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This happy hour lemonade, aka vodka lemonade, is a fun and delicious twist on traditional Lemonade combined with 7-up, vodka, gin, and triple sec. Perfectly refreshing and bright, everyone always comes back for more!
And, if you’re searching for more brunch cocktails, try my mimosa recipe and Chambord bellini!
My inner monologue as I was making this vodka lemonade recipe went something like this: “Rollin’ down the street, fightin’ my children, sippin’ on gin and lemonade. Laid back… With my mind on happy hour and happy hour on my mind…” 😜
OH! Hey Hey Hello! This week flew by so fast that I can’t even remember talking about that awesome baked oatmeal or all the ingredients I used in my fiesta rice. Good thing for the internet – all I have to do is hit the back button. YAY for the easy life!
But right now, I’m in a lemonade mood. And by mood, I guess I mean phase. I’m really into it, especially when there’s a twist. Like a big ole bubbly and boozy twist. I’m into it.
I haven’t had a babysitter in over a month now, and wherever I go, I bring the littles with me. I’m no Mom-expert, but taking kids to Target?! DON’T! Every toy, every Barbie, every Frozen-themed anything has to make it to the cart. And when I leave those toys at the register, asking the kind cashier to put them back, well… can you just guess what happens? Yah. Scream Fest. It’s dang loud. And sometimes very embarrassing.
Thus, as the above evidence states, mommy life calls for a vodka lemonade. Get on this. Sunday is OUR day – we deserve it!
Recipe Ingredients
This vodka lemonade recipe is pretty darn good and simple to make. I picked up a carton of lemonade, then sweetened it with a bit of simple syrup and 7-up, added whatever booze I could find in our boozy pantry, and voila! A wonderfully tangy, sweet, refreshing, and incredibly easy-to-make happy hour lemonade! For an alcohol-free drink, try my frosted lemonade!
For the simple syrup
- Water: Serves as the base for dissolving the sugar.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness to the lemonade, balancing the tartness of the lemons. Honey or agave syrup are okay to use.
- Thyme Sprigs: Infuses the syrup with a subtle, aromatic herbal flavor. For a different flavor, use mint or basil, or leave out the herbs.
For the lemonade
- Lemons: Sliced into thin wheels.
- Lemonade: Acts as the main lemonade base, adding a light and refreshing lemon flavor.
- 7-Up: Adds a fizzy, sweet, and citrusy element to the drink. Sprite or any lemon-lime soda will work.
- Vodka: Substitute with light rum or tequila.
- Gin: Adds a botanical note that complements the thyme and lemon flavors.
- Triple Sec: An orange-flavored liqueur that adds depth and a hint of sweetness. Substitute with Cointreau or another orange liqueur.
- Ice: Keeps the drink chilled and refreshing.
How To Make Vodka Lemonade
But seriously, lemonade mixed with vodka and gin? It might sound a bit crazy, but trust me, it’s for a great reason – I’m celebrating me! And all you wonderful mamas out there, too. Follow these easy steps and make your next favorite mommy juice!
- Make the simple syrup. In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and sprigs of thyme. Bring mixture to a boil; lower to a simmer and continue to cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir, and completely cool in the refrigerator; about 15 minutes.
- Make the lemonade. In a large pitcher, add lemons, lemonade, 7-Up, and the simple syrup. Stir in the vodka, gin, and triple sec. Refrigerate for about 2 to 4 hours.
- Serve. Take the vodka lemonade out of the fridge and pour it over ice into drinking glasses.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Fresh Lemons: Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. Rolling them on the counter before slicing can help release more juice.
- Simple Syrup: Make the simple syrup ahead of time and keep it in the pantry or in the fridge until ready to use.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste your lemonade before serving and adjust the sweetness by adding more simple syrup or more lemonade if needed.
- Serve Immediately: For the best flavor, serve your vodka lemonade immediately after mixing to keep the bubbles fresh and fizzy.
- Make a Berry Lemonade: Add a handful of fresh or frozen berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries) to the pitcher for a fruity twist. You can also muddle some berries at the bottom of each glass.
- Tropical Lemonade: Replace the 7-Up with pineapple juice and add a splash of coconut rum for a tropical flair.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: For a family-friendly option, omit the vodka, gin, and triple sec. Use an extra cup of 7-Up or flavored sparkling water to add fizz and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
If you’re hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch or going to a summer picnic soon and want to mix up something tasty, hit the print button now! I am so demanding. To make your boozy vodka lemonade even better, consider pairing it with a watermelon salad for a refreshing touch. Chilled shrimp with a zesty cocktail sauce is a classic and refreshing pairing for your lemonade.
Mini sandwiches, such as shrimp toast, pinwheel sandwiches, smoked salmon, or picnic sandwiches, offer a light snack. An assortment of pastries like morning glory muffins and blueberry scones adds a sweet touch to your spread. For a delicious and elegant appetizer, serve tortellini caprese skewers.
ENJOY!
Refreshing Summer Drink Recipes
- Raspberry Lime Soda Lemonade
- Sorrel Drink
- Pineapple Dole Whip Mimosas
- Strawberry Limeade
- Blueberry Agua Fresca
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Vodka Lemonade
Ingredients
For the Simple Syrup
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
For the Lemonade
- 4 lemons, sliced into thin wheels
- 60 ounces lemonade, store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup 7-Up, or any other lemon-lime soda
- 1 cup Vodka, light rum is a good alternative
- ½ cup Gin
- ¼ cup Triple Sec
- Ice
Instructions
Make the Simple Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and sprigs of thyme.
- Bring mixture to a boil; lower to a simmer and continue to cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir, and completely cool in the refrigerator; about 15 minutes.
Make the Happy Hour Lemonade
- In a large pitcher, add lemons, lemonade, 7-up and prepared simple syrup; gently stir to combine.
- Stir in vodka, gin and triple sec.
- Refrigerate for about 2 to 4 hours.
- Serve over ice.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
Maybe skip the simple syrup and the 7-up? Isn’t this insanely sweet? Kind of killed the point of the 15 calorie lemonade. Or make thyme simple syrup and add to fresh lemon juice and mix with gin or vodka.
My mouth is watering just reading this and looking at the pics. Now that that the weather is getting hotter, this sounds like perfect comfort drink after a long day.
I’m pretty sure this drink would make the happiest of hours! So pretty too!
Cheers! Pass a drink my way 🙂
A gorgeous drink that packs a punch! I think some boozy lemonade might be needed this weekend 🙂
This is a great lemonade for adults! Thanks for sharing!
Looks like the perfect refreshing drink for the summer! Plus it’s so pretty!
Nothing like a little Snoop Dogg to start off your post. 😉 Delicious looking recipe.
Spiking your lemonade is a brilliant idea after being with your kids all day when they’ve been particularly ‘challenging’. 🙂
Oh goodness yes. I need a batch of this in my life like yesterday!