional sliced peaches and fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None!
Elderflower Lemonade Gin Cocktail
This refreshing cocktail combines the floral notes of elderflower liqueur with the sweetness of lemonade and the crispness of gin, perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a revitalizing drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur (St-Germain)
– 4 oz lemonade (homemade or store-bought)
– Sliced lemon and sprig of mint for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, elderflower liqueur, and lemonade to the shaker.
3. Shake gently for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint.
Cooking Time: None required, just shake and serve!
Summary
Beat the heat with these refreshing lemonade cocktail recipes perfect for summer! From classic twists like Sparkling Blueberry Lemonade Cocktail to fruity fusions like Watermelon Mint Lemonade Margarita, there’s a drink here for everyone. Try Spiked Arnold Palmer with Vodka for a nostalgic nod or Lavender Honey Lemonade Cocktail for a floral flair. With 18 unique recipes to choose from, you’ll never get bored of the same old lemonade again. Cheers!
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