14 Summer Drinks Better with a Splash of Vodka
Updated: May 09, 2023
Toast to long days and warm nights with summer vodka drinks. These refreshing cocktails are the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon on the patio or an evening on the porch swing.
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Rhubarb Lemonade Slush
My family loves rhubarb, and this is such a fun way to enjoy it. It's nice to have in the freezer and bring out when guests drop by. Even people who aren't crazy about rhubarb enjoy it. —Cathie Beard, Philomath, OregonFind out which store-bought lemonades our Test Kitchen ranked the highest.
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Salty Dog Sangria
Mix up grapefruit vodka, ginger ale, grapefruit juice, a little wine and simple syrup and what do you get? A perfectly refreshing and beautiful sipper fit for any holiday or special gathering. —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
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Basil Liqueur
I used to teach herb classes at our farm and the local technical college. After attending, a friend gave me this recipe. Enjoy it as a refreshing after-dinner drink or as the base for a cocktail.—Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
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Dill Bloody Marys
With a nice level of pepper, and just enough dill from the pickle, these Bloody Marys are sure to please. To make Contrary Marys simply leave out the vodka. —Jay Ferkovich, Green Bay, Wisconsin
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Spiked Lemonade
Rum gives a tropical addition to this fabulous homemade lemonade. If you have vodka on hand, try that instead of the rum. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin. If you enjoyed this, then here’s a list of the best spiked lemonade drinks.
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Cotton Candy Champagne Cocktails
You’ll love these whimsical champagne cocktails. The cotton candy melts away, leaving behind its pretty pink color. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Moscow Mule
Here's an old-time cocktail that was popular in the 1940s and '50s. A Moscow Mule is traditionally served in a copper mug with plenty of ice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Black-Eyed Susan
The Kentucky Derby has the mint julep; the Preakness has the black-eyed Susan. The drink is a sunny mix of vodka, rum, and pineapple and orange juices to toast your special events.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Blackberry Beer Cocktail
This refreshing hard lemonade has a mild alcohol flavor; the beer adds just enough fizz to dance on your tongue as you sip. Sorry, adults only! —Ginger Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida
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Homemade Limoncello
This limoncello recipe makes a drink better than any store-bought version. It's perfect as an after-dinner treat on its own, or whipped up in a cocktail. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Strawberry-Basil Cocktail
This cocktail of sun-ripened strawberries and tender basil is so refreshing without being overly sweet. It’s our favorite. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South CarolinaOriginally Published: July 15, 2020
