The sun is shining, and summer has officially arrived. There’s no better way to beat the heat than with a refreshing glass of lemony goodness. As the warmth of the season settles in, we’re trading in our hot chocolate and pumpkin spice for citrusy sippers that are sure to quench your thirst. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 revitalizing lemon cocktail recipes perfect for sipping on those long, lazy summer days.
From classic martinis to fruity spritzers, we’ve got a recipe for every taste and occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple yet elegant drink or something more adventurous, our collection of lemon cocktails is sure to impress. So grab your favorite glassware, gather some lemons (and maybe a few other ingredients), and get ready to shake (or stir) up a summer of sipping in style!
Classic Lemon Drop Martini
A refreshing twist on the classic martini, this citrusy cocktail is perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a sophisticated drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces vodka
– 1 ounce lemon juice
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and triple sec.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None (just shake and serve!)
Sparkling Lemon Mojito
Add a refreshing twist to the classic mojito with this Sparkling Lemon Mojito recipe! This fizzy twist combines the bright citrus flavor of lemon with the cooling essence of mint, perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 sprigs of fresh mint
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 4 oz club soda
– Ice cubes
– Lemon slices or wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint sprigs and lime wedge with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release the oils and flavors.
2. Add the white rum, lemon juice, and ice cubes to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice cubes.
5. Top with club soda and stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with additional lime slices or wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and serve.
Lemon Basil Gin Fizz
Brighten up your cocktail hour with this refreshing twist on the classic gin fizz, infused with the bright citrus and herbaceous flavors of lemon and basil.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 3 oz club soda
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Muddle in the fresh basil leaves.
4. Shake well for about 10 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
6. Top with club soda.
7. Garnish with an additional sprig of basil, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready to serve in just a few minutes.
Honey Lemon Whiskey Sour
Elevate your whiskey sour game with this sweet and tangy twist, featuring the perfect balance of honey, lemon, and whiskey. This refreshing cocktail is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 3/4 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz Honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz Simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add whiskey, lemon juice, honey syrup, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Add a dash of Angostura bitters on top.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None, just shake and serve!
Lemon Ginger Margarita
Brighten up your cocktail hour with this refreshing twist on the classic margarita. The combination of lemon, ginger, and tequila creates a tangy and invigorating drink perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 ounce ginger liqueur (such as Domaine de Canton)
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ginger liqueur.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
Blueberry Lemon Vodka Spritzer
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Blueberry Lemon Vodka Spritzer! This sweet and tangy drink is perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
– Juice of 1 lemon (about 1 tbsp)
– Splash of grenadine syrup (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add the vodka and lemon juice.
3. Top with lemon-lime soda.
4. Muddle in fresh blueberries for a fun pop of color and flavor.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. If desired, add a splash of grenadine syrup for a subtle sweetness.
Cooking Time: None! This spritzer is ready in minutes.
Lavender Lemon Martini
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic lemon martini, infused with the subtle charm of lavender.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces gin
– 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 ounce lavender syrup (see below for recipe)
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup
– Lemon twist or edible flower, for garnish
Lavender Syrup Recipe:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Add lavender buds and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Strain syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle.
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lemon juice, lavender syrup, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
4. Strain martini into a chilled glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or edible flower.
Cooking Time: None
Lemon Rosemary Paloma
This revitalizing cocktail combines the brightness of lemon with the earthy flavor of rosemary, perfect for warm weather sipping. Aromatic and citrusy, this Lemon Rosemary Paloma is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 ounce honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
– 1/2 ounce rosemary-infused simple syrup (see note)
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
– Fresh rosemary sprig, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add tequila, lemon juice, honey syrup, and rosemary-infused simple syrup to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake, strain, and serve.
Note: To make rosemary-infused simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar and 1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes. Strain before using.
Lemon Elderflower Collins
Brighten up your day with this refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins cocktail, featuring the subtle sweetness of elderflower liqueur and the tanginess of lemon.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces gin
– 1/2 ounce elderflower liqueur
– Juice of 1 lemon (about 1/2 ounce)
– 3/4 ounce simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Sparkling water
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
5. Top with sparkling water.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Spicy Lemon Tequila Sunrise
Brighten up your morning with this refreshing twist on the classic Tequila Sunrise, infused with spicy and citrusy flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz ginger liqueur (such as Domaine Canton)
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– 3 oz sparkling water
– Slice of lime, for garnish
– Sprinkle of cayenne pepper, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the tequila, lemon juice, and ginger liqueur.
3. Add the agave syrup and stir until dissolved.
4. Top with sparkling water.
5. Squeeze a slice of lime over the drink and drop it in.
6. If desired, add a pinch of cayenne pepper on top for an extra kick.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, so just assemble and serve.
Lemon Mint Julep
Refresh your senses with this twist on the classic mint julep, infused with the bright and citrusy flavor of lemon.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups crushed ice
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
– Simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Club soda
Instructions:
1. In a julep cup or highball glass, combine the crushed ice and bourbon whiskey.
2. Add the chopped mint leaves on top of the ice.
3. Squeeze the lemon juice over the mint and ice.
4. Drizzle simple syrup over the mixture, stirring gently to combine.
5. Top with club soda and stir once more to distribute the ingredients.
6. Garnish with additional mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a chilled cocktail.
Lemon Cucumber Cooler
Beat the heat with this refreshing twist on traditional lemonade! This Lemon Cucumber Cooler is perfect for a light and crisp drink that’s perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves or lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the water and lemon juice.
