A bright, refreshing and colorful cocktail, this Blueberry Vodka Lemonade is perfect for the summer and is easy to whip up in 15 minutes or less!

glasses of vodka lemonade with blueberries, a slice of lemon, and ice cubes

I don’t know about you but 2020 is calling me to whip up some cocktails.

With everything going in the world, it’s important to take some breaks to experience joy (this is a self reminder too).

And nothing says joy to me more than sitting on the back porch in the sunlight sipping an ice cold cocktail. 

You’re going to SWOON over this beverage. I mean blueberry lemonade PLUS basil PLUS vodka?!

Picture this: sweet blueberries contrasted with tart lemon and aromatic basil, it’s the best combo of summer flavors.

Plus, the simple syrup is ready in less than 10 minutes and it only takes a few minutes to shake up a cocktail.

It’s been a year. You deserve it.

Ingredients in this Cocktail

basil, lemons, bowl of blueberries, measuring cup of sugar, and bottle of vodka laid out on surface

Notes on Ingredients:

Blueberries: I used conventional blueberries here but this would be amaze with Wild Blueberries too!

Sugar: Plain, cane (or granulated) sugar will do. No need to get fancy.

Sparkling water or club soda: Not pictured above! You’ll want some fizz in this drink so be sure to have a splash of sparkling water or club soda on hand.

Vodka: I’m personally a fan of Tito’s but any vodka will do!

How to Make Blueberry Vodka Lemonade

It all starts with the simple syrup. A simple syrup is made by dissolving equal parts sugar into hot water. With this blueberry basil simple syrup, you’ll add equal parts blueberries and basil once the sugar is dissolved. Then, let this simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Then using a fine mesh sieve, you’ll strain the liquid into a glass, discarding the solids. Let the syrup cool to room temperature before using (or be impatient like me and just add it warm).

From there, it’s adding equal parts vodka, blueberry basil simple syrup, lemon juice, and sparkling water to a cocktail shaker with ice. Give it a good shake and pour into an ice filled glass. equal parts vodka, blueberry basil simple syrup, lemon juice, and sparkling water in a mason jar

Blueberry Lemonade Cocktail FAQs

Can I make this nonalcoholic or a mocktail?

Of course! Skip the vodka and add double the sparkling water or club soda instead!

How much simple syrup does this recipe make?

About 14 ounces, which should make about 9 drinks.

How would I make a pitcher of this?

In a pitcher, combine the simple syrup with 1 3/4 cup vodka, 1 3/4 cup lemon juice, and 1 3/4 cup sparkling water or club soda. Stir until combined. Adjust based on taste preferences.

What if I don’t have basil?

Leave it out or mint would be a delicious substitute!

glasses of vodka lemonade with blueberries, a slice of lemon, and ice cubes

For more of my cocktail and beverage recipes, check these out:

glasses of vodka lemonade with blueberries, a slice of lemon, and ice cubes

If you like this recipe, please be sure to give it a 5 star rating below. If you make it, share it on instagram and tag me @karalydonrd and I’ll re-share it with my followers! If you want to save this recipe for later, be sure to pin it on Pinterest!

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Blueberry Vodka Lemonade


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  • Author: Kara Lydon
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: One drink

Description

A bright, refreshing and colorful cocktail, this Blueberry Vodka Lemonade is perfect for the summer and is easy to whip up in 15 minutes or less!


Ingredients

Scale

For the blueberry basil simple syrup:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1 cup loosely packed basil

For the blueberry vodka lemonade:

  • 1.5 ounces vodka
  • 1.5 ounces blueberry basil simple syrup
  • 1.5 ounces lemon juice (about 3 small lemons)
  • 1.5 ounces sparkling water
  • Ice
  • Optional: blueberries, lemon slice, basil leaf, for garnish

Instructions

For the blueberry basil simple syrup:

  1. In a small saucepan, heat water over medium low until just before reaches boil.
  2. Stir in sugar until dissolved.
  3. Stir in blueberries and basil. Let come to a simmer.
  4. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  5. Remove from heat and strain using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Discard solids.
  6. Let cool to room temperature.

For the blueberry vodka lemonade:

  1. In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vodka, blueberry basil simple syrup, lemon juice, and sparkling water.
  2. Shake until combined.
  3. Pour into an ice filled glass.
  4. Optional: garnish with blueberries, lemon slice, and/or basil leaf.

Notes

  1. For a mocktail, omit the vodka and double the sparkling water.
  2. To make a pitcher of this, combine the simple syrup with 1 3/4 cup vodka, 1 3/4 cup lemon juice, and 1 3/4 cup sparkling water or club soda in a pitcher. Stir until combined. Adjust based on taste preferences.
  3. Recipe makes about 14 ounces of simple syrup, which should make about 9 drinks.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Cocktail
  • Cuisine: Summer

This recipe was retested, reshot, and revamped to give you the most delicious (and beautiful!) recipe. The original recipe was published July 2011.

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16 Comments

  1. Dawn

    This is delicious! The blend of flavors is so refreshing! I will be enjoying this all summer! Thank you for the recipe!!

  2. This looks awesome! I’ll confess to never really having tried many herbs, other than mint, in beverages. But I have basil overload in my garden, so this sounds like the perfect option. So glad to have you participating in The ReDux!

  3. Love, love basil and blueberries. But pun nets are $8 each at the moment as it’s winter in Australia and my basil bush is looking a little sad and woody. Can’t wait for Summer to try.

  4. What a great combo of blueberries, lemon and basil!! Something I’ve gotta try 🙂

  5. This looks delicious! I Love the addition of basil. I have been seeing it popping up a lot in drinks lately. So refreshing!

  6. Beautiful drink and all the flavors sound delicious too! Love that you picked your own blueberries!

  7. Wow…looks great! Can’t wait to try this!

  8. Lovely color! Your comment reminded me of my cousin, when he was little he would say a loud “AAHHH” every time he took a sip of his cup 🙂

  9. Look great! I am always looking for new ways to use my overflowing basil plant- thanks!

  10. I love everything about this drink! Thanks for the recipe, I will be experimenting this weekend with my Vitamix!

  11. What a beautiful color. I’ve got all the ingredients needed to try this. I’m growing basil (more than I can ever eat) in my vegetable garden and recently bought 6 pints of blueberries on sale for $6.99. This sounds like a real winner.

  12. Ahh, got to love basil in a summer drink! So glad to have on board with Recipe ReDux!

  13. nutritioulicious

    Looks fabulous! I will have to try that as a different spin on my blueberry basil cooler. Great minds think alike 😉

  14. This looks amazing!! i love basil lemonade and the addition of blueberries makes it perfect!

  15. Kara, glad to see another fizzy basil drink fan 😉 The color on this is fantastic; will definitely try your recipe.