Spiked Lemonade Recipe

This Spiked Lemonade is made with fresh lemon juice, sugar, vodka, water, and garnished with rosemary sprigs. This spiked lemonade is so tasty, tart, and sweet all at the same time.

It is finally spring and this Lemonade is something you definitely need to make. During the summer, it is the best way to beat the heat. The flavor of the sugar and lemon blend seamlessly together making this amazing cocktail.

If you love this recipe, feel free to try my Rum Punch and my Dirty Martini.

Jump to:

• What is Spiked Lemonade?
• Who invented Spiked Lemonade?
• Why you will love this recipe
• Spiked Lemonade Ingredients
• How to make Spiked Lemonade
• Substitutions for Spiked Lemonade
• Spiked Lemonade Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Spiked Lemonade
• Top tips for making Spiked Lemonade Recipe
• Spiked Lemonade Recipe
• Food safety

What is Spiked Lemonade?

Spiked lemonade is a classic summer cocktail made by combining lemonade with alcohol, usually vodka. The addition of vodka gives the refreshing and tangy lemonade an extra kick, making it a popular drink for outdoor gatherings, barbecues, and other summer events. The recipe for this lemonade can vary depending on personal preferences, but the basic ingredients typically include freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar, water, vodka, and ice. It can also be garnished with a lemon slice for an extra touch of flavor and decoration. This is a perfect cocktail to enjoy on a hot summer day and is easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients.

Who invented Spiked Lemonade?

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of spiked lemonade as it has likely been enjoyed in various forms for centuries. However, the combination of lemonade and alcohol became particularly popular in the United States during the Prohibition era (1920-1933) when bootleggers would spike lemonade with moonshine or other homemade spirits to make it more potent. Since then, this lemonade has remained a popular summertime drink, and many variations of the recipe can be found in cocktail books and online.

Why you will love this recipe

Versatile: You can adjust the recipe any way that you would like. You can add more or less lemon juice, sugar and/or vodka.

Great for Warm Weather: I love drinking spiked lemonade outside especially while grilling. Make this for your next barbecue.

Serves a crowd: This drink is made by the pitcher which is perfect for your next get together.

Spiked Lemonade Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 6-8 lemons)
• Sugar
• Vodka
• Water
• Ice
• Lemon slices, for garnish

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make Spiked Lemonade

1. In a large pitcher, stir together the freshly squeezed lemon juice and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the vodka and water, and stir well to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. To serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the lemonade over the ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon slice.
6. Enjoy your refreshing and delicious drink.

See exact measurements in the recipe card below.

Substitutions for Spiked Lemonade

1. Alcohol - While vodka is a popular choice for spiked lemonade, you can substitute it with other clear spirits such as gin or rum. Alternatively, you can use a flavored liqueur such as limoncello or Grand Marnier for a different twist.
2. Lemon juice - Freshly squeezed lemon juice is the best option for this lemonade, but you can also use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can substitute some of the lemon juice with lime or orange juice.
3. Sugar - You can use any type of sweetener you prefer, such as honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup. Just adjust the amount based on your desired level of sweetness.
4. Water - If you want to add more flavor to your lemonade, you can substitute some of the water with other types of fruit juice such as orange, cranberry, or grapefruit juice.
5. Garnishes - While lemon slices are a traditional garnish for this lemonade, you can also experiment with other fruit slices such as strawberries, raspberries, or mint leaves for a different flavor profile.

Spiked Lemonade Recipe Variations

1. Strawberry Lemonade: Add fresh pureed strawberries to your spiked lemonade for a fruity twist.
2. Peach Lemonade: Substitute some of the lemon juice with peach nectar or puree for a sweet and tangy flavor.
3. Lavender Lemonade: Add a touch of lavender syrup to your lemonade for a fragrant and refreshing twist.
4. Blueberry Lemonade: Mix in some blueberry syrup or fresh blueberries for a fruity and colorful variation.
5. Spicy Lemonade: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to your spiked lemonade for a spicy kick.
6. Green Tea Lemonade: Brew some green tea and mix it with your spiked lemonade for a healthy and refreshing variation.
7. Watermelon Lemonade: Blend fresh watermelon and mix it with your spiked lemonade for a sweet and refreshing summertime drink.

These variations offer a variety of flavor options to experiment with, and you can adjust the amount of alcohol and sweetness to your liking. Feel free to get creative and come up with your own unique twists on spiked lemonade!

Check out my Manhattan Cocktail Recipe.

Equipment

• Citrus Juicer or Squeezer: You'll need to squeeze fresh lemon juice to make spiked lemonade, so a citrus juicer or squeezer will come in handy.
• Pitcher: You'll need a large pitcher to mix all the ingredients together.
• Stirring Spoon: You'll need a long-handled stirring spoon to mix the ingredients together in the pitcher.
• Jigger: A jigger is a small measuring cup that is essential for accurately measuring the amount of alcohol and other ingredients you need.
• Ice Bucket or Tray: You'll need a container to store ice cubes to chill your spiked lemonade.
• Highball or Collins Glasses: These tall glasses are perfect for serving spiked lemonade over ice.
• Cocktail Shaker (optional): If you want to make your spiked lemonade extra frothy and well-mixed, you can use a cocktail shaker to shake the lemon juice, vodka, and other ingredients together before adding them to the pitcher.

How to store Spiked Lemonade

If you have leftover spiked lemonade, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Here are some tips for storing spiked lemonade:

1. Transfer the spiked lemonade to an airtight container or pitcher with a lid.
2. Store the spiked lemonade in the refrigerator as soon as possible, ideally within two hours of making it.
3. Shake or stir the spiked lemonade well before serving again to redistribute any settled ingredients.
4. If the spiked lemonade has been sitting in the refrigerator for a while, taste a small amount before serving to ensure it is still fresh.

It's important to note that spiked lemonade should be consumed within three days of making it to ensure freshness and safety.

Top tips for making Spiked Lemonade Recipe

1. Use fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice will give your spiked lemonade a bright, tangy flavor that can't be beaten.
2. Experiment with different spirits: While vodka is the most common spirit used in spiked lemonade, you can also try using gin, tequila, or rum for a unique twist.
3. Sweeten to taste: Everyone has different preferences when it comes to sweetness, so feel free to adjust the amount of sugar or simple syrup in your spiked lemonade to suit your taste.
4. Chill the ingredients: Make sure to chill your vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup in the refrigerator or freezer before mixing them together. This will help keep your spiked lemonade cold and refreshing.
5. Don't forget the ice: Ice is essential for keeping your spiked lemonade cold and refreshing. Use plenty of ice cubes when serving and consider freezing some of your lemonade in ice cube trays for an extra burst of flavor.
6. Garnish for extra flair: A slice of lemon, a sprig of mint, or a few berries can make your spiked lemonade look extra enticing.
7. Keep it simple: While there are plenty of variations and twists you can add to spiked lemonade, sometimes keeping it simple is best. Stick to just a few high-quality ingredients and let the flavors speak for themselves.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.