Shake, Rattle and Roll: Lemonade Soda's Role in the Mixology Revolution
Let's pop the cap off something rather exciting: lemonade soda's sparkling role in today's mixology scene. Refreshing and utterly irresistible just by itself, it is also a solid game changer that can give regular cocktails a new lease of life. Here are some popular recipes that make the most of lemonade soda:
Gin Fizz Lemonade
An effervescent twist on the classic lemonade, this cocktail blends gin with the zesty flavour of lemon. Combine 60 ml Tanqueray No. TEN with 30 ml of lemon juice and 20 ml of simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Top it with soda for signature freshness, and garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint. Light and bubbly, this cocktail is wonderfully refreshing.
Boozy Watermelon Lemonade
For watermelon lovers, here is another reason to look forward to the fruit this summer. To make our Boozy Watermelon Lemonade, blend fresh watermelon chunks to get about 120 ml of watermelon juice. Mix this with 30 ml of Smirnoff vodka and the juice of one large lemon. Add 10 ml of simple syrup to sweeten it up a bit, or adjust according to your taste. Fill a glass with ice, pour in the mixture, and top it off with a splash of soda water. Garnish with a slice of lemon or a small wedge of watermelon.
Tinto de Verano
A simpler cousin to Sangria, Tinto de Verano is a popular Spanish drink combining red wine with lemonade soda. To prepare, fill a highball glass with ice, pour in some light-bodied red wine, and top with lemonade soda: a mixture of water and sugar stirred together with lemon juice and finished off with a generous splash of soda. Give it a gentle stir, and garnish with a slice of lemon or orange. This beverage is not only easy to make but also incredibly thirst-quenching.
Lemon Basil Cooler
For days when the sun leaves no stone unturned to remind you of its presence, there’s the Lemon Basil Cooler. First, prepare basil simple syrup by simmering one cup of water, one cup of sugar, and a cup of fresh basil leaves. Let it cool and strain the leaves out. For the cocktail, mix 60 ml Gordon’s gin with 30 ml of the basil simple syrup and the juice of one lemon in a shaker filled with ice. Shake it vigorously, then strain into a chilled glass filled with ice. Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves. This drink offers a lovely herbaceous flavour, perfect for a quiet moment on a scorching afternoon.
Whisky Collins
Taking a twist on the classic Tom Collins, this version uses whisky to add depth. Mix 60 ml Johnnie Walker Black Label with 30 ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 15 ml of simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into an ice-filled Collins glass. Top it up with soda water and stir gently. Garnish with a cherry and a slice of orange or lemon for a traditional touch. It’s a robust drink with a refreshing citrusy undertone.
