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Ah, lemonade: The quintessential warm weather drink is rooted in humble ingredients (lemon, sugar, and water), but you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who can resist this delish beverage—especially after a long day in the sun. These lemonade cocktails harness the refreshing flavor and add a twist in the form of other fruit, a variety of types of alcohol, and aromatic herbs.
So stock up on lemons, and become your own mixologist. If you’re looking for a drink to sip poolside, these 10 lemonade cocktail recipes are sure to satisfy.
Lavender Lemonade Mojitos
Every bit as pretty as they are delicious. Wow your guests (and yourself) with these floral cocktails that have a lemon-y twist. How do you infuse lavender into a cocktail, you ask? A simple syrup will do the trick, taking a traditional mojito to the next level.
Blackberry Whiskey Lemonade
Made with a blackberry simple syrup and a bit of whiskey, this lemonade packs a punch. Add fresh rosemary for a hint of earthiness and sip this sultry cocktail on your balcony for the ideal summer aperitif. Splash some tonic water or sparkling wine and you’ve got yourself a delicious (adult) take on berry lemonade.
Lavender Lemonade Prosecco Cocktail
Lavender is known for its calming and restorative properties, so combining a lavender lemon syrup with some bubbly Prosecco makes for a truly relaxing elixir. Hand someone a glass after a taxing day—even if that someone is you. It’s impossible not to be charmed by the gorgeous hue and delicious fragrance.
Sparkling Spiked Peach Lemonade
We can’t imagine a better, more summery beverage than this sparkling spiked peach lemonade. Consider yourself warned—this bubbly concoction goes down a little too easy. Bookmark it for when peaches are at their ripest and juiciest.
Pomegranate Lemonade
This pomegranate lemonade is actually a mocktail, but the recipe is easy to tweak. If you want to make it for adults only, add a splash of vodka. Freshly squeezed lemon and pomegranate juices make for a crisp and authentic flavor profile. Fragrant sprigs of thyme, sliced lemons, and a few pomegranate seeds give this drink a glam appearance. It’s a must for pink drink lovers.
Rose and Tarragon Gin Lemonade
It’s easy to imagine Zelda Fitzgerald knocking back a few of these at a Prohibition-era party. Garnished with rose petals and tarragon and served extra chilled, this sparkling lemonade cocktail features unexpectedly harmonious flavors. The pink hue makes it pretty as an Instagram picture.
Simple Rooftop Lemonade
There is absolutely nothing wrong with keeping it simple: Spiked lemonade doesn’t even need all the bells and whistles to be delicious. Vodka, freshly squeezed lemonade, and thinly sliced cucumber make for a crisp and clean cocktail that will conjure the vibes of relaxing at a slightly naughty spa, even if you are just lazing around on your couch watching Netflix.
Bootleg Cocktail
The Bootleg is a Minnesota country club tradition, but wherever you live, this refreshing drink will become a beloved addition to your bartending repertoire. Cookie and Kate’s version, which she describes as what happens “if a spiked lemonade and a mojito collided in a blender,” uses a delicious mix of lime, lemon, sweetener, and mint. You can pick your poison by adding gin, vodka, or bourbon; club soda lends a bubbly and tongue-tickling taste.
Spiked Arnold Palmer
There are few drinks in life more refreshing than the half-iced tea, half-lemonade miracle beverage named after golf great Arnold Palmer. While several alcoholic versions of this sipper exist (including the “John Daly,” which typically includes vodka), we’re enjoying the “Back Nine” with bourbon. There’s no country club membership required for this thirst quencher; a wide-mouthed Mason jar or a tall glass filled with ice is all that’s needed.
Winter Lemonade With Cinnamon and Vanilla
Looking for a spiked lemonade recipe you’ll be able to enjoy even when temps cool down? Try this fragrant and warming lemonade mocktail, flavored with cinnamon and vanilla. One bonus of this recipe is you are actually encouraged to make it ahead and let the flavors meld and chill for several days. The flavors of the spices embolden over time, which means you can make a large batch and then sneak sips until it reaches a peak and fragrant crispness. Add some vodka or bourbon for even more heat.
This story was originally published March 23, 2017. It has been updated with new information.
See more cool cocktail ideas:
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