Spiked Lemonade Cocktail Recipe

Spiked Lemonade Nutrition Facts

Calories:210

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:28g

Alcohol:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

Spiked Lemonade, also known as Hard Lemonade, is a refreshing cocktail that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt, where lemons were first cultivated. The drink gained popularity in the 18th century, when it was served at social gatherings and parties. Today, it is a favorite summertime drink enjoyed by people all around the world.

  • Ancient Egyptians were the first to cultivate lemons
  • Gained popularity in the 18th century
  • A favorite summertime drink worldwide

How Spiked Lemonade Tastes?

Spiked Lemonade has a tangy, sweet, and slightly tart taste. The lemonade provides a refreshing citrus flavor, while the alcohol adds a subtle kick. It is a well-balanced, thirst-quenching cocktail that is perfect for warm weather.

Interesting facts about Spiked Lemonade

  • The term 'spiked' refers to the addition of alcohol to the lemonade
  • Spiked Lemonade is often made with vodka, but can also be made with other spirits like rum or tequila
  • The cocktail is sometimes served with a sugar rim to add an extra touch of sweetness

Ingredients

  • Lemonade: 8 oz(240ml)
  • Vodka: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Ice: 1 cup
  • Sugar (optional for rim): 1 tsp
  • Lemon wheel: 1
  • Garnish: Mint sprig

A few good options for Spiked Lemonade are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Lemonade

  • Purpose: The base of our refreshing cocktail. It's tarty zip cuts through the heat and quenches your thirst. No lemonade? You're basically left with a plain vodka on the rocks - not quite the same punch.

Mary Mitkina

Vodka

  • Purpose: The kick in our lemonade's step, vodka gives the beverage its boozy backbone. If you go overboard, though, you might find yourself walking a tightrope between tipsy and too tipsy. Moderation is key!

Alex Green

Ice

  • Purpose: Keeps our spiked concoction cool and dilutes the mix just so as you sip. Skipping on it? Hope you enjoy warm drinks. Ice also helps blend the flavors harmoniously over time.

Emma Rose

Sugar (optional for rim)

  • Purpose: For that sweet first kiss with every sip. It also adds a touch of class, doesn't it? A rim without sugar is like a joke without a punchline – it still works but lacks sparkle.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon wheel

  • Purpose: The eye candy of our drink and a tiny tangy bonus bite. It's not just a pretty face; it gives a hint of fresh lemon with every sip. Leaving it out is fine, but it's the small details that make a big impression.

Alex Green

Garnish: Mint Sprig

  • Purpose: It's like a little hat for your drink, and who doesn't love a well-accessorized beverage? Apart from the dapper look, it adds a refreshing aroma and a hint of minty flavor.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Spiked Lemonade Drink

  1. Prepare the glass:
    • If desired, moisten the rim of a tall glass with a lemon wedge and dip it in sugar to create a sugar rim
  2. In a shaker, combine the following ingredients:
    • 8 oz lemonade
    • 2 oz vodka
    • 1 cup ice
  3. Shake well to mix and chill the ingredients
  4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass
  5. Garnish with a lemon wheel and mint sprig

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lemonade for the best flavor. Store-bought lemonade often contains preservatives and artificial flavors.
  • Chill your glass before serving to keep your drink cooler for longer.
  • If you're using a sugar rim, be sure to apply it before pouring the drink to avoid dissolving the sugar.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • BBQ Chicken: The tangy and refreshing zip from the spiked lemonade complements the savory sweetness of BBQ sauce.
  • Grilled Seafood: Lemon is a classic pairing with seafood, making this cocktail a great match for light, summery seafood dishes.
  • Fresh Salads: Opt for salads with a citrus dressing to echo the flavors in the drink.
  • Fruit Plates: The sweetness of ripe fruit alongside the tartness of the lemonade is a delightful combination.

Drink Pairings

  • Iced Tea: Enjoying an unsweetened iced tea alongside the spiked lemonade can provide a nice balance of flavors.
  • Sparkling Water: For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling water is a refreshing complement.
  • Pilsners: A crisp pilsner beer can cleanse the palate between sips of the sweet and tangy cocktail.

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What you could change in Spiked Lemonade

  • Vodka can be replaced with other spirits like rum or tequila.
  • If you don't have lemonade, you can make your own by combining lemon juice, water, and sugar.
  • Mint sprig can be replaced with other herbs like basil for a different flavor profile.

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

Cucumber Basil Spiked Lemonade

  • Ingredients: Add 1 oz of muddled cucumber and a few leaves of fresh basil.
  • Recipe: Muddle cucumber and basil in the shaker before adding the other ingredients. Shake and strain.
  • Taste Change: Expect a garden-fresh kiss in each sip, adding a unique herby freshness to your spiked lemonade.

Spicy Ginger Spiked Lemonade

  • Ingredients: Add 1/2 oz of ginger syrup or fresh ginger juice.
  • Recipe: If using syrup, simply add it to the shaker with the rest. If using fresh ginger, muddle it first.
  • Taste Change: It'll kick like a mule, but in a good way—a zesty punch to the palate that complements the citrus tang.

Berry Bliss Spiked Lemonade

  • Ingredients: Add a handful of mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries).
  • Recipe: Muddle the berries in the shaker before adding the other ingredients. Shake, strain, and enjoy.
  • Taste Change: It's like a sweet summer romance for your tastebuds, bringing a fruity and colorful twist to your classic spiked lemonade.

In case you forgot basics how to make Spiked Lemonade

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Spiked Lemonade

What is the best kind of vodka to use in a Spiked Lemonade?

While the flavor of vodka can vary slightly between brands, any high-quality vodka should work well in a Spiked Lemonade.

How long does it take to make a Spiked Lemonade?

The Spiked Lemonade is fairly quick and easy to make. It should normally take around 5 minutes.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of Spiked Lemonade?

Absolutely, just skip the vodka or any other spirits and you have a delicious fresh lemonade.

What other fruits can I add to my Spiked Lemonade for different flavors?

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and peaches will all add a delicious twist to your Spiked Lemonade.

Can I make Spiked Lemonade ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix all the ingredients ahead of time and chill it. Add the garnishments just before serving.

Why is my Spiked Lemonade not tangy enough?

This could be due to the lemonade. If using store-bought, it could be on the sweeter side. Use fresh lemons for a more tangy taste.

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