This pink lemonade cocktail is the flirty, grown-up cousin of your childhood favorite—sweet, tangy, and just boozy enough to keep things fun. Perfect for girl’s night or a backyard party, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients List
– 1 cup pink lemonade
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz triple sec
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Ice cubes
– Granulated sugar (for rim)
– Lemon slice (for garnish)
– Mint sprig (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sugared Rim
Run a lemon wedge around the rim of your coupe glass to moisten it. Dip the rim into a shallow plate filled with granulated sugar to coat.
Step 2: Mix the Cocktail
In a cocktail shaker, combine pink lemonade, vodka, triple sec, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker.
Step 3: Shake It Up
Secure the lid on your shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
Strain the cocktail into your prepared coupe glass.
Step 5: Garnish
Garnish with a thin lemon slice and a fresh mint sprig for that extra touch of elegance.
Ways to Improve It
1. Use fresh-squeezed pink lemonade instead of store-bought for a more natural flavor.
2. Add a splash of club soda for some fizz.
3. Infuse the vodka with berries like raspberries or strawberries for extra fruitiness.
4. Serve over crushed ice to keep it colder longer.
5. Experiment with different types of citrus rinds on the sugared rim.
What to Serve With This Meal
Pair this cocktail with light appetizers like bruschetta or shrimp cocktail. It also goes beautifully with fresh summer salads or grilled seafood dishes.
Substitutions
1. Replace vodka with gin for an herbal twist.
2. Use Cointreau instead of triple sec for a slightly different orange flavor.
3. Swap out pink lemonade for regular lemonade and add a splash of cranberry juice for color.
4. Use honey instead of sugar on the rim for added depth.
Recipe Variations
1. Make it a mocktail by omitting the alcohol and adding club soda.
2. Add muddled berries to the shaker before mixing for a berry-infused version.
3. Try using sparkling rosé instead of pink lemonade for an effervescent treat.
4. Incorporate some ginger syrup for a spicy kick to balance out the sweetness.
5. Create a frozen version by blending all ingredients with ice until smooth.
Enjoy crafting this delightful pink lemonade cocktail and savor every sip!
