Fresh summer berries, tart lemonade, and a spike of alcohol make the perfect summer cocktail, am I right? One of my favorite drinks to make for a refreshing sip is this easy raspberry vodka lemonade. It almost makes up for all the thorns I have to endure when I go raspberry picking!
Fruity, flavored cocktails just scream summer, and even more when they’re paired with bright, tart lemonade! Raspberries are the perfect option, as they pair so well naturally with lemonade, and they’re equally abundant during the summer season.
This recipe is so simple to make, with just a few ingredients. It’s also very adjustable, so you can use what you have on hand in many cases instead of needing to make a special trip to the store.
You can enjoy raspberry vodka lemonade for all sorts of occasions too! It’s perfect by the glass sipped poolside, around a campfire, or served by the pitcher at your summer brunch or backyard barbecue. Simple, refreshing, and crowd pleasing: what more could you want!
For a winter-themed pink vodka drink option, make sure to check out my Pink Polar Bear Cocktail recipe as well!
Ingredients List
Single Serving
2 Ounces raspberry vodka (such as Smirnoff, Stoli, or Absolut)
3 Ounces prepared raspberry lemonade (such as Simply Raspberry Lemonade)
3 Fresh raspberries (optional)
Ice cubes
For a Pitcher (Serves 5-6)
4 Cups prepared raspberry lemonade
2 Cups raspberry vodka
6 Ounces fresh raspberries
Ice cubes
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
If you don’t have raspberry vodka, you may use lemon or citrus vodka instead. Alternatively, use 1 ½ cups of regular vodka and ½ cup of Chambord
You can also use any prepared raspberry lemonade, use a powdered mix, or make your own homemade. Feel free to swap plain lemonade in as well, adding raspberry syrup if desired for additional flavor
The fresh raspberries are optional, but they look nice, add flavor, and soak up alcohol well as they sit for a delicious bite! You may also use frozen raspberries instead
Garnish with a slice of lemon or a skewer of fresh raspberries, if desired
Step-By-Step Preparation Guide
Add raspberry vodka, raspberry lemonade, and fresh raspberries if desired to a pitcher or carafe, and stir to mix
Fill a glass or the pitcher with ice cubes
Serve raspberry vodka lemonade chilled, with a slice of lemon or skewer of raspberries to garnish
Raspberry Vodka Lemonade With a Twist
Fresh Herbs. Add some fresh mint or basil leaves for a freshy herb twist. For the most flavor, muddle the leaves and add them to the pitcher. For just a hint, use a fresh leaf to garnish your drink
Hydrate. Amp up the refreshment with the addition of cucumber or watermelon. Just like my Cucumber Watermelon Agua Fresca, some slices or strained puree will add sweetness and hydrating properties
Adjust Sweetness. Use herbs like thyme or rosemary in your drink to curb the sweetness of the raspberries if you’d like. They also add a festive look if you’re serving this lemonade at a holiday brunch instead of summertime!
Carbonated. Add lemon or raspberry sparkling water or some prosecco for a sparkling raspberry vodka lemonade
What to Serve with Raspberry Vodka Lemonade Cocktails
Gruyere cheese
Prosciutto
Brie
Puff pastry appetizers
Grilled chicken
Chicken salad sandwiches
Grilled cheese sandwiches
Flatbreads
Glazed salmon
Lamb
Green salad
Spinach salad
Maple, Dijon, or balsamic vinaigrette
Roasted Brussels sprouts
Candied grapes
Raspberry desserts
Lemon desserts
Enjoy my raspberry vodka lemonade cocktail with my easy Air Fryer Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites for an appetizer. For main courses, try my Air Fryer Honey Mustard Salmon or an Air Fryer Monte Cristo sandwich.
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries For Raspberry Vodka Lemonade?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen raspberries for raspberry vodka lemonade. In fact, they help to cool the drink down even faster.
It’s best to let them sit overnight so they have time to fully defrost if you plan to eat them as part of your drink.
How Do I Make a Non-Alcoholic Version of Raspberry Lemonade?
To make a non-alcoholic version of raspberry lemonade, combine equal parts raspberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Boil until the sugar dissolves, then mash the berries, steep for 15 minutes and strain. Add to prepared lemonade.
