Refreshing Mixed Berry Lemonade: Your Ultimate Summer Fizz Cocktail
Summer is officially here, and with it comes a craving for bright, fruity, and wonderfully refreshing drinks! Whether you’re planning a lively 4th of July celebration, a relaxed backyard BBQ, or just a quiet evening on the porch, a delicious beverage can truly elevate the experience. While I initially wasn’t going to share a new recipe today, this vibrant **Mixed Berry Lemonade** cocktail proved too irresistible to keep to myself. It’s the perfect concoction to toast to warm weather and good company. Speaking of summer plans, we’re hoping to enjoy a bike ride this weekend – hopefully, our favorite trail isn’t still flooded! The rest of our weekend involves catching a Colorado Rockies game and perhaps a scenic hike up in the mountains. But what I’m truly looking forward to are the fireworks. There’s an undeniable magic in watching those explosions of color light up the night sky, much like the burst of flavor in this incredible drink.
The inspiration for this delightful **homemade lemonade recipe** struck a couple of weeks ago after a particularly invigorating hike. We were absolutely famished and thirsty, so a quick lunch stop at Red Robin was in order. While perusing the drink menu, a “Wild Beery Lemonade” immediately caught my eye. The description alone made it sound incredibly refreshing, a quintessential **summer drink**. However, I wasn’t quite ready to shell out $10 for a single beverage, no matter how enticing it sounded. That’s when the challenge began: I was determined to recreate my own version at home, focusing on fresh ingredients and capturing that vibrant, fruity essence without the hefty price tag.
This isn’t the first time I’ve embarked on such a culinary adventure. You might remember my popular Baja Shrimp Taco recipe, which was also inspired by a tantalizing display at Red Robin. That particular recipe quickly became a fan favorite, proving that recreating restaurant-quality dishes and drinks at home is not only possible but often yields even more delicious and satisfying results. My goal with this **strawberry raspberry lemonade** was to achieve a similar success, offering you a simple yet incredibly flavorful **DIY cocktail** that everyone will adore. Get ready to impress your guests and treat yourself to a truly exceptional **vodka cocktail** this summer!
Crafting this unique **beery lemonade** requires a special ingredient that truly sets it apart: Redd’s Strawberry Ale. This was my inaugural experience with the strawberry version, though I’ve long been a fan of their apple variety, which I often keep on hand. The strawberry ale introduces a subtle, sweet berry note and a wonderful effervescence that transforms a simple lemonade into a sophisticated **fruity beverage**. For the vibrant fruit puree, I opted for fresh strawberries and raspberries, simply because they were what I had on hand and perfectly ripe. However, don’t hesitate to use frozen berries if that’s what’s available; they work just as well and can be more convenient. Feel free to experiment with any combination of berries you desire – blueberries, blackberries, or even a tropical mix could be delightful. What I truly love in a **refreshing drink** is that perfect fizzy texture, and this recipe delivers precisely that. It’s wonderfully fruity, delightfully fizzy, light, crisp, and incredibly **thirst-quenching**, making it an absolute staple for any summer gathering or a simple afternoon treat.
The beauty of this **easy cocktail recipe** lies in its simplicity and the way each component harmonizes. The tartness of the lemonade perfectly balances the sweetness of the berry puree, while the vodka adds a smooth kick. The Redd’s Strawberry Ale then layers in that distinct “beery” flavor and a playful fizz that makes every sip exciting. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience. Imagine serving this beautiful, ruby-red concoction at your next backyard party, garnished with fresh lemon slices and a few extra berries. It’s visually stunning and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, making it yourself means you control the quality of the ingredients, ensuring a fresher, more natural flavor than many store-bought options. This truly is the ideal **party drink** for a hot summer day, offering a fantastic alternative to heavier cocktails or plain iced tea.
Mixed Beery Lemonade
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Ingredients
- 1 quart lemonade (preferably a good quality store-bought or fresh homemade)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 6 oz vodka (use your favorite brand, or a flavored vodka for an extra twist)
- 2 bottles (12 oz each) Redd’s Strawberry Ale
- Lemon slices and extra berries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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In a high-speed blender, combine the strawberries and raspberries. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth. For a silky texture and to remove any tiny seeds, pour the puree through a fine-mesh strainer into a separate bowl, pressing down on the solids with a spoon to extract all the delicious juice. Discard the remaining pulp. This berry puree is the heart of your **mixed berry lemonade**!
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Next, gently combine the strained fruit puree with your chosen lemonade in a large pitcher. Stir well until the vibrant berry mixture is fully incorporated into the lemonade, creating a beautifully colored base for your cocktail. Taste and adjust for sweetness if desired, though the Redd’s Strawberry Ale will add additional sweetness and fizz.
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To assemble each serving of this delightful **vodka cocktail**, fill four tall glasses generously with ice. Pour 1 1/2 oz (or adjust to your preference) of vodka into each glass. Follow with approximately 1/2 cup of the prepared berry lemonade mixture. Finally, top each glass with about 3/4 cup of Redd’s Strawberry Ale. Gently stir each drink to combine all the layers, ensuring an even distribution of flavors and that wonderful fizz.
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Serve immediately, garnished with fresh lemon slices, whole strawberries, or raspberries for an extra touch of elegance and flavor. Enjoy your perfectly crafted **refreshing summer drink**!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info for Your Mixed Berry Lemonade
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Beyond its incredible flavor, this **Mixed Berry Lemonade** is remarkably versatile. For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the vodka and substitute the Redd’s Strawberry Ale with sparkling water, lemon-lime soda, or a non-alcoholic berry cider. This makes it a fantastic option for guests of all ages to enjoy the same delicious fruity flavors. You can also get creative with your berry choices; try blueberries, blackberries, or even a mix of tropical fruits like mango and pineapple for a different twist. If you prefer a sweeter drink, a dash of simple syrup or agave nectar can be added to the berry puree. For an herbal touch, muddle a few fresh mint leaves in the bottom of your glass before adding ice and the drink components. The possibilities are truly endless!
This **fruity beverage** is not just a drink; it’s a celebration of summer. It’s perfect for a wide range of occasions, from a laid-back picnic in the park to a sophisticated evening gathering. The bright colors and refreshing taste make it an instant hit, and the ease of preparation means you can spend less time mixing and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. We encourage you to give this **DIY cocktail** a try this season. It’s a fantastic way to utilize fresh berries and impress your guests with a homemade touch. Don’t forget to comment below with your favorite variations or how you enjoyed your **refreshing Mixed Berry Lemonade**! Cheers to a delightful summer filled with delicious drinks and unforgettable memories.