Refreshing Lemonade Cocktails for Summer

When life throws us lemons, we don’t mind; we just use them to make the most refreshing lemonade cocktails! Lemonade is the ultimate summer drink, bringing back childhood memories of homemade lemonade stalls. It’s one drink that crosses generations and never goes out of fashion. 

Now, we know citrus can be a divisive fruit group. For some, lemons and lemonade are too tart and acidic, while others can’t get enough. That’s what makes our lemonade cocktail list shine; there’s something for everyone. And let’s not forget a good dose of Vitamin C! 

Learn more about lemonade and dive into our refreshing lemonade cocktail suggestions. We promise you’ll be coming back for seconds.

What is the History of Lemonade?

We’re not exaggerating when we say lemonade doesn’t go out of fashion. The drink dates back to ancient Egypt when it was enjoyed as a lemon and sugar combination. Fast-forward several centuries to Paris, where the lemonade craze took off. In the 17th century, the drink was so popular that street vendors sold it from tanks strapped to their backs, making it accessible to all members of the population. 

Lemonade first appeared in writing in the United States in 1824, although we wouldn’t recognize it as the same recipe we use today. 19th-century versions of lemonade often included more unusual additions, such as egg whites and calves’ feet jelly. 

Thankfully, over time, lemonade evolved into the sweet, fresh, and tart flavors we love today. Our lemonade cocktails are very 21st century, so stock up your bar, and your summer cocktail list will be sorted!

Four Thirst-Quenching Lemonade Cocktails

Classic Lemonade Vodka 

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Dumplin Creek Vodka
• 4 oz lemonade
• Ice
• Lemon slices for garnish
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Start by filling a tall glass with ice cubes and pour 2 oz of vodka over the ice. Add 4 oz of lemonade and stir gently to combine. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of freshness.

Blueberry Lemonade Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 2 oz Dumplin Creek Gin
• 4 oz lemonade
• Ice
• Lemon slices and blueberries for garnish

Muddle 1 cup of fresh blueberries in a cocktail shaker until they release their juices. Add 1 oz of lemon juice, 1 oz of simple syrup, 2 oz of gin, and a handful of ice to the shaker. Shake well to combine all ingredients and chill the mixture. Next, strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice and top with lemonade. Garnish with lemon slices and a few whole blueberries.

Strawberry Lemonade Mojito

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Cal F. Johnson Silver Rum
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 5-6 fresh strawberries
• Fresh mint leaves
• 4 oz lemonade
• Ice
• Club soda
• Strawberries and mint for garnish

In a cocktail shaker, muddle 5-6 fresh strawberries and a handful of fresh mint leaves until they release their juices and aroma. Next, add 2 oz of white rum, 1 oz of fresh lime juice, 1 oz of simple syrup, and a handful of ice to the shaker. Shake well to combine all ingredients and chill the mixture. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice and top with Lemonade and Club Soda. Garnish with additional strawberries and fresh mint leaves.

Bourbon Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Old Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• 4 oz lemonade
• Ice
• Lemon slices for garnish
• Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)

Start by filling a glass with ice cubes and add the Bourbon and Lemonade. Stir gently to combine and garnish with lemon slices and a sprig of fresh thyme.

We Stock Your Lemonade Cocktail Spirits

Visit Old Tennessee Distilling Company in Kodak, TN, to fill your bar with the spirits you need to make this summer’s cocktails the best yet. We’re open seven days a week; come for the shopping, stay for the free tastings.