Blending Vodka and Lemonade

By Rebecca Calappi

There’s nothing quite so nostalgic as an icy cold glass of lemonade on a hot summer day. There’s also nothing quite so sophisticated—or adult—as adding a splash of vodka.

Mixologists bring us delightful, boozy concoctions perfect for sipping with friends—and adding lemon to vodka is a natural choice.

The classic vodka lemonade is just four ingredients: vodka, lemons, sugar and water. Ice and a mint garnish top it off. But to make a great drink, Heather DeLiso, Venue Manager, Valentine Distillery Co., says start with good vodka.

“There are three important rules for a great vodka and lemonade combination,” DeLiso said. “First, choose a high-quality vodka, like Valentine, that is refreshing but doesn’t have additives – those are partly responsible for hangovers! Second, use fresh ingredients. Pressing fresh lemon juice makes all the difference. Third, take some time to make your own simple syrup by mixing equal parts hot water and sugar until it dissolves. Then chill for use in your cocktail and say goodbye to that grainy undissolved sugar at the bottom of your glass!”

Ben Senseney, brand operations officer, Two James Spirits, likes vodka for its versatility.

“Vodka is like the silent assassin. It’s meant to be hidden in a cocktail instead of popping through,” he explained. “It’s the base for a thousand other drinks because it’s so unique.

You can add a fruit, spices or herbs and have a different style to every drink. Vodka itself, you can infuse as well. It’s very valuable because it shape-shifts to what it needs to be for a cocktail. It’s impressionable.”

Like DeLiso, Senseney recommends high-quality ingredients, so don’t skimp at the grocery store. He also advises shaking a cocktail instead of stirring, so you can enjoy the same flavors all the way to the bottom of the glass.

“Instead of stirring, I like to shake because you blend it a lot more, or really get it blended intensely,” he said. “I love to do strawberry and basil cocktail with a hint of cinnamon for a custom vodka lemonade. Or with a vanilla bean paste—just a dash. It’s just an easy drink that has variants that drop off it.”

Next time you reach for vodka, grab a lemon while you’re at it. You won’t be sorry.

Make Your Own Lavender Lemonade Vodka