Spiked lemon shake-up cocktail is your classic vodka lemonade drink brought to the next level. It’s still quick and easy to throw together, but has a fresher taste, just like those timeless lemonade shake-ups enjoyed at county fairs and festivals.
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Fair Favorite Lemon Shake-Up (Made Better With Vodka)
If you always make a stop at your local fair’s lemonade shake-up stand, then you will love this spiked adult version with vodka. It’s a hit for grill outs and parties and tastes exactly like everyone’s favorite festival treat, but with a boozy twist.
Yum! Just like at the fair but better!
—Lola
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Ingredient Tid Bits and Subs
- Citrus vodka – Using a citrus vodka, such as Smirnoff Citrus or Absolut Citron gives an extra boost of lemon taste without having to squeeze a lot of lemon juice.
- Limoncello – Similar to the vodka, it adds another layer of bright citrus
- Simple Syrup – A one-to-one combination of sugar and water that has been dissolved, makes the sweetener easier to combine into the drink. If you’d rather substitute granulated sugar, use 1 tablespoon per drink. Alternatively, adjust the sugar to taste.
- Lemon juice – Since you have the citrus vodka and limoncellos, spiked lemon-shake ups only require one ounce of fresh lemon juice.
- Soda water – Gives a bit of fizz and mellows out the drink. If you want to skip the simple syrup, this can be replaced with lemon-lime soda.
Can I Make This In a Pitcher?
Yep, you can definitely make these shake-ups for a crowd as well. Make a big batch beforehand, leaving out the soda water. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and top with soda water.
To make a spiked shake-up pitcher combine 2 1/4 cups citrus vodka, 6 ounces limoncello, 6 ounces simple syrup, and 6 ounces lemon juice. Store refrigerated, without ice. When ready to serve pour in a glass over ice and top with 4 ounces soda water.
For a large gathering or party, it’s best to squeeze a supply of lemon juice beforehand. I use my electric citrus press to make this task quicker and easier, but any sort of citrus juicer will do. Store refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to use.
Simple Syrup Substitutes
If you don’t have simple syrup on hand, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar may be substituted. However, be sure to shake vigorously because sugar will be harder to dissolve than syrup.
Like any sweetened cocktails, the amount of sweetener used is up to you. Also, you can adjust the type. Refer to this refreshing summer dark rum mojito recipe for other suggested sweeteners to use in cocktail recipes.
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Spiked Lemon Shake-Up Cocktail (Boozy Fair Drink)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces citrus vodka
- 1 ounce limoncello liquor
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 ounces soda water
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker pour the citrus vodka, limoncello, simple syrup, and lemon juice. Fill with ice and shake vigorously.2 ounces citrus vodka, 1 ounce limoncello liquor, 1 ounce simple syrup, 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Pour contents, with ice, into a large glass. Top with soda, give a brief stir, and enjoy!4 ounces soda water
Notes
Making A Pitcher
Combine 2 ¼ cups citrus vodka, 6 ounces limoncello, 6 ounces simple syrup, and 6 ounces lemon juice. Store refrigerated, without ice. When ready to serve pour in a glass over ice and top with 4 ounces soda water.This post contains affiliate links. My opinions are always my own. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, I make a small commission – at no cost to you. Read full disclosure policy here.
What could you substitute for the soda water?
Hello!
You can substitute water for the soda water or sprite / 7-up, but you might want to cut back on the simple syrup then.
Enjoy,
Melissa
Yum! Just like at the fair but better!
Agreed! The fair would be even better if they served these!
Best,
Melissa