This sparkling lemonade cocktail is bubbly, refreshing, and perfect for summer. I make mine with Ciroc Limonata vodka for a twist on a classic vodka soda that has tart notes of lemon and lime in a less-sweet mixed drink option. However, there are lots of great ways to customize it too!
What is a Sparkling Lemonade Cocktail?
A sparkling lemonade cocktail is a refreshing, bubbly mixed drink that combines lemonade with sparkling elements like club soda, prosecco, or champagne, along with a spirit such as vodka, gin, or rum.
By using Ciroc Limonata (or any lemon or lemonade flavored liquor honestly), I cut this boozy sparkling Sicilian lemonade down to just 2 ingredients, making it super easy and perfect for entertaining.
This drink is refreshing, bubbly, and less sweet, while still being perfect for summer sipping! I like to enjoy one at backyard BBQs, poolside, or just relaxing in the summer sun.
It’s easy to make by the glass or the batch. You can also customize it with different flavors to make it your own!
Quick + Easy Recipes
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Ingredients List
- 2 ounces Ciroc Limonata vodka (or similar)
- 4 ounces lemon or lemonade sparkling water
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- While I’m using Ciroc Limonata for the Italian lemon and lime flavors, you can use any lemon (citron) or lemonade-flavored vodka (Svedka makes a strawberry lemonade option too)! Feel free to substitute gin or bourbon here as well
- For the sparkling water, San Pellegrino Limonata is a great choice, or any lemon-flavored sparkling water (I have Bubly lemon sorbet). You can also use sparkling Sicilian lemonade, or club soda mixed with some lemonade for flavor (2 ounces of each)
- This drink is not very sweet overall. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add some simple syrup or some sweetened lemonade to the drink to adjust for your preferences
- Create flavor variations and add a little sweetness by adding ½ tsp of flavored syrup, such as strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, or lavender syrup – just like a flavored lemonade!
Step By Step Instructions
- Add vodka to a lowball glass
- Fill the rest of the glass with ice, then top with sparkling water
- Garnish with a lemon slice or sprig of rosemary if desired, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions and Garnishes
Serving Suggestions
- Summer Gatherings & Brunch – Serve in wine glasses or highball glasses over ice for a light, refreshing drink!
- Cocktail Party – Pair with light appetizers like bruschetta, shrimp cocktail, or goat cheese crostini – my Peach Bruschetta is a great option here!
- Casual BBQs – Complements grilled chicken, seafood, or fresh salads with citrusy dressings
- Dessert Pairing – Works well with lemon bars, shortbread cookies, or berry tarts for a sweet finish!
Garnish Ideas
- Citrus Slices – Add lemon wheels, lime wedges, or orange twists for a bright, fresh touch
- Fresh Herbs – Garnish with mint, basil, or rosemary sprigs for a fragrant, elegant look
- Edible Flowers – Float lavender, pansies, or chamomile flowers for a floral, sophisticated touch
- Sugared Rim – Dip the rim in lemon juice, then coat with sugar for a sweet contrast to an otherwise less-sweet drink
- Berries – Drop in raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a pop of color and flavor!
Recipe FAQs
What Alcohol Goes Well in Lemonade?
Lemonade pairs well with a variety of spirits, depending on the flavor profile you’re aiming for. Vodka is a popular choice for a clean and crisp taste, while gin adds botanical notes that enhance the citrusy flavors.
Rum (especially white or coconut rum) gives it a tropical twist, and tequila works well for a margarita-style lemonade. Bourbon or whiskey create a richer, more complex drink with caramel and vanilla undertones.
What Is Sparkling Sicilian Lemonade?
Sparkling Sicilian lemonade is a carbonated, slightly sweet lemonade made with Sicilian lemons, known for their intense citrus flavor and lower acidity. It is often naturally sparkling or made fizzy with the addition of soda water.
This type of lemonade is popular in Italy and is commonly enjoyed on its own, as a mixer in cocktails, or paired with herbal liqueurs like limoncello.
Can I Make a Non-Alcoholic Version?
Yes! A kid-friendly mocktail sparkling lemonade can be made by simply replacing alcohol with lemonade or grape juice, and keeping the club soda, tonic water, or ginger ale for a fizzy effect.
You can also use sparkling Sicilian lemonade for an extra citrusy kick. You can still customize it with herbs like fresh mint, thyme, or basil, or add berries (like strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry) for different flavor variations!
Tips For the Best Sparkling Lemonade Cocktail
- As written, this drink is not overly strong due to the ratio of liquor to mixers. You can increase strength if desired by adding more vodka, or use champagne or prosecco in place of some of the sparkling water
- This drink is not sweet as previously noted. If you want a sweeter drink, add simple syrup, prepared sweetened lemonade, or a sweetened sparkling water or lemonade instead to your tastes
Serving and Batch Tips
- Due to the carbonated elements (and ice) this drink is best enjoyed fresh. You can chill your sparkling water in advance, though, to keep the drink colder longer
- This recipes scales easily for a crowd, so you can always mix everything in a large pitcher or punch bowl and then just pour into individual ice-filled glasses for serving (though as noted above, you can’t really do it too far in advance)
- Any type of lowball glass is ideal for serving this cocktail! Try a rocks, whiskey, old fashioned, or stemless wine glass. A mason jar, champagne flute, or Collins style glass also work if you prefer something a bit taller!
Final Thoughts
This sparkling lemonade cocktail is so simple to make with just 2 ingredients! Of course, you can customize it with different flavors of liquor, sparkling elements, or even by adding fresh strawberries or similar to create unique flavor profiles!
It’s a perfect cocktail for summer entertaining, since it’s so easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and refreshing too! Like drinking a cold, fizzy version of classic lemonade with a boozy twist!
Katie’s tip
For more great cocktails that work well with Ciroc Limonata (or other citrus liquors) make sure to check out all of my delicious Ciroc Limonata Recipes for some inspiration!
Simple Sparkling Lemonade Cocktail (Limonata Vodka Soda)
Equipment
- Rocks glass (or similar)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Ciroc Limonata vodka (or similar)
- 4 ounces lemonade sparkling water (or similar)
Instructions
- Add vodka to a lowball glass2 ounces Ciroc Limonata vodka
- Fill the rest of the glass with ice, then top with sparkling water4 ounces lemonade sparkling water
- Garnish if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- Instead of Ciroc Limonata, you can use any lemon (citron) or lemonade-flavored vodka (even strawberry lemonade is good). Feel free to substitute gin or bourbon here as well
- For the sparkling water, San Pellegrino Limonata or Fever Tree sparkling Sicilian lemonade is a great choice, or any lemon or lemonade-flavored sparkling water (I have Bubly lemon sorbet). You can also use club soda mixed with some lemonade for flavor (2 ounces of each)
- This drink is not very sweet overall. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add some simple syrup or some sweetened lemonade to the drink to adjust for your preferences
- Create flavor variations and add a little sweetness by adding ½ tsp of flavored syrup, such as strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, or lavender syrup, like a flavored lemonade
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any additions or garnishes, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
