Explore the Road with Donnamarie

Tropical drinks traditionally conjure images of islands, beaches, tiki bars, and endless hours in the sun. But when you are stuck at home you can still bring a bit of the islands to you. Therefore we created this list of summer cocktails including several types of lemonade with vodka that guarantee to make you feel like you are in the tropics. Of course you provide the pool and beach wear!

For products, we buy most of our liquor at Total Wine because they have a large selection. Ingredient links are sponsored links through Amazon.

Cranberry Lemonade with Vodka

Lemonade drinks are always refreshing during heat waves. This cranberry lemonade with vodka has the added health benefit of juice. In addition, the soda makes it extra refreshing.

Ingredients

• 2 oz. of your favorite vodka
• 2 oz. sour mix
• lemon lime soda
• 2 oz. cranberry juice
• lemon wedge for garnish

Directions for Cranberry Lemonade with Vodka

1. Mix vodka, sour mix, and cranberry juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Then pour it into an ice filled cocktail glass and top with soda. After that garnish with the lemon wedge to serve.

I have included this sponsored link in case you need some mixology equipment.

Bartending Supplies

Island Lemonade with Vodka

Certainly, this tropical drink guarantees to quench your thirst even on the hottest day. However, just be sure not to drink it too fast! For best results make your own sour mix using fresh lemons and limes and homemade simple syrup. But if you lack the time to do this you can use lemonade or buy sour mix at the grocery store or click on the sponsored links.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz. vodka
• 1/2 oz. Blue Curacao
• 2 oz. Sour Mix
• 3-4 oz. 7-up or Sprite

Directions

1. First, pour all liquids except 7up into an ice filled highball glass. After that, stir well.
2. Then top with 7up and stir. Garnish with a lemon wedge when you are ready to serve. (optional)

Simple Syrup

To make simple syrup first boil one cup of water. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of sugar until dissolved. It can be stored indefinitely in a glass jar in your refrigerator. Depending on what you like to drink you can add ingredients when boiling the water such as mint, ginger, etc. Just make sure you strain the liquid before using.

To sum up, sour mix can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Cherry Lemonade with Vodka

This drink transports me back to our stay on a sailboat when we drank tropical libations at the marina.

Ingredients

• 2 oz. vodka
• 3 oz. sour mix
• 1 oz. grenadine
• lemon lime soda
• maraschino cherry for garnish

Directions for Cherry Lemonade with Vodka

1. Mix vodka, sour mix, and grenadine in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Then strain into an ice filled cocktail glass.
3. After that, top with soda and garnish with a cherry to serve.

Pirate’s Bounty

Certainly, this drink will transport you to a deserted island. In addition, it goes great with typical South Florida Cuisine. We created it to both refresh and inspire.

Ingredients

• 2 oz. white rum
• 1/2 oz. Amaretto
• 1/2 oz. Grenadine
• 3-4 oz. pineapple juice
• ice
• maraschino cherries or pineapple wedge to garnish

Directions

1. Fill a cocktail glass with ice.
2. Further, add first 3 ingredients and stir.
3. Then top with pineapple juice and stir again.
4. Finally garnish with cherries or a fresh pineapple wedge.

Tropical Buccaneers’ Revenge

On the other hand, this drink is aptly named because it packs a punch. Of course, you can adjust the amount of jalapenos you use based on your threshold for pain.

Ingredients

• 2 oz. Pinnacle Coconut vodka
• 1/2 oz sour mix
• tsp. simple syrup
• fresh sliced jalapeno
• seltzer

Directions

1. Start by filling a tall glass with ice.
2. Then, use a mortar and pestal to crush sliced jalapenos. Of course, how many you use depends on the strength of the jalapeno and how spicy you like your drink. For instance, I made the mistake of crushing up 4 slices before I realized the jalapenos I bought were almost the strength of habaneros!
3. After crushing the jalapenos, place them in the glass. Then drizzle in the simple syrup, then the sour mix.
4. After that, add the vodka.
5. Finish with seltzer and stir.

For additional ideas about vacationing during Covid-19 read more here.