Homemade Hard Lemonade

This homemade hard lemonade is bright, refreshing, and perfectly balanced with just the right kick. Made with fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and vodka, it is an easy spiked summer drink everyone will love.

Spiked Lemonade Recipe

This homemade hard lemonade is one of those easy drinks that feels a little special but takes hardly any effort. It is crisp, citrusy, and perfectly balanced with just enough sweetness and a smooth vodka finish.

After trying lemon drop cocktails on a recent cruise to the Bahamas, I knew I needed a simpler lemon drink to add to my summer rotation. This one is light, refreshing, and easy to mix up in a big pitcher, whether you are keeping it casual or serving friends. If you love easy, fun drinks like this, you will also want to try my dirty Shirley.

Ingredient Notes

Find the full recipe with printable directions below.

• Lemon simple syrup: This is where a lot of the flavor comes from. It adds sweetness and boosts the lemon flavor at the same time, so the drink tastes smooth instead of overly tart. You can make your own but I prefer to purchase it for ease.
• Fresh lemon juice: Fresh is best here. Bottled lemon juice can taste flat, while freshly squeezed gives that bright, clean citrus flavor that makes this drink stand out.
• Vodka: Use your favorite brand, I prefer Grey Goose. A plain vodka keeps the flavor light and lets the lemon shine, but you can adjust the amount to make it stronger or lighter.
• Sparkling water: Adds a light, fizzy finish. You can swap with still water if you prefer a classic lemonade texture.
• Water: This helps balance the sweetness and strength. Add more or less depending on how bold or diluted you like your drink.

How to Make Homemade Hard Lemonade

Start by adding the lemon simple syrup, sparkling water, vodka, and fresh lemon juice to a large pitcher.

Give it a good stir to combine everything.

Next, pour in the water a little at a time, tasting as you go until it reaches your preferred balance of sweetness and strength. This is where you can really make it your own.

Pour hard lemonade over ice and serve cold.

For the Best Hard Lemonade

• Taste as you go: Start with less water, then add more until the flavor is just right. It is easier to dilute than to fix a drink that is too weak.
• Use fresh lemon juice: It really makes a difference. Fresh juice gives the lemonade a bright, clean flavor that bottled juice just cannot match.
• Adjust the strength: Add more or less vodka depending on your preference. You can also top off individual glasses if some people want it lighter.
• Keep it cold without watering it down: Add ice to the glasses instead of the pitcher, or use a little less water if you plan to add ice directly to the pitcher.
• Add the sparkle last: If you are making it ahead, wait to add the sparkling water until just before serving so it stays fizzy.
• Make it your own: Try adding fresh berries, sliced fruit, or mint for a simple flavor twist and a pretty presentation.