2. Add the sliced cucumber to the pitcher and stir gently to combine.
3. Add the sugar to the pitcher and stir until dissolved.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve the Lemon Cucumber Cooler over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves or lemon slices, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (includes chilling time)
Lemon Thyme Sangria
Brighten up your gatherings with this refreshing twist on traditional sangria! This Lemon Thyme Sangria combines the zesty flavor of lemon with the subtle earthiness of thyme, perfect for spring and summer celebrations.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme leaves
– 1 orange, sliced
– 1 lemon, sliced
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the wine, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir to combine.
2. Add the thyme leaves and stir gently.
3. Add the sliced oranges and lemons to the pitcher.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve over ice and garnish with additional thyme leaves and citrus slices, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready to serve as soon as you’re done mixing and chilling.
Enjoy your refreshing Lemon Thyme Sangria!
Lemon Raspberry Daiquiri
Brighten up your days with this refreshing twist on the classic daiquiri. The tangy combination of lemon and raspberry will transport you to a warm summer evening, no matter the time of year.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz fresh lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
– Ice cubes
– Lemon twist or raspberry for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine rum, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add the raspberries to the shaker and muddle (gently press) them with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their flavor and color.
3. Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
4. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or raspberry, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing drink is ready in mere minutes.
Lemon Vanilla Rum Punch
Brighten up your gatherings with this refreshing twist on the classic rum punch. This sweet and tangy concoction combines the zest of lemon, the warmth of vanilla, and the smoothness of rum for a truly delightful drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dark rum
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup vanilla-flavored liqueur (such as Vanille de France or Heering’s Vanilla Schnapps)
– 4 cups mixed citrus juices (orange, grapefruit, and lemon)
– Splash of soda water
– Ice cubes
– Lemon slices and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine rum, lemon juice, simple syrup, and vanilla-flavored liqueur.
2. Stir until well combined.
3. Add mixed citrus juices and stir gently.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, add a splash of soda water.
6. Fill glasses with ice and pour punch.
7. Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Lemon Cardamom Mule
Elevate your mule game with this refreshing twist, combining the brightness of lemon and the warmth of cardamom. Perfect for a warm evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz ginger-infused vodka
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
– Club soda
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Sprig of fresh mint, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, lemon juice, and cardamom. Stir until well combined.
3. Top with club soda.
4. Squeeze a sliver of lime onto the surface and drop it in.
5. Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes (prep), 0 minutes (actual cooking time)
Lemon Pomegranate Cosmopolitan
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic Cosmopolitan, featuring the bright flavors of lemon and pomegranate.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 1/2 ounce triple sec
• 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 ounce pomegranate juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
• Salt, for rimming glass
• Fresh pomegranate seeds and lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a chilled martini glass with salt.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, pomegranate juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and a lemon twist.
Cooking Time: None (ready in minutes!)
Lemon Lime Margarita Slush
Beat the heat with this refreshing twist on a classic margarita! This slushy drink is perfect for hot summer days and parties.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups ice
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 cup tequila
– 1/4 cup triple sec
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda
– Salt for rimming glass (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine ice, lime juice, tequila, triple sec, and simple syrup. Blend until smooth.
2. Add lemon-lime soda and blend until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
4. Pour into glasses filled with ice. Rim with salt, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in a flash.
Enjoy your Lemon Lime Margarita Slush!
Lemon Honey Bourbon Smash
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic bourbon smash. This sweet and tangy concoction combines the smoothness of bourbon, the brightness of lemon, and the warmth of honey.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 oz fresh lemon juice
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 3-4 mint leaves
– Ice
– Club soda
– Lemon wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their oils and flavor.
2. Add bourbon, lemon juice, and honey syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Top with club soda.
5. Garnish with a lemon wheel and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None
Lemon Coconut Rum Cocktail
Brighten up your cocktail hour with this refreshing twist on a classic rum cocktail. The tangy lemon and sweet coconut flavors perfectly balance the warmth of the rum.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum
– 1 oz fresh lemon juice
– 1/2 oz coconut cream
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of club soda
– Ice
– Lemon wedges and toasted coconut flakes for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the dark rum, lemon juice, coconut cream, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with a lemon wedge and toasted coconut flakes.
Cooking Time: None! This is a quick and easy cocktail recipe that’s ready in just a few minutes.
Summary
Beat the heat with these refreshing lemon cocktail recipes perfect for summer! From classic to innovative, this list of 20 mouth-watering drinks combines the zesty flavor of lemons with various spirits and ingredients. Try the Classic Lemon Drop Martini or the Sparkling Lemon Mojito for a twist on a classic cocktail. Alternatively, indulge in more unique flavors like Lavender Lemon Martini or Spicy Lemon Tequila Sunrise. Whatever your taste buds desire, there’s something for everyone in this summer-inspired collection of lemon cocktails.
