The ultimate guide to spiking lemonade

Gourmandize

It's hot out. You're craving lemonade. But at the same time you're kind of craving a cocktail, too. Solve this dilemma by making the best of both worlds: spiked lemonade!

Here's how.

1. Consider your liquor:

Not all liquor is made equal. If you're feeling like something boozy but not too strong in flavor, then vodka is your best bet. Bourbon or whiskey will make your lemonade a bit bolder, while Prosecco or Champagne will add bubbles and dryness. Rum could also work though it might give it a slightly bitter aftertaste, and tequila will do the trick if you're leaning toward a margarita-tasting drink. 

2. Consider your citrus:

It's important to decide whether you want to go the classic route with just lemons, or if you want to maybe use limes, a mixture of both, or even branch out into other citrus fruits, such as grapefruit or blood oranges. Whatever you decide, make sure to give your citrus a good, firm muddle (mash) before adding it to the pitcher. Another option is to pre-squeeze the juice and then add it directly to the pitcher, along with a few muddled citrus wedges as well. 

3. Consider your flavorings:

When it comes to the flavor you want to give your lemonade, the sky is truly the limit. Fresh mint leaves are a classic choice, as are fresh basil leaves. But why not get a little more creative? You can add slices of peach, cucumber, pineapple, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries or even passion fruit. Finally, make sure to always add a dose of sweetness, whether it's raw cane sugar or just sugar cane syrup. It's not called a 'soft' drink for nothing!

4. Consider your pitcher:

While lemonade is traditionally served in a large glass pitcher, you can also serve it in mason jars or individual cocktail glasses. Add different colored straws to make it extra bright, along with some fancy umbrellas to make you feel like you're on vacation. 

To help you get started, here's our favorite recipe for spiked lemonade.

Sparkling Gin Lemonade:

-1 shot of Gin

-the juice of 1 lime and 1/4 lime

-5 cucumber slices

-1 teaspoon sugar cane syrup

-Prosecco or Champagne 

Start by adding the sugar cane syrup, Gin, lime juice and fresh lime to a shaker. Muddle well to mix everything together. Add to a tall glass, along with ice cubes. Add the cucumber slices, then fill to the top of the glass with Prosecco or Champagne. 

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