Vodka Lemonade Recipe

Make simple syrup

Combine 0.75 cups granulated sugar and 0.5 cups hot water in a heatproof container. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is clear. Let cool to room temperature (about 10–15 minutes) or chill briefly in the refrigerator.

Combine lemon and syrup

In a large pitcher, pour 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add the cooled simple syrup and stir to combine.

Dilute lemonade

Add 3 cups cold water to the pitcher and stir. Taste and adjust: if too sweet, add up to 0.25 cup more lemon juice; if too tart, add up to 0.25 cup more simple syrup or a little more water.

Refrigerate the lemonade until cold, or add ice to chill immediately if serving right away.

Build drinks

Fill 4 highball glasses with equal portions of ice (about 1 cup ice per glass). Divide 1 cup vodka evenly among the 4 glasses (about 1/4 cup or 2 ounces per glass).

Add lemonade

Top each glass with chilled lemonade, filling to about 3/4–7/8 of the glass. Stir gently once to combine vodka and lemonade.

Garnish and serve

Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and 1–2 mint leaves if using. Serve immediately with a straw or stirrer.