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11 Boozy Lemonade Ideas For National Lemonade Day

by Emily Kelley

The only thing more satisfying than an ice-cold glass of lemonade on a hot, summer day is a very generous serving of your favorite alcohol. For National Lemonade Day, let’s combine both for some incredibly refreshing alcoholic lemonade recipes! Because I don’t know about you, but it is seriously hot where I live in California, and I don’t want to enjoy anything less than something delicious and filled with booze.

Lemonade is one of those summer staples that I think we all grew up with, and it’s all too easy to add a little splash of booze into this classic favorite on National Lemonade Day, or any day. And because lemonade can be either tart or sweet, you have a lot of options for adding different complementary flavors, as well as a variety of alcohol pairings. Vodka seems to be a good option, since it always goes well with both lemonade and juice, but you can’t go wrong with brandy, bourdon, tequila, rum, and more — so long as you're matching your booze with the right ingredients, of course.

Plus, all of these recipes can be made in bulk for your end of summer BBQs, or be made virgin so that all the kiddos can get a taste, too!

1. Blackberry Lemonade

Blackberry and brandy pair really well together, and so does brandy and lemonade, so this recipe by Pastry Affair is a match made in drink heaven.

2. Ginger Lemonade Collins with Lillet + Rosemary

If you're looking for a seriously boozy lemonade, look no further. This recipe by A Better Happier St. Sebastian calls for both Lillet Blanc wine and a fair amount of gin.

3. Raspberry Vanilla Smash Lemonade

The great thing about a raspberry vanilla lemonade is that you can choose to put vanilla vodka or raspberry vodka (or both) in it. Either way, you're going to love this recipe by A Cozy Kitchen.

4. Tropical Strawberry Lemonade Party Punch

This has the word "party" in its name, y'all. Not only is this lemonade recipe by Averie Cooks refreshing and tropical, but it has not one, not two, but four kinds of booze in it.

5. Sparkling Bourbon + Basil Lemonade

Pair this sparkling bourbon and basil lemonade by A Better Happier St. Sebastian with some Southern comfort food to satisfy your hot weather cravings.

6. Frozen Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade

Cold lemonade is so great on a hot day, but frozen lemonade — even better. Add a splash of spirits of your choice to this recipe by A Farmgirl's Dabbles.

7. Basil And Mint Lemonade

If you add just a pinch of salt, tequila would go perfectly with the basil and mint flavors of this lemonade by Taste and Tell.

8. Sparkling Cherry Lemonade

Splash a bit of vodka in this bad boy for a tart lemonade treat. Don't forget to garnish with a cherry or two! Damn Delicious shows you how it's done.

9. Tipsy Lemonade And Peach Iced Tea

Think of this recipe by The Comfort of Cooking as a really boozy Southern spin on the classic Arnold Palmer.

10. Summer Pimm's Cup

Pimm's is a distinctly British drink, but you don't have to be watching cricket or polo to enjoy this lemony, refreshing beverage. Just whip up this recipe by The Little Epicurean.

11. Lemonade Vodka Cupcakes

The best way to take a shot of vodka? In cupcake form, obviously! These blueberry lemonade cupcakes by New York City's Prohibition Bakery come packed with booze. Get them at Prohibition Bakery through Aug. 23, or make them yourself — alcohol and dessert should always go hand in hand.

Want more food ideas? Check out Bustle on YouTube.

Image: A Pastry Affair; A Better Happier St. Sebastian; A Cozy Kitchen; Averie Cooks; A Better Happier St. Sebastian; A Farmgirl's Dabbles; Taste and Tell; Damn Delicious; The Comfort of Cooking; The Little Epicurean