When summer temps are high, there's nothing better than a tall, cool glass of lemonade to sate your thirst—except for a tall, cool glass of lemonade with booze in it. You definitely won't find the citrusy drinks below at that kiddie stand down the block. Here are six adults-only lemonades to check out now. And one to try at home, too.
Cajun Lemonade at Southern Goods
Cozy Heights eatery Southern Goods keeps things hopping with its Cajun Lemonade, which involves vodka, dry gin liqueur, and lemon juice. Cajun seasoning and a splash of hot sauce bring the heat. The cooling, spicy flavors in this blend will have you hooked at first sip.
632 West 19th St.; 346-980-8152
Frozen Lemoncello at Pi Pizza
The bar at Pi Pizza gets its right with the Frozen Lemoncello. The frosty beverage is made with lemon juice and simple syrup, and spiked with not just one but two kinds of booze: lemon vodka and Italian lemon-flavored liqueur. We'll definitely have another...and another.
181 Heights Blvd.; 832-767-2433
Bubbly Blonde at Hopdoddy
Joining the menu of inventive burgers, frothy milkshakes, and ice-cold brews at Hopdoddy is the uber-refreshing Bubbly Blonde. Lemonade and orange juice combine for a citrusy one-two kick, while house-infused elderflower liqueur and sparkling wine make this a 21-and-over-only treat.
Multiple locations.
Rosemary Lemon Drop at Damian's Cucina Italiana
Italian fare may be the hallmark of Damian’s in Midtown, but the Rosemary Lemon Drop also ranks. The stiff, juicy mix features rosemary muddled with white sugar and shaken with vodka, rosemary-infused simple syrup, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. A lemon-sugar rim on the glass adds a sweet finishing touch.
3011 Smith St.; 713-522-0439
Honey Lemon Smash at Grimaldi's Pizzeria
Grimaldi's has launched a new roster of handcrafted cocktails to go along with its coal-fired, brick-oven pizzas and calzones. We’re partial to the Honey Lemon Smash: the drink is mixed with honey syrup, lemon juice, and plenty of bourbon for a knock-out thirst-quencher that will give you reason to linger, and order seconds.
Multiple locations.
Equipo Milano at The Pass and Provisions
The Pass and Provisions in Montrose offers up a killer loaded lemonade, the Equipo Milano. Inspired by the classic the Arnold Palmer, the tangy creation starts with lemon juice and simple syrup. Iced tea is subbed out for a wine-based, cardoon-flavored amaro and dry gin, and a sparkling mineral water tops it all off. “This was executed in a Tom Collins format, which is essentially boozy lemonade. The sweeter amaro and the overall tartness of the citrus come together for a really refreshing drink,” says bar manager Stuart Humphries.
807 Taft St.; 713-628-9020
Equipo Milano recipe
1.5 oz Cardamaro
.5 oz dry gin
1 oz lemon juice
.5 oz simple syrup
Shake all, then top with Topo Chico.
The bar at Pi Pizza gets its right with the Frozen Lemoncello.
