A Sip of Bright, Brisk Bliss
There’s something delightfully nostalgic about lemonade — the kind that reminds you of warm summer afternoons and lazy front porch lounging. But what if you gave that childhood favorite a grown-up twist? Enter: the Cranberry Mint Vodka Lemonade. The first time I had it, I was poolside with friends, and that icy glass of tart cranberry and cool mint was pure refreshment. The sweet citrus, crisp mint, and slight tang from cranberry juice blend perfectly with smooth vodka to create a drink that’s both easygoing and sophisticated.
Whether you’re hosting a spring brunch, backyard barbecue, or just need a refreshing cocktail after a long day, this minty lemonade is a seasonal favorite that deserves a spot in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Mint Vodka Lemonade
- Refreshing & bold: A tart and minty drink that wakes up your tastebuds.
- Perfectly balanced: Sweet, sour, and herbal all in one glass.
- Great for batching: Easy to make ahead in pitchers for parties.
- Seasonally versatile: Great in summer or as a festive winter sipper.
Ingredients for Cranberry Mint Vodka Lemonade
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Vodka | 2 oz (60 ml) |
| Cranberry juice (unsweetened) | 2 oz (60 ml) |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 oz (30 ml) |
| Simple syrup | ¾ oz (22 ml) |
| Fresh mint leaves | 6–8 leaves |
| Cold water or soda water | 1 oz (30 ml) |
| Ice | As needed |
Optional Garnishes:
- Lemon wheel
- Fresh mint sprig
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish or ice cubes)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Muddle the mint: In a shaker, gently muddle the mint leaves with simple syrup and lemon juice to release the oils.
- Add liquids: Pour in the vodka and cranberry juice.
- Shake it up: Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
- Strain and pour: Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Top it off: Add a splash of cold water or soda water for brightness.
- Garnish: Add a mint sprig and lemon slice for visual appeal.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Mint Vodka Lemonade
- Chill ingredients beforehand so the ice doesn’t dilute the flavor too much.
- Use fresh lemon juice — bottled lemon juice lacks the brightness.
- Adjust sweetness: If using sweetened cranberry juice, reduce the simple syrup.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Cranberry Lemonade: Add a thin slice of jalapeño during muddling.
- Berry Mint Lemonade: Muddle a few raspberries or strawberries with the mint.
- Frozen version: Blend all ingredients with crushed ice for a frozen slushy treat.
- Mocktail: Omit the vodka and add more soda water or use cranberry sparkling water.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with light appetizers like bruschetta or fruit skewers
- Great at bridal showers, summer parties, or winter gatherings with festive touches
- Add fresh cranberries to ice cube trays for a beautiful visual garnish
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 170 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Alcohol Content | ~14–16% ABV |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Cranberry Mint Vodka Lemonade?
It’s a refreshing cocktail made with vodka, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and fresh mint, perfect for sipping on warm days or festive occasions.
Can I use cranberry cocktail instead of unsweetened cranberry juice?
Yes, but you should reduce the amount of simple syrup to avoid making the drink overly sweet.
How do I make this in a large batch?
Scale up each ingredient and mix in a pitcher. Add ice and mint just before serving to keep it fresh.
What kind of vodka works best?
A clean, smooth vodka (like Tito’s, Absolut, or Ketel One) works great, but you can also use citrus- or cranberry-flavored vodka for added depth.
Light, Bright & Crowd-Pleasing
With its crisp citrus flavor, herbal mint, and zingy cranberry, this Cranberry Mint Vodka Lemonade is the perfect cocktail for any occasion. It’s cool, it’s colorful, and it’s always a hit — whether you’re serving it to a crowd or sipping it solo.
🍋 Feeling refreshed? Pin it and save this cocktail for your next get-together! 🍃 Leave a comment if you tried it — we’d love to hear how you customized it.
