Le-moon-ade Recipe

Prepare glass

If serving on the rocks, fill a rocks glass with ice and set aside. If serving up, chill a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes.

Measure and combine

In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz Tito's Handmade Vodka, 1 oz fresh lemon juice (strain seeds), and 0.75 oz simple syrup. If using a 'whim' ingredient that is liquid (ginger or lavender syrup), reduce simple syrup to 0.25 oz and add 0.5 oz whim syrup instead (see whim instructions below).

Add ice and optional solids

Add a generous scoop of ice (about 1 cup) to the shaker. If your chosen whim is a fresh ingredient (basil, raspberries, cucumber), add it to the shaker now. For raspberries or cucumber, lightly muddle 3–4 times to release flavor; for basil, clap between hands and gently press once in the shaker — do not over-muddle.

Shake

Secure the shaker and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds (until the shaker is frosty). This chills and dilutes the drink properly.

Strain and finish

If serving on the rocks, double-strain into the prepared ice-filled rocks glass. If serving up, fine-strain into the chilled coupe. Top with 2 oz soda water if you want a lighter, spritz-style Le-Moon-Ade (optional).

Garnish

Garnish with a lemon wheel or a lemon twist. If you used basil, tuck a small slapped basil leaf on the rim; if raspberries, float one on top; if cucumber, add a thin ribbon to the glass.

Basil: Use 3 fresh leaves. Clap leaves between your palms to release aromatics, then add to the shaker and press gently once. Do not over-muddle to avoid bitterness.

Raspberry: Add 4 fresh raspberries to the shaker and gently muddle 3–4 times to release juices. Fine-strain to remove seeds for a silky finish.

Cucumber: Add 3 thin cucumber slices and gently muddle once or twice to release a hint of cucumber; fine-strain to avoid pulp.

Ginger or Lavender syrup: If using a flavored syrup instead of fresh solids, reduce simple syrup to 0.25 oz and add 0.5 oz of your flavored syrup. No muddling needed; proceed to shake as directed.