This refreshing pink vodka lemonade is the perfect summer cocktail! Not only is it perfectly tart, but it's also perfectly sweet, and made with simple syrup infused with fresh thyme. This drink has the perfect pink color and would be great for a Summer BBQ, baby shower, as well as brunch! For a quick overview of this recipe, check out my web story for this sparkling pink lemonade pitcher cocktail!
I love making summer cocktails, especially ones that can be easily made to serve a crowd. Whether you are having close family over or a few neighborhood friends, this homemade vodka lemonade is perfect for summertime. It can also be made into a non-alcoholic version of pink lemonade for those who don't drink or for the little ones.
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🍋 Ingredient notes
- Lemon juice - I always prefer fresh lemon juice when making lemonade. It gives it the perfect tartness and makes for an excellent drink. Store-bought can also be used if needed.
- Cranberry juice - A little bit of cranberry juice gives this drink its perfect pink color as well as some additional tartness.
- Simple syrup - Simple syrup is a 50/50 mix of water and sugar that is heated until the sugar is dissolved. Since the sugar dissolves in the water, this makes for a perfectly sweet lemonade that doesn't have that gritty texture from undissolved sugar. I infused this simple syrup with fresh thyme for a light, herbal flavor. However, the thyme can be omitted and plain simple syrup can be used instead.
- Club soda - The addition of club soda to this recipe gives this drink a nice fizzy and refreshing taste. Alternatively, water can be used if you don't want the fizz or sparkling wine or champagne could be used for an extra bubbly treat!
🍹 Step by step instructions
First, combine the water, sugar and fresh thyme sprigs in a pot and heat over medium heat until it begins to bubble. Lower the heat and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes. Discard the thyme sprigs and allow it to cool completely in the fridge.
Combine the fresh lemon juice, cranberry juice, vodka and cooled simple syrup into a beverage pitcher and stir to combine.
Add club soda and stir gently to combine.
Garnish the beverage pitcher with fresh lemon wheels.
Serve over ice with fresh thyme sprigs and lemon wheel, if desired. Enjoy responsibly!
⭐ Top tip
When adding the club soda, be careful not to pour too quickly and stir too vigorously so it doesn't overflow over the top!
Print📖 Recipe
Pink Vodka Lemonade
This refreshing pink vodka lemonade is the perfect summer cocktail! It's perfectly tart, perfectly sweet, and made with simple syrup that has been infused with fresh thyme. This drink has the perfect pink color and would be great for a Summer BBQ, baby shower, or even brunch!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverages, Cocktails
- Method: Stove top
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white sugar
- fresh thyme sprigs
- 12 ounces vodka
- 1 ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup cranberry juice
- 4 cups club soda
- Lemon wheels and fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine water, sugar, and fresh thyme sprigs in a medium pot and heat on the stovetop over medium heat. Once the mixture starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low and allow to simmer for 5 minutes. Remove off of the heat, discard the thyme, and place the simple syrup in a container in the refrigerator to cool.
- In a large pitcher, combine fresh lemon juice, cranberry juice, vodka, and cooled simple syrup. Stir to combine.
- Add in club soda and stir gently to combine.
- Serve over ice with a lemon wheel and fresh thyme sprig for garnish, if desired.
Notes
- Fresh thyme can be omitted to make plain simple syrup.
- Vodka can be replaced with additional club soda for a non-alcoholic version.
Keywords: pink vodka lemonade, pink lemonade, summer pitcher cocktail
📋 Variations
- Non-alcoholic - Replace the vodka with more club soda to make this drink a mocktail
- Punch - This recipe can be doubled and served in a punch bowl for a fun fizzy drink
🥃 More cocktail recipes
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Don't forget! If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and give it a rating. I love to hear from each and every one of you! Tag me on Facebook and Instagram as well! It makes my day to see all of your photos of the food you have made.
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
This looks insanely, incredibly good. Yummy!
Amanda says
Thank you Maggie!
Sangita says
Cheers to deliciousness! Perfect for a hot summer day…
Amanda says
Agreed, cheers!
Amanda Dixon says
This was so light and refreshing for summer! The color was really pretty too. Definitely recommend making a batch!
Amanda says
Thanks Amanda, I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Cheers!
Linda says
Never had thyme in my drinks before and now I'm hooked! It's so good!
Amanda says
It adds such a delicious flavor. Thanks for trying the recipe!
Amy says
What a fab summer cocktail! Yum
Amanda says
Thank you, it's one of our favorites!
Jean says
we made it at home since we cant go out and really enjoyed the flavors.
Amanda says
Great for weekend hangouts! I'm glad you enjoyed it, thanks!
Oscar says
The thyme with the fresh lemon juice makes this drink so flavourful. Looking forward to making more this weekend.
Amanda says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Alexandra says
Cheers to this delicious drink! Perfect to enjoy on a warm evening.
Amanda says
Yes! Especially with friends 🙂