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This is my fresh twist on your classic vodka lemonade! Make it in a pitcher with lemonade and 7Up, spiked with vodka, triple sec, and a splash of gin. It’s perfectly boozy, bright, and made for summer happy hours!
If you’re searching for easy cocktails, you can’t go wrong with a classic mimosa or this boozy brunch-worthy Chambord bellini, too!
I’ve been making this vodka lemonade recipe, lovingly dubbed “happy hour lemonade” in my house, for YEARS. It puts a boozy, bubbly spin on a pitcher of store-bought lemonade with a splash of 7Up, your choice of booze (I choose vodka and gin), and homemade simple syrup to sweeten it.
You’ll find this tangy spiked lemonade on my patio on any given summer day at 5 o’clock paired with a platter of arancini or avocado dip! It’s always a hit, and I’ll show you how to make it so you can get in on the fun, too.
Here’s What Makes This Lemonade Pitcher Cocktail So Great
- It’s a crowd-pleaser. Everyone always raves about this lemonade because it has quite the boozy kick without actually tasting like booze. The vodka flavor isn’t overpowering.
- Fresh and zesty. There’s nothing better than a tall, cool glass of vodka lemonade on a sticky summer day.
- It’s easy to make. Even when you make the simple syrup from scratch, this pitcher cocktail takes all of 15 minutes to prep. I include make-ahead tips, too!
You’ll Need These Ingredients
This vodka lemonade pitcher is super simple to make. I’ve included some quick notes below, and you’ll find the printable recipe card followed by step-by-step instructions after the post.
- Simple Syrup – Sure, you can buy simple syrup from the store, but I include my quick simple syrup recipe because making it at home is ridiculously easy. Plus, I infuse it with thyme for a fresh burst of aromatics. See below!
- Lemons – Sliced into thin wheels. You’ll need extra lemons if you’re juicing them to make your lemonade from scratch.
- Lemonade – I picked up a carton of lemonade from the store. You can use refrigerated or frozen lemonade concentrate (just follow the package directions to turn it into lemonade). This recipe would taste amazing with fresh homemade lemonade, too!
- 7Up – Adds a fizzy, spritzy, citrusy element. Sprite or any lemon-lime soda will work. You could also use soda water to cut the sweetness.
- Vodka and Gin – You can use one or the other. I use both because I like the subtle botanical notes in the gin. Feel free to substitute light rum, tequila, or your preferred alcohol instead. Try Jack Daniel’s for a Lynchburg lemonade-inspired version!
- Triple Sec – I add orange liqueur for some margarita vibes. Cointreau is a popular brand.
Easy Homemade Simple Syrup
To make a basic simple syrup, you need 2 ingredients: Water and sugar. Some recipes recommend a ratio of equal parts water and sugar, but I use slightly less sugar in mine.
- Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Take the pan off the heat and cool the syrup in the fridge.
That’s it! Quick, homemade simple syrup. On top of that, you can add infusions, like the fresh thyme I include in this recipe, or you can add basil, mint, and other flavors. Or, skip the herbs and use your syrup as-is.
If you’d like, swap the sugar with your preferred sweetener, like honey or agave.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make the simple syrup ahead. Prepare a batch of simple syrup in advance to keep on hand in the fridge. It lasts for about 1 month when refrigerated.
- Adjust the sweetness. Taste your lemonade before serving and adjust the sweetness by adding more simple syrup or more lemonade if needed.
- Serve right away. For the best flavor and fizz, serve the vodka lemonade immediately after mixing when the bubbles are fresh.
- Make 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.
- To make this without hard alcohol, swap the vodka and gin for sparkling wine or white wine. It’ll make the recipe less boozy and similar in strength to a sangria.
Which Foods Pair Well With Vodka Lemonade?
If you’re hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch or summer picnic, pair this boozy lemonade cocktail with a watermelon salad or chilled shrimp ceviche. It’s also great with finger foods, like pinwheel sandwiches and smoked salmon dip with crudités. Otherwise, wash down your favorite appetizers at happy hour, like these fun tortellini caprese skewers!
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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 7Up, 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
- Combine the ingredients. In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and sprigs of thyme.
- Boil. Bring the mixture to a boil; lower to a simmer and continue to cook for 5 minutes.
- Cool. Remove from heat, stir, and completely cool in the refrigerator; about 15 minutes.
Make the Happy Hour Lemonade
- Mix the lemonade ingredients. In a large pitcher, add lemons, lemonade, 7Up, and prepared simple syrup; gently stir to combine.
- Add the booze. Stir in vodka, gin, and triple sec.
- Chill, then serve. 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.
How To Make Vodka Lemonade
The great thing about mixing your own happy hour drinks is that you can adapt the recipe. Make this lemonade lighter by reducing the alcohol, or see my tip below to make it alcohol-free. Either way, it’s delicious! Follow these steps to make your next favorite pitcher cocktail.
- Combine the ingredients. In a large pitcher, add your sliced lemons, lemonade, 7Up, and simple syrup. Stir in the vodka, gin, and triple sec.
- Chill. Refrigerate the lemonade for 2 to 4 hours. This gives the flavors a chance to mingle. If you’d prefer more bubbles, leave out the 7Up and stir it in just before serving.
- Serve. Take your vodka lemonade out of the fridge and pour it over ice to serve. I like to garnish the glasses with fresh thyme sprigs!
Can I Make This Alcohol Free?
Yes! For a family-friendly variation, omit the vodka, gin, and triple sec. Use an extra cup of 7Up or flavored sparkling water to add fizz and flavor. You might also like to try my homemade frosted lemonade.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To prep your vodka lemonade pitcher in advance, combine the ingredients but leave out any carbonated (fizzy) ingredients, like 7Up or soda water. Store the lemonade mixture in the fridge and stir in the fizz before serving.
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!