This Hard Lemonade recipe isn’t just any lemonade – it’s the kind of lemonade you hide from the kids! It’s a delicious, party pleasing cocktail that will be a summer favorite!
Every year there are a few things on my summer recipe to-do list that are a must for me, and making homemade, fresh, summer drinks is one of them!
I’ve shared recipes for Sweet Lemon Iced Tea, Citrus Punch, and Peach Iced Tea, but it’s been a while since I made a cocktail and nothing says summer like Lemonade!
Why This Recipe Works
- Leaving the vodka measurements open lets you create a drink that’s right for you according to your taste.
- The combination of citrus-flavored vodka, orange liquor, and lemon-lime soda creates a drink that’s packed full of fruity flavor.
I come from the Jersey Shore. I am used to long hot summers that start in May and don’t quit until well into September.
What better way to enjoy summer weather than Lemonade? This isn’t just any lemonade though – this is the kind of lemonade you hide from the kids!
I based the flavors on Mike’s Hard Lemonade (an American bottled drink containing alcohol). I haven’t had Mike’s in a long time, but this is how I remember it.
Please note: In this recipe, I did not give measurements on the vodka because everyone is different, and I thought I’d leave the strength up to you.
Recipe Tips
- Choose lemons that are heavy for their size and have a strong fragrance.
- Thinner skinned lemons will yield more juice than thicker-skinned.
- Lemon skin should be bright in color with no wrinkles.
- The juiciest lemons are the ones that give a little when you squeeze them. They will have more juice and less pith than firmer lemons.
Other Great Drinks
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Let’s Make Erren’s Hard Lemonade
Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar or more to taste
- 6 cups lemon-lime soda chilled
- Citrus flavored vodka chilled
- Orange liquor about a shot
- 4-6 lemons juiced (depending on size and taste)
- Ice
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- I didn’t say how much vodka because everyone is different and I thought I’d leave that part up to you.
- In a small saucepan, bring water and sugar to a simmer. Cook until sugar dissolves to create a simple syrup. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large pitcher/jug combine the simple syrup, vodka, orange liquor and lemon juice. Mix well. Add the soda at the end to help retain the carbonation.
- Serve over ice with lemon slices.
cynthia says
wonderful recipe. As a jersey girl in France I miss the summers at the wonderful, fun, tacky, friendly Seaside Heights, the perfect combo of fun fair, carnival games, street food, and wonderful ocean. Love the lemonade!