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For a delicious warm weather drink make this Gin and Lemonade Cocktail with a blueberry simple syrup. It’s a simple and refreshing balance of sweet and herbal flavors and a perfect summer cocktail idea.

Ingredients + Substitutions

The goal is to make a balanced gin and lemonade cocktail using the right amount of sugar. To do this we use freshly squeezed lemons and a simple syrup.

• Gin: I love the signature juniper berry flavor of gin. The herbal flavors balance so well when you introduce a sweet element.
• Blueberry Simple Syrup: The flavors of the blueberry are enhanced with the sugar flavor of the syrup and inspired by our take on rhubarb simple syrup.
• Fresh Lemons: Instead of a sugary lemonade opt for freshly squeezed lemons and some sparkling water for the freshest flavor. It helps prevent the drink from being too sweet.
• Club Soda: This optional ingredient brings a little fizz to the drink and helps top off the glass regardless of the glass size. You can also substitute with sparkling water like La Croix, but be sure it’s not flavored.

Lemonade

You can use a store bought lemonade but a freshly squeezed lemon is our preferred ingredient. Just squeeze the lemons in a large measuring cup and strain out the seeds and pulp. Then add to the cocktail.

One lemon typically yields 1/4 cup of juice. For even more flavor try a grilled lemon to add an earthy and slightly sweeter flavor.

Cocktail Instructions

1. In a shaker filled with ice, mix together the gin, blueberry simple syrup, and lemon juice, and shake vigorously for approx 20 seconds.
2. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
3. Top with club soda to top of the glass.

I especially love the color that the blueberry simple syrup gives this gin and lemonade cocktail. It’s gorgeous. And the drink isn’t overly sweet or tart like many lemonade drinks can be.

If you want to make this Gin and Lemonade cocktail without alcohol then follow the same directions without the gin. Add some muddled mint leaves. Make sure you replace the gin volume with club soda.

Other Cocktail Inspirations

Explore all of our cocktail recipes or pick from some of our favorites.

• Pomegranate Ginger Beer Cocktail
• Watermelon Cocktail
• Rhubarb Lemon Fizz Cocktail
• Bourbon Cocktail with Grilled Lemon Simple Syrup

This recipe was first created in September of 2014 and added to include new photos and recipe instructions.

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About Vindulge

Mary (a certified sommelier and recipe developer) and Sean (backyard pitmaster) are co-authors of the critically acclaimed cookbook, Fire + Wine, and have been creating content for the IACP nominated website Vindulge since 2009. They live in Oregon on a farm just outside Portland.