With Memorial Day behind us, and the first day of June just one day away, I’ve officially entered summer mode. It’s time for the return of things like running barefoot through the grass, sipping lemonade, and snacking on cold watermelon all day long. The ideal (midwest) summer day…for me anyway. Summers in Colorado are very, very different than summers in Ohio. Here we have beautiful mountains, wildflowers, and mild temperatures (where we live anyway). A Cleveland summer is filled with lush green grass, days spent on the lake, and hot-hot humid temperatures. Both versions of summer are so different, but both are just as enjoyable and fun. An in both locations, lemonade, especially watermelon lemonade, is still a summer essential. No matter what area of the country you live in. It’s just that good and pretty much loved by all.
The only way to make watermelon lemonade better? Add vodka. Stir in a sweet lemon thyme honey syrup plus a sprig of fresh mint too. Then pour it all over finely crushed ice and top with fizzy water. Perfect summer cocktail. If you couldn’t already tell, I’m pretty excited about this one, it just screams summer. And with everything that’s happened these last few months, and even just within this past week, I’m happy to have such a light-hearted fun drink to share. I know this is only a simple cocktail recipe, but it gives off cool relaxed vibes. And for me personally, this drink brings back memories of summers spent in Cleveland, just loving life and sipping on lemonade with my brothers…minus the vodka, of course.
Here are the details…
This pink vodka watermelon lemonade is simple as can be. First, make some fresh watermelon juice. Just how do you do this you ask? It’s EASY, simply blend up a whole bunch of cubed watermelon, then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve. Once you have the watermelon juice, make sweet lemon thyme-infused honey syrup. It’s an easy mix of water, honey, and lots of fresh thyme. Bring the syrup to a boil, simmer for a few minutes, then remove from the heat. At this point, add the honey syrup to the watermelon juice. Then stir in plenty of fresh mint (I used the petite mint lemon), lemon juice, and a good amount of vodka too.
Make it fancyish…
If you want to go the extra mile, you could rim your glass with a lemon sugar or flaky salt. I went with salt, but lemon sugar would be so good too. And for the garnishes, I like to add a little wedge of watermelon and fresh thyme, but use what you have on hand. As I’ve mentioned over and over now, I’ve been ordering my flowers and herbs from Gourmet Sweet Botanicals. They’ll last all week and they make recipes just a little bit sweeter…and prettier! And that’s it, this lemonade is SIMPLE but so GOOD. I mean, watermelon, lemon, sweet honey, and vodka all together? Plus fizzy sparkling water? Yes, yes, yes, this drink has all the good things that the last Saturday of May is begging for.
Notes…
I want to note that if you prefer to not use any kind of alcohol, you can, of course, simply omit the vodka from the lemonade. You’ll just have good ole lemonade hinted with thyme and mint. Also, if you have kids, make half the lemonade vodka free. Then just add a good splash of vodka to the other half for yourself. A little for you, a little for them. Delicious either way you serve it up, this drink makes everyone happy! My suggestion…enjoy this vodka lemonade while sitting on the porch watching the sunset. It’s the best way to end a summer night. PS. I’m giving you directions to make this into a frozen cocktail too… Enjoy, and have so much fun with this one!!
Looking for other vodka cocktails. Some favorites… The Hermione Granger Cocktail Blackberry Champagne Mule Whipped Coffee White Russian Lastly, if you make this Pink Vodka Watermelon Lemonade, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
