Paul Kushner
Bright, refreshing, and full of Irish charm, Leprechaun Lemonade is the perfect cocktail for St. Patrick’s Day or any occasion that calls for a little magic in your glass. This vibrant green drink combines crisp vodka or gin with tart lemonade, while a splash of blue curaçao transforms it into a dazzling emerald hue. Served over ice and garnished with fresh mint and lemon, it’s a light and citrusy cocktail that’s as fun to look at as it is to sip. Whether you’re celebrating the luck of the Irish or just craving a colorful twist on lemonade, this drink is sure to impress!
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Tasting Notes
The Leprechaun Lemonade is a bright, citrusy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a refreshing zing from lemonade and a pop of color from blue curaçao. The clear liquor (vodka or gin) provides a crisp, smooth base, while the blue curaçao transforms the drink into a magical green hue. Mint leaves and a lemon garnish add an extra layer of freshness, making this a fun, festive, and easy-to-drink cocktail.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need a cocktail shaker for mixing, a strainer for a smooth pour, and a highball or Collins glass for serving. A jigger ensures precise measurements, and a bar spoon can help adjust the color to your liking.
Ingredients
- 2 oz clear liquor like vodka or gin
- 4 oz lemonade
- Blue curaçao or other green food coloring
- Mint leaves for garnish
- Lemon slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill your shaker with ice cubes.
- Pour the clear liquor and lemonade into the shaker.
- Add a splash of blue curaçao. This is what gives our drink its magical green color.
- Shake well until the mixture is cold.
- Strain the drink into your tall glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a slice of lemon.
Pro Tips
- DeKuyper or Bolsitrus kick, use fresh lemonade made with real lemons.
- If you want a deeper green, adjust the amount of blue curaçao or add a drop of green food coloring.
- For a bubbly twist, top with lemon-lime soda or sparkling water.
- If using gin, opt for a mild or citrus-forward gin like Hendrick’s or Bombay Sapphire to enhance the lemonade.
- For a frozen version, blend all ingredients with ice until slushy.
When to Serve
The Leprechaun Lemonade is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, summer parties, casual gatherings, or any time you want a refreshing, colorful drink. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
For vodka, use Tito’s, Absolut, or Grey Goose. For gin, try Hendrick’s, Tanqueray, or Bombay Sapphire. DeKuyper or Bols Blue Curaçao work best for creating the signature green color.
Similar Cocktails
If you enjoy Leprechaun Lemonade, here are five similar cocktails to try:
Ingredients
- 2 oz clear liquor like vodka or gin
- 4 oz lemonade
- Blue curaçao or other green food coloring
- Mint leaves for garnish
- Lemon slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill your shaker with ice cubes.
- Pour the clear liquor and lemonade into the shaker.
- Add a splash of blue curaçao. This is what gives our drink its magical green color.
- Shake well until the mixture is cold.
- Strain the drink into your tall glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a slice of lemon.
