Paul Kushner
The Memorial Day Lemonade is crisp, cool, and made for sharing. It blends classic lemonade with a splash of something stronger like vodka or bourbon for a drink that’s easy to serve and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re grilling, playing lawn games, or just kicking back with friends, this cocktail fits right in. It’s light, a little tart, and totally refreshing. You can make a big batch ahead of time and pour over ice when you’re ready. Add some fresh fruit or herbs to dress it up, or keep it simple it’s all about relaxing and enjoying the day together.
This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy
Tasting Notes
The Memorial Day Lemonade is a vibrant, layered cocktail that’s both visually stunning and deliciously refreshing. Tart lemonade forms the bright, citrusy heart of the drink, with smooth vodka adding a neutral kick. Sweet grenadine provides a rich, ruby-red base, while blue curaçao floats on top with citrus and orange notes, completing the red-white-blue aesthetic. Each sip blends these layers into a fruity, lightly boozy beverage that’s ideal for summer gatherings. This cocktail isn’t just a toast to the holiday it’s a chilled celebration in a glass, perfect for warm weather, patriotic events, and backyard BBQs.
Equipment and Glassware
To create clean, Instagram-worthy layers, you’ll need a bar spoon to slow the pour and maintain separation between ingredients. A jigger ensures accurate proportions, especially when layering dense and lighter liquids. Use a highball glass or Collins glass filled with ice to showcase the red, white, and blue gradient. A cocktail pick can hold a cherry, while a citrus knife slices garnishes like lemon wheels. A steady hand is the final “tool” for perfect layering—especially when adding the curaçao to float at the top.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 3 oz lemonade
- ½ oz grenadine
- 1 oz blue curaçao
- Optional garnish: lemon wheel or cherry
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in the grenadine first it will settle at the bottom.
- Slowly pour in the vodka, then the lemonade over the back of a spoon to help maintain separation.
- Gently add the blue curaçao over the back of a spoon to float on top.
- Add a lemon wheel or cherry for a festive touch.
Pro Tips
- To achieve crisp, clean layers, pour slowly and use a bar spoon held just above each layer.
- The different densities of the liquids (grenadine being the heaviest, curaçao the lightest) help keep the colors distinct.
- For extra flair, chill the vodka and lemonade so the ice doesn’t melt too quickly.
- You can swap in sparkling lemonade for fizz or coconut water for a lighter base.
- Freeze cherries or lemon slices into your ice cubes for a decorative bonus.
When to Serve
Serve the Memorial Day Lemonade at patriotic celebrations like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or Veterans Day. Its bold colors and light, refreshing taste make it ideal for picnics, BBQs, poolside parties, or fireworks-viewing events. It’s also great as a signature cocktail at summer weddings, backyard birthdays, or any occasion where a drink needs to be festive, flavorful, and camera-ready.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Use a clean, versatile vodka like Tito’s, Absolut, or Ketel One for a smooth base.
- For blue curaçao, try Bols, DeKuyper, or Giffard they offer both brilliant color and citrus flavor.
- Use fresh-squeezed or quality bottled lemonade (like Simply Lemonade or Santa Cruz Organic) for a zesty, natural middle layer.
- For grenadine, opt for Liber & Co., Stirrings, or homemade to avoid artificial flavoring.
Similar Cocktails
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in the grenadine first, it will settle at the bottom.
- Slowly pour in the vodka, then the lemonade over the back of a spoon to help maintain separation.
- Gently add the blue curaçao over the back of a spoon to float on top.
- Add a lemon wheel or cherry for a festive touch.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use chilled ingredients to keep the layers distinct and prevent early mixing.
- Pour slowly and carefully over the back of a spoon to help maintain clean separation.
- Serve with a straw so guests can mix it themselves if desired.
