Is there anything more refreshing in the hot summer heat than an ice cold lemonade? Traditionally made with water (sparkling or flat), a sweetener (like sugar or honey) and fresh squeezed lemon juice, lemonade traces back to the 1600’s and has been a popular drink in many parts of the world since. Of course, there are a lot of lemonade varieties out there, and that includes adult versions which add a bit of spirit to this quintessential summer sipper. 

Here are a few of Mad River Distillers boozy lemonade recipes you can make and enjoy right at home this summer: 

Instructions:
In a shaker, combine all ingredients (except for the club soda) with ice. Shake for about 8-12 seconds. Double strain contents into a highball glass over cubes. Top with club soda. Add a lavender sprig for garnish.

Instructions:
In a shaker, add all ingredients with ice. Shake for about 8-15 seconds. Strain contents into a Highball glass over fresh ice. Add a lemon wedge and fresh mint sprig for garnish.

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients (except for the Ginger Beer). Shake and strain over ice into a highball glass. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Instructions:
In a shaker, combine simple syrup, lemon juice, mint leaves and bourbon. Shake well, then strain into a Collins glass over crushed ice. Top with ginger ale, then stir gently to incorporate. Add a sprig of mint for garnish, and two lemon wheels.

What’s great about all the lemonade recipes above is that they can easily be made in a larger batch, so you can serve them in a punch bowl or in a pitcher at your next barbecue. Just remember that with carbonated beverages (like the club soda, ginger ale or ginger beer), you will lose carbonation after mixing. If you do decide to create a large batch, you’ll want to serve it right away, or set the carbonated beverage to the side so you can add that to the drink each time you serve.

You can find our Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Rum 44 and Vanilla Rum at our Tasting Rooms, or at a location near you by using our online store locator. At our Burlington Tasting Room, you’ll find other cocktail ingredients, such as bitters and syrups—and even glassware. Happy sipping!

---

Written and published by Brianne Lucas on August 7, 2023.