This simple blend of fruit and vodka creates a refreshing drink that's a bit sweet, tangy and boozy, perfect for sipping on a warm day. The blueberry syrup can be made ahead, so you can whip up a pitcher of this spiked lemonade in 10 minutes. Adjust the amount of each ingredient to your liking and create your perfect blueberry vodka drink.
If you're into simple drinks for hot days, this spiked lemonade with blueberries might become your signature drink.
It's super easy to put together, can be made a few hours ahead, and it's a great way to unwind after a long day alone or with friends without too much hassle. Similar to making a fruity wine sangria.
Why make this recipe
- Refreshing drink with a kick: a simple blueberry lemonade gets elevated by adding vodka (or another type of white alcohol). It might just be the perfect summer cocktail.
- Easy to make: even if you don't make the blueberry syrup in advance, you need no skills, cocktail shaker or special glasses to make this delicious cocktail. Serve it with ice in regular tall glasses like you would homemade lemonade.
- Pitcher cocktail: this blueberry drink is perfect for gatherings, and you can easily mix two or three pitchers simultaneously or use a glass drink dispenser (like we do when serving white sangria to a crowd).
- Customizable: want it a little sweeter? Adjust the amount of blueberries. Prefer a stronger kick? Add a bit more vodka. You can easily tailor the recipe to your taste preferences, ensuring you get a drink that's just right for you and your friends.
Ingredient list
- Blueberries: fresh or frozen.
- Lemon juice: freshly squeezed.
- White granulated sugar.
- Vodka: any brand you usually use is fine. Our favorite vodka for fruity cocktail recipes is Smirnoff and Grey Goose.
- Ice cubes.
See the recipe card towards the end of this post for quantities.
Variations & substitutions
- Mocktail: omit the vodka and make a refreshing blueberry lemonade.
- Club soda or sparkling water: add a splash before serving for a little fizz, especially if you're making a mocktail.
- Herbs: we use rosemary sprigs to serve it because they look pretty, but you can infuse the blueberry syrup with rosemary, mint, thyme or basil for an herby, unique flavor. Start small and see how it goes; you don't want them to overpower the other flavors.
- Orange: add a mix of lemon and orange juice for a sweeter drink.
How to make spiked blueberry lemonade
First, we make blueberry syrup, add it to a homemade lemonade and then add vodka.
Blueberry simple syrup
A simple sugar syrup is cooked with fresh or frozen blueberries until thick and juicy.
Strain the blueberry syrup, mashing the berries to extract as much juice as possible. Transfer it to an airtight jar and keep it refrigerated.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
While you can use bottled lemon juice, it won't have the same fresh flavor as freshly squeezed lemon juice. If you use bottled juice, read the label to ensure it doesn't contain any added sugar or preservatives.
Storage
This lemon blueberry vodka cocktail can last several days (sometimes weeks) if stored properly in the refrigerator. The alcohol will retard bacterial growth and spoilage.
However, its freshness and flavor (mostly the fruit) will decline with each passing day.
- Store it in an airtight container: transfer your blueberry vodka drink from the pitcher to a clean container with a tight-fitting lid or cover.
- Keep it refrigerated: it should be in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. This will help prevent bacterial growth and keep it fresh.
- Check for signs of spoilage: If your lemonade looks cloudy, has an off odor or taste, or shows signs of mold, discard it immediately.
Kitchen notes
- Organization: read the recipe first and ensure you have ingredients at the correct temperature, equipment, and enough workspace. This will make the process so much easier.
- Freezing vodka lemonade: it keeps for a few months, and the alcohol will never completely freeze.
- Stir before serving: the ingredients can settle at the bottom of the jar or pitcher over time. Give it a good stir before serving to distribute the ingredients evenly.
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Blueberry Vodka Lemonade
Ingredients
Blueberry syrup:
- 2 cups blueberries
- 2 cups of water
- 1 ½ cups sugar
Blueberry vodka lemonade:
- 4 cups cold water
- ¾ to 1 cup of lemon juice
- Blueberry concentrate, you might not use all of it
- 1 cup vodka
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices, to garnish
- Fresh blueberries, for garnish
- Rosemary or mint leaves, to garnish
Instructions
Blueberry syrup concentrate:
- Put the water and blueberries in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes, until the berries have released their juice and the mixture is slightly thickened.
- Reduce the heat to low, add the blueberries and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Remove from the heat and strain it through a fine mesh colander over a bowl, pressing the blueberries and gathering as much juice as possible.
- Let it cool completely before using. Place in the fridge to speed this process up if you want to.
- Store the syrup in the refrigerator in an airtight container (preferably glass) if making it in advance.
Blueberry vodka lemonade:
- Add half the blueberry concentrate and ¾ of lemon juice with some ice to a large pitcher.
- Stir in the cold water and the vodka.
- Stir and taste. Add more blueberry syrup, lemon juice or vodka until you reach the desired flavor. You might not use all.
- Add lemon slices and stir before serving in tall glasses with ice, lemon slices, fresh blueberries and herbs if you want to.
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