This Ginger Lemonade is light, refreshing, and spicy! It’s the perfect summertime cocktail with fresh ginger, bright lemon, and a little boozy kick!

A VERY Happy #THIRSTday to you, friend.

How’s the weather where you are? Cloudy with a chance a meathballs? Oh, sorry. That was Tuesday’s post.

We’re loving life here in Minnesota. This week has been sunny, springy, and SEVENTY. This time of year, if it’s over 40 degrees, you’ll find people outdoors in shorts. I’m surprised I haven’t seen any full blown swimsuits yet.

So, needless to say, I’m about ready for a light and refreshing springtime cocktail. You are too?! I knew it.

This drink is so simple to make. Well, there’s one liiiiiittle step you need to take to prepare for this delicious cocktail – but it’s worth it.

I make ginger simple syrup on the regular. It’s perfect to have on hand at ALL TIMES during the summer, as it sweetens and spices up both alcoholic and non-alcoholic bevvies alike.

Here’s the deets:

1. equal parts sugar and water
2. heat
3. fresh ginger
4. = magic.

I mean, ginger simple syrup.

I L-O-V-E ginger, so make this to your desired taste. I could  probably put a piece of ginger the size of my face in to this small batch of simple syrup, and it still wouldn’t be spicy enough.

Another must for summer cocktailing?

GINGER BEER. Again, the spicier – the better! Find your favorite – there are so many out there.

And would it really tatste like summer without some citrus? Didn’t think so. I like to use lemon to brighten this up – but lime, grapefruit, or orange would be amazing too.

I’m just going to go ahead to take this one riiiiight here.

Don’t mind me.

Just sippin’ my cocktail on #THIRSTday in my swimsuit (which is underneath my business casual).

CHEERS!

Print Recipe

Ginger Lemonade

This Ginger Lemonade is light, refreshing, and spicy! It's the perfect summertime cocktail with fresh ginger, bright lemon, and a little boozy kick!

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Drinks, Ginger, Lemonade

Servings: 1 drink

Ingredients

For the ginger lemonade:

• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz ginger simple syrup, recipe below
• 2 oz spiciest ginger beer

For the ginger simple syrup:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 Tbsp fresh ginger, peeled (2-3 inch chunk)

Instructions

For the ginger simple syrup:

• Place water and sugar in saucepan over medium heat.
• Heat until sugar dissolves, swirling pan carefully to quicken process.
• Remove from heat, add peeled ginger, and allow to cool. Transfer to glass jar and store in refrigerator.

For the ginger lemonade:

• Add vodka, lemon juice, and ginger simple syrup to cocktail shaker filled with ice.
• Shake vigorously until chilled.
• Serve in low-ball filled with ice, and top with ginger beer. Garnish with lemon twist!

Notes

-Use as much (or as little) ginger as you like when flavoring your simple syrup. You can keep the ginger in the simple syrup, but I would remove if storing longer than one day.

-This is a basic simple syrup recipe. Use whatever you like to flavor to your liking!