I’m excited to share with you my version of Cutwater Pink Lemonade. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, need a vibrant drink to unwind after a long day, or want to treat yourself to a little homemade goodness, this recipe strikes just the right note of sweetness and citrus zing. Let’s dive in and bring a splash of pink lemonade magic to your kitchen.
Table of Contents
What Is Cutwater Pink Lemonade?
It’s a ready-to-drink canned cocktail from Cutwater Spirits: a vodka-based Lemon Drop made with Cutwater Vodka plus triple sec, lemon, and natural flavors, meant to taste bright, sweet-tart, and citrusy.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka (use a good-quality vodka for best results)
- 3 oz fresh pink lemonade (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 oz sparkling water or club soda (for a little fizz)
- 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice (for extra brightness)
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wheel or pink lemonade popsicle (optional garnish)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional garnish)
- For Homemade Pink Lemonade (if you want to make from scratch):
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 6–8 lemons)
- 1 cup fresh grapefruit juice or cranberry juice (for pink color)
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 cups water.
Instructions:
Make The Pink Lemonade (Optional):
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup of water.
- Heat gently over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely to make simple syrup.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large pitcher, mix the fresh lemon juice, grapefruit or cranberry juice, remaining 3 cups of water, and the simple syrup.
- Stir well and refrigerate until chilled.
Mix The Cocktail:
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
- Pour 2 oz vodka over the ice.
- Add 3 oz of your prepared pink lemonade.
- Add 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice for extra zing.
- Stir in 1/2 oz simple syrup if you like it sweeter (optional).
- Top off with 1 oz sparkling water or club soda for a bubbly finish.
- Stir gently to combine.
Garnish And Serve:
- Garnish with a lemon wheel or a pink lemonade popsicle for a fun twist.
- Add fresh mint leaves if desired for added aroma and freshness.
- Enjoy immediately!
Tips For The Perfect Pink Lemonade Cocktail:
- Use fresh citrus juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor significantly compared to bottled lemon juice.
- Adjust sweetness to taste: Some pink lemonades are quite sweet while others are more tart—start with less simple syrup and add more if desired.
- Keep it chilled: Serve over plenty of ice or pre-chill your lemonade mixture for the best refreshment.
- Get creative with garnishes: A raspberry, strawberry slice, or edible flower can add a lovely touch visually and flavor-wise.
- Make it a mocktail: Omit the vodka and increase the sparkling water for a non-alcoholic version just as tasty.
What To Serve Cutwater Pink Lemonade With
Casual Gatherings & Barbecues:
- Grilled Meats and Seafood: Pair Cutwater Pink Lemonade with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, shrimp skewers, or even salmon. The citrus notes enhance the flavors of char and spice.
- Burgers and Sliders: Classic beef, turkey, or plant-based patties all work well. Add toppings like pickles, tomatoes, and lettuce for freshness.
- Hot Dogs and Sausages: Cutwater Pink Lemonade complements the salty, savory taste and balances the heavier flavors.
- Corn on the Cob and Roasted Veggies: The sweetness of corn and caramelized vegetables highlights the tartness of the drink.
Brunch & Light Bites:
- Avocado Toast and Breakfast Sandwiches: The creamy, rich avocado or eggs pair nicely with a zesty pink lemonade.
- Quiche, Frittatas, and Egg Dishes: Try different fillings like spinach, feta, ham, or mushroom. The acidity and fruitiness cut through the richness.
- Pastries, Muffins, and Scones: Particularly good with berry or citrus-infused baked goods.
- Fruit Salads and Yogurt Parfaits: The citrus and berry notes echo those in the drink for a seamless pairing.
Light And Fresh Appetizers:
- Fresh Summer Salads: Try spinach-strawberry salads with goat cheese, or arugula with citrus segments and vinaigrette.
- Cheese and Charcuterie Boards: Include soft cheeses (goat, brie), mild hard cheeses (havarti, gouda), and fresh fruit (berries, grapes).
- Shrimp Cocktail or Ceviche: The acidic, tangy drink matches well with seafood in citrus-based dressings.
Snacks & Dips:
- Chips and Salsa or Guacamole: The lemony notes refresh your palate between bites.
- Pretzels, Popcorn, and Mixed Nuts: A classic pairing for casual mingling.
- Hummus and Crudités: Keeps things light and vibrant for daytime sipping.
Desserts:
- Lemon Bars or Key Lime Pie: Amplifies citrus flavors in your dessert spread.
- Berry Shortcakes or Tarts: Strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry desserts echo the drink’s fruitiness.
- Sorbet or Ice Cream: A scoop of lemon, raspberry, or coconut sorbet is a frosty companion.
- Pavlova with Fresh Fruit: The airy texture and tang of the fruit are in perfect harmony with the beverage.
Health Benefits
Lemon Juice:
- Vitamin C: Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function, skin health, and iron absorption.
- Hydration: The citric acid in lemon juice can help stimulate saliva production, promoting hydration and digestion.
- Digestive Aid: Lemon juice may help alleviate indigestion and bloating by stimulating digestive juices.
- Kidney Stone Prevention: The citric acid in lemons may help prevent kidney stones by increasing urine volume and pH, making it less favorable for stone formation.
Grapefruit Or Cranberry Juice:
- Antioxidants: Both grapefruit and cranberries are rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Heart Health: The flavonoids in grapefruit may help improve blood lipid levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Urinary Tract Health: Cranberries contain compounds called proanthocyanidins that may help prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls, reducing the risk of infections.
- Immunity Boost: The vitamin C content in grapefruit and cranberries supports a healthy immune system.
Vodka:
- Stress Reduction: Moderate alcohol consumption may help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Heart Health: Some studies suggest that moderate vodka consumption increases HDL (good) cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart disease.
- Digestive Aid: Vodka is a digestif, meaning it may help stimulate digestion after a meal.
Final Thoughts
Cutwater Pink Lemonade is more than just a cocktail, it’s a delightful embodiment of the carefree spirit of summer. This refreshing vodka-based drink, with its vibrant pink hue and sweet-tart flavor, has captured the hearts of cocktail enthusiasts and casual sippers alike.
More Recipes:
- Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dirty Soda Recipe
- Copycat Dairy Queen Pecan Mudslide Recipe
- Homemade Ben & Jerry’s Moonbeam Ice Cream Recipe
- Copycat Smoothie King Ketchup Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka (use a good-quality vodka for best results)
- 3 oz fresh pink lemonade (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 oz sparkling water or club soda (for a little fizz)
- 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice (for extra brightness)
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wheel or pink lemonade popsicle (optional garnish)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional garnish)
- For Homemade Pink Lemonade (if you want to make from scratch):
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 6–8 lemons)
- 1 cup fresh grapefruit juice or cranberry juice (for pink color)
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 cups water.
Instructions
Make The Pink Lemonade (Optional):
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup of water.
- Heat gently over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely to make simple syrup.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large pitcher, mix the fresh lemon juice, grapefruit or cranberry juice, remaining 3 cups of water, and the simple syrup.
- Stir well and refrigerate until chilled.
Mix The Cocktail:
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
- Pour 2 oz vodka over the ice.
- Add 3 oz of your prepared pink lemonade.
- Add 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice for extra zing.
- Stir in 1/2 oz simple syrup if you like it sweeter (optional).
- Top off with 1 oz sparkling water or club soda for a bubbly finish.
- Stir gently to combine.
Garnish And Serve:
- Garnish with a lemon wheel or a pink lemonade popsicle for a fun twist.
- Add fresh mint leaves if desired for added aroma and freshness.
- Enjoy immediately!