National Lemonade Day Served with a Twist

Everyone can agree 2020 has been the year of turning lemons into lemonade, so it’s only fitting to celebrate National Lemonade Day, August 20^th, with a drink in hand. This fun holiday is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a creative cocktail with loved ones and take advantage of the last weeks of summer. When you have a moment, I’d love to know if any of the below summery and refreshing lemonade cocktails could be a fit for any cocktail coverage you have in the works?

Elevated Citrus Cocktails Highlight Lemon Flavor

There is no better combination than a hot summer’s day and an ice-cold glass of lemonade. But add a splash of gin or cognac and a fun garnish, and this summertime favorite ascends to a whole new level. With relaxed liquor laws in many states, the lemonade stand has taken on a whole new identity with many bars and restaurants serving variations of the citrusy refreshment al fresco. Mimic these boozy lemonade stands within your own home with a few simple cocktail recipes below.

You can never go wrong with a classic and easy-to-make interpretation of the spiked lemonade like the Bombay Lemonade or D’USSÉ & Lemonade. But if you are using this time at home to up your bartending game, try your hand at mixing up the Nomayo, the Noilly Prat 50:50 Martini, or the D’USSÉ Raspberry Lemonade. These more sophisticated takes on the citrusy tipple add some additional complexity of flavor, while still letting the lemon shine through.

BOMBAY LEMONADE

1 part Bombay Sapphire Gin

3 parts Lemonade

1 Lemon Wedge

METHOD

Fill a balloon glass or tall Collins glass with ice. Combine Bombay Sapphire and lemonade in glass. Garnish with lemon wedge and serve.

D’USSÉ & LEMONADE

1 ½ parts D’USSÉ V.S.O.P. Cognac

4 parts Lemonade

1 Lemon Wheel

METHOD

Add D’USSE and lemonade into an ice filled Highball glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel and serve.

NOMAYO

1½ parts Bombay Sapphire Gin

¾ part St-Germain

½ part Aperol

½ part Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

Top with Float of Champagne

METHOD

Combine all ingredients in a shaker except the Champagne, add ice and shake. Strain into a chilled coupe. Finish with a float of champagne and garnish with lemon peel.

NOILLY PRAT 50:50 MARTINI COCKTAIL

50ml Noilly Prat Extra Dry or Noilly Prat Original Dry

50ml BOMBAY SAPPHIRE^® Gin

Lemon twist (natural zest as sharp cut)

METHOD

In a mixing glass pour the ingredients over cubed ice and stir well to chill. Strain into a frozen martini glass and garnish with a zest of fresh lemon.