Vodka lemonade is probably the easiest cocktail to make for every backyard gathering in Southern California from April through October. It’s cold, it’s tart, most people have lemon trees to make fresh lemonade, and it’s easy to batch in a pitcher for groups.

It’s only two ingredients, but the quality of the lemonade is super important.

Fresh lemonade vs. store-bought

Fresh-squeezed lemonade makes a much better drink, whether you are adding vodka to it or not. If you squeeze your own, keep it tart, meaning don’t pile on the sugar. A too-sweet lemonade will make your cocktail cloying, and vodka isn’t a liquor that can change that.

Here’s a quick recipe for homemade lemonade: 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 1 oz simple syrup, and 2 oz water. Scale that up for a pitcher.

You can adjust the simple syrup up or down depending on how sweet you like it. My simple syrups page has the base recipe if you have not made one before. It takes about ten minutes, but a citrus juicer can save you a ton of time.

If you’re using store-bought, Simply Lemonade is the least sweet of the store options and works well if you don’t feel like putting in the extra effort to make your own.

The vodka

A smooth, neutral vodka, such as Tito’s and Ketel One, will work. Because lemonade has a distinct flavor, the vodka recedes into the background more than it does in a vodka soda, so you have more flexibility on brand.

Ratio

Start with 2 oz vodka to 4 oz lemonade. If your lemonade runs sweet, pull back to 3 oz and let the tartness carry more weight.

Garnish

A lemon wheel on the rim is the easiest choice, but a fresh strawberry on the rim adds color (and a hint of strawberry for a strawberry lemonade.

Dehydrated lemon slices are easy too if you don’t have a fresh lemon on hand. Find more ideas in my cocktail garnishes guide.

The 3-Ingredient Upgrade: Berry Glow-Up

Muddle two fresh strawberries in the bottom of the glass before building the drink. Add ice, vodka, and top with lemonade. The strawberry adds sweetness and a bright pink color without requiring any extra syrup or prep.

Raspberries work too if you prefer a little more tartness, and really, who doesn’t love raspberry lemonade? I know we go through a ton of it in my house.

Grab a cocktail muddler to speed things up. It breaks down the fruit without turning it into pulp.

Batching for a crowd

Vodka lemonade is an excellent pitcher drink. Mix 1 cup vodka with 4 cups lemonade and refrigerate until ready to serve. Add ice to individual glasses rather than the pitcher so it does not dilute. Store any leftover lemonade in small mason jars in the fridge for up to a week.

Mocktail Version

Combine fresh lemonade with a splash of sparkling water and a few muddled strawberries. Use the same muddling technique as the upgrade version. It’s still pretty, but kids, pregnant ladies, and anyone avoiding alcohol can still sip with you.

Other vodka cocktails to try:

• Earl Grey Blueberry Smash
• Pear Ginger Sour
• Blueberry Lavender Sour

More 2-Ingredient Vodka Cocktails:

• Vodka Apple
• Vodka Coffee
• Vodka Cranberry
• Vodka Guava
• Vodka Iced Tea
• Vodka Lemonade
• Vodka Pineapple
• Vodka Soda
• Vodka Sprite
• Vodka Tonic
• Vodka Watermelon
• Screwdriver

Vodka Lemonade

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz lemonade (fresh-squeezed preferred)
• Lemon wheel or fresh strawberry, for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add vodka.
3. Top with lemonade and stir gently.
4. Garnish with a lemon wheel or strawberry on the rim.

Berry Glow-Up (3-Ingredient Version)

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz lemonade
• 2 fresh strawberries (or raspberries)
• Lemon wheel or strawberry, for garnish

Instructions

1. Muddle strawberries in the bottom of a highball glass.
2. Fill with ice.
3. Add vodka.
4. Top with lemonade and stir gently.
5. Garnish with a lemon wheel or a strawberry on the rim.