You may also add it to homemade lemonade, which is about 1 ½ cups lemon juice and 7 cups water, and then about 1 cup of the simple syrup or adjust to your personal taste.
Can I Use Other Flavored Vodkas For This Cocktail?
Yes, you can use other flavored vodkas for this cocktail. Lemon or citrus vodka is the next best option, and you can also use raspberry lemonade flavored vodka such as Felene, if you can find it.
Otherwise, plain vodka works well when accented with raspberry simple syrup, Chambord raspberry liqueur, or even raspberry sparkling water to replace the missing flavor element.
What Are Some Creative Garnishing Ideas?
Creative garnish ideas include a slice of lemon, or a skewer of fresh raspberries on the glass. You could also use lemon juice and sugar or raspberry sugar to create a sweet rim.
Fresh herb garnishes like mint, basil, or rosemary complement and add a unique twist of flavor as well.
Can I Make a Large Batch of Raspberry Vodka Lemonade For a Party?
Yes, you can make a large batch of raspberry vodka lemonade for a party. A 2-qt pitcher serves about 6 guests, but you can double or triple the pitcher recipe for even larger quantities.
If you’re using fresh fruit, make it up to 24 hours in advance to give the fruit time to soak in the alcohol for extra flavor.
What Other Fruit Combinations Work Well with Vodka Lemonade?
Most berries and stone fruit combinations work well with vodka lemonade. Popular options include blueberry, strawberry, mango, pineapple, cranberry, or peach.
You could even mix and match fruits to create something even more unique, like peaches with raspberries for a melba style.
Recipe Pro Tips
Serve in mason jars or highball glasses with plenty of room for both ice and your refreshing drink!
Choose large cubes or spheres of ice so it doesn’t rapidly melt and dilute your drink. Avoid crushed and other small shapes of ice
Feel free to add more or less vodka to control the cocktail’s strength to your liking. This recipe is fairly middle of the road, but you may prefer it weaker or stronger!
Storage Tips
Store leftover raspberry vodka lemonade in an airtight pitcher or carafe in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Without the fruit, it will last up to a week so you can store larger batches
This easy vodka raspberry lemonade is the perfect refreshing cocktail for summer. It’s incredibly easy to make, and very adjustable for what you have on hand.
There are lots of fun variations you can make with it as well, making it incredibly versatile! Experiment with your own combinations to find your favorite version of flavored vodka lemonade that’s perfect for parties.
I love to make a pitcher for summer barbecues, as a crowd-pleasing raspberry cocktail recipe for adults. Of course, you can also get fancy with a non-alcoholic variation for your younger guests!
It’s the perfect cocktail for warm seasons, as it’s just the right balance of sweet, tart, and refreshing. Plus, it’s a great way to use up fresh summer berries and let them soak up the vodka for an extra treat!
Simple Raspberry Vodka Lemonade
This simple raspberry vodka lemonade is the perfect refreshing cocktail for summer. This flavored vodka lemonade variation is perfect for summer parties and great for a crowd!
Serve raspberry vodka lemonade chilled, with a slice of lemon or skewer of raspberries to garnish
Notes
If you don’t have raspberry vodka, you may use lemon or citrus vodka instead. Alternatively, use 1 ½ cups of regular vodka and ½ cup of Chambord
You can also use any prepared raspberry lemonade, use a powdered mix, or make your own homemade. Feel free to swap plain lemonade in as well, adding raspberry syrup if desired for additional flavor
The fresh raspberries are optional, but they look nice, add flavor, and soak up alcohol well as they sit for a delicious bite! You may also use frozen raspberries instead
Garnish with a slice of lemon or a skewer of fresh raspberries, if desired
Serve in mason jars or highball glasses with plenty of room for both ice and your refreshing drink!
Choose large cubes or spheres of ice so it doesn’t rapidly melt and dilute your drink. Avoid crushed and other small shapes of ice
Feel free to add more or less vodka to control the cocktail’s strength to your liking. This recipe is fairly middle of the road, but you may prefer it weaker or stronger!
Store leftover raspberry vodka lemonade in an airtight pitcher or carafe in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Without the fruit, it will last up to a week so you can store larger batches
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any modifications, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
