Cool down this summer with this refreshingly zesty Vodka Limeade that's just boozy enough to get the party started. It's the perfect blend of tart limeade, bright orange juice, smooth vodka, and a hint of fresh mint, all swirled with crushed ice and garnished with fresh mint. Basically, it's summer in a glass… or a pitcher!
Why you'll love this recipe
There's something magical about a combo of orange juice and limeade. The orange flavor adds a sweet, mellow citrus note that makes this drink stand out from the usual limeade cocktails.
Perfect Slushy Texture. The crushed ice gives it an ultra-refreshing texture that feels like a treat on a hot day. Think adult snow cone!
Make it by the Pitcher. Ideal cocktail for cookouts, pool days, and pretty much any summer get-together with friends.
Super Easy Recipe. No cocktail shaker or fancy bar gear needed. Just pour, stir, and enjoy.
Customizable. Change it up with different fruit flavors and garnishes. Hello, strawberry-lime, cherry-lime or watermelon-lime!
Ingredients
You only need a handful of ingredients to make this summer drink. It's quick to throw together, but don't let the simplicity fool you because it's irresistibly tasty.
- Frozen limeade concentrate - The sweet and tangy base of the drink. It packs a bold citrus punch and chills the drink fast.
- Orange juice - Adds a juicy layer of flavor and balances out the lime with natural sweetness.
- Water - Helps mellow the flavors and keeps the drink smooth.
- Vodka - Use your favorite kind! It blends right in for a nice kick without overpowering the citrus.
- Crushed ice - Gives it that super-refreshing slushy texture.
- Fresh mint leaves - Stirred into the pitcher for a cooling, fragrant twist.
- Lime slices and mint sprigs - For garnish and a little flair in every glass.
How to make a vodka limeade drink
This recipe is about as easy as it gets. Here's what to do:
- Simply pour limeade, water, orange juice, vodka and mint leaves in a pitcher and stir. That's it!
If serving right away, fill the pitcher with ice and let everyone help themselves. If you want to serve them individually, fill each glass with ice and pour vodka limeade to fill. Garnish with a slice of lime and a mint sprig. Enjoy!
Alternate preparation methods
Want to mix it up? Try these other ways to serve it:
- Frozen/blended - Toss everything into a blender and blend until smooth for a frosty, frozen cocktail.
- On the rocks - Skip the crushed ice and serve it over ice cubes for a more classic, chill sipper.
Recipe variations to make it your own
This recipe is a perfect base for some fun twists. Here are a few to try:
Cherry Vodka Limeade - Use cherry vodka, add a splash of cherry juice, and garnish with a lime slice and maraschino cherry.
Strawberry Vodka Limeade - Muddle in fresh strawberries or add strawberry puree, then garnish with lime and a strawberry.
Lavender Vodka Limeade - Stir in a little lavender syrup and a drop or two of purple food coloring for a floral twist.
Make ahead
Want to get ahead of the party prep? You can mix everything except the crushed ice and mint up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the fridge in a sealed pitcher. Right before serving, stir in the mint and crushed ice so everything stays fresh and icy.
How to store leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the drink in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The crushed ice will melt, so give it a good stir before serving again, and pour over fresh ice to keep it cold and refreshing.
More Refreshing Summer Cocktails
- Cucumber Mojito gives a delicious spin on a classic drink.
- Mai Tai Cocktail from Sugar & Soul
- Easy Sangria made with 3 simple ingredients.
- Sparkling Tequila Cocktail with grapefruit juice and lemon-lime soda.
- Raspberry Daiquiri with a hint of lime.
- Blue Curacao Cocktail for a tasty tropical drink.
Find lots of easy cocktail recipes here on 2CM!
Vodka Limeade
Ingredients
- 12 oz. can frozen limeade concentrate
- 6 oz. orange juice
- 6 oz. water
- 9 oz. vodka
- 2 sprigs fresh mint, leaves only
- 4 cups crushed ice
- Garnish: Lime slices, mint sprigs
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, mix together all of the above ingredients except ice and garnish. Add ice to the pitcher if serving right away or to individual tall glasses then pour to fill. Garnish each with a lime slice and a sprig of mint.
Notes
Nutrition
This post has been updated with new photos and more helpful tips. It was first published on May 30, 2013.
Larine Kwolek says
Made this using mango juice instead of orange juice, added some triple sec to sweeten it up a bit. Delicious and easy!
Linda Warren says
Yum, that sounds delicious! I'm such a fan of anything mango, bet it was a hit!
Alyson Neely says
I've been making this, minus OJ & mint, for more than a decade. My friends loved it so much they insisted I give it a name. Like you said, it was like summer in a glass. I named it Summer Time!
Linda Warren says
Great name! And yep, it's popular with all our friends too!
Debbie says
Delicious and ridiculously easy! Thank you!
Linda Warren says
Yay! So glad you liked it! It's one of my favorites to beat the summertime heat.Cheers!