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Spiked Pink Lemonade Cocktail

By: Author Tiana Thompson

Posted on Last updated:

Categories Cocktails, Recipes

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Imagine this: the sun is setting, your friends are laughing, and in your hand is a glass of vibrant pink lemonade that’s not just sweet and refreshing but has a little secret kick.

Yes, I’m talking about the spiked kind!

The Spiked Pink Lemonade Cocktail is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for spring picnics, summer barbecues, bridal showers, or a chill night in with your besties.

I love this drink for its balance of tart citrus, sweetness, and a playful boozy punch that makes every sip feel like a celebration. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and just fancy enough to make you feel like a cocktail connoisseur without any of the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 8-10 lemons)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 cups cold water
  • 1 cup cranberry juice
  • 1/2 cup vodka (or more if you’re feeling bold)
  • 1/4 cup triple sec (for a citrusy zing)
  • Ice (enough to fill your glasses)
  • Fresh lemon slices and mint sprigs (for garnish)

Ingredient Breakdown

Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
Fresh lemons are the secret sauce here. Bottled lemon juice? Hard pass. Fresh juice brings that zingy, natural flavor that makes this drink truly shine. Pro tip: Roll your lemons on the counter with a little pressure before juicing to get every last drop.

Granulated Sugar
The sugar isn’t just about sweetness—it balances the tartness of the lemons. Feel free to adjust the amount depending on how sweet or tangy you like your lemonade. For a deeper flavor, you could try swapping in honey or agave syrup.

Cold Water
This keeps the lemonade light and refreshing. Make sure it’s ice-cold for the ultimate chill factor.

Cranberry Juice
This is where the magic happens. The cranberry juice gives the lemonade its gorgeous pink hue and adds a subtle fruity note that ties the flavors together. Opt for 100% cranberry juice if you prefer a less sweet cocktail.

Vodka
The life of the party! Vodka adds the “spiked” to your pink lemonade. Choose a good-quality vodka for a clean, smooth finish.

Triple Sec
This orange-flavored liqueur enhances the citrus profile of the drink and rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Ice
Never underestimate the importance of good ice! Crushed ice works best for this cocktail, but cubes will do the trick if that’s what you’ve got.

Lemon Slices and Mint Sprigs
Garnishes are the jewelry of cocktails. Fresh lemon slices and mint not only make the drink Instagram-worthy but also add a subtle aroma and flavor boost.

    How to Make the Spiked Pink Lemonade Cocktail

    1. Prepare Your Lemonade Base

    Start by making your lemonade. In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and sugar. Stir it like you mean it until the sugar completely dissolves. (Pro tip: Warm the sugar and a little water together first to make a quick simple syrup—it dissolves faster and blends perfectly.)

    Once the sugar is dissolved, add the cold water and cranberry juice. Give it a good stir and taste. If it’s too tart, add a little more sugar or water until it’s just right.

    2. Add the Booze

    Pour in the vodka and triple sec. Stir gently but thoroughly to mix everything together. If you’re making this for a crowd and want to keep it light, start with the suggested measurements. If it’s just you and a friend, feel free to be a bit more generous with the vodka.

    3. Chill Time

    Cover the pitcher and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you’re in a hurry, you can serve immediately over lots of ice, but trust me, a little chill time goes a long way.

    4. Prepare Your Glasses

    While your lemonade is chilling, prep your glasses. Fill them with ice (crushed ice if you can—it’s the MVP of cocktail ice). For extra flair, rub a lemon wedge around the rim of the glass and dip it in sugar for a frosty finish.

    5. Pour and Garnish

    Take your chilled lemonade out of the fridge and give it one last stir. Pour it over the ice in your prepared glasses. Add a fresh lemon slice and a sprig of mint for garnish. Want to get extra fancy? Add a few cranberries or a paper cocktail umbrella for ultimate summer vibes.

    6. Serve and Enjoy

    Serve immediately, preferably on a sunny patio or a cozy couch. Take a sip, close your eyes, and bask in the deliciousness. Warning: This drink is so good, you may find yourself refilling your glass a little too quickly!

    Tips for the Perfect Spiked Pink Lemonade

    • Make It Ahead: You can prepare the lemonade (minus the ice) up to a day in advance. Just add the ice right before serving to keep it from diluting the flavors.
    • Customize Your Booze: Not a vodka fan? Swap it for gin or tequila for a different twist.
    • Non-Alcoholic Version: Leave out the alcohol for a family-friendly pink lemonade that kids and non-drinkers will love. You can even add sparkling water for a fizzy touch.
    • Batch It Up: Doubling (or tripling) the recipe is super easy if you’re hosting a larger group. Just make sure you have a big enough pitcher!

    Spiked Pink Lemonade Cocktail Recipe

    Spiked Pink Lemonade

    This Spiked Pink Lemonade is the ultimate refreshing cocktail for any occasion. With a vibrant pink hue, a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, and a kick of vodka, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for summer gatherings, picnics, or casual get-togethers. Easy to make and even easier to sip, it’s the drink you’ll crave when you want a little something special.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes
    Course Drinks
    Servings 4
    Calories 180 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice 8-10 lemons
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 4 cups cold water
    • 1 cup cranberry juice
    • 1/2 cup vodka
    • 1/4 cup triple sec
    • Ice enough to fill glasses
    • Fresh lemon slices and mint sprigs for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • In a large pitcher, combine 2 cups of freshly squeezed lemon juice with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves.
    • (Optional: Heat a small amount of water with the sugar to create a quick simple syrup for faster dissolving.)
    • Pour in 4 cups of cold water and 1 cup of cranberry juice. Stir thoroughly to blend the flavors.
    • Taste and adjust the sweetness or tartness as needed by adding more sugar or water.
    • Add 1/2 cup of vodka and 1/4 cup of triple sec to the pitcher. Stir gently but thoroughly to mix the alcohol evenly.
    • Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the drink cool.
    • If short on time, serve immediately over plenty of ice.
    • Fill each glass with crushed ice (or regular ice cubes).
    • For an optional fancy touch, rim the glass with sugar by rubbing a lemon wedge around the edge and dipping it in sugar.
    • Enjoy!
    • Pour and Garnish:
    • Pour the chilled spiked pink lemonade into the prepared glasses. Garnish each drink with a fresh lemon slice and a sprig of mint. For an extra pop, toss in a few cranberries or add a cocktail umbrella.
    • Serve and Enjoy:
    • Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing, tangy-sweet flavors with a boozy twist.

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