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Gin and lemonade are a perfect combination! Make this quick and easy 2 ingredient cocktail that’s sweet tart and refreshing.
Need an easy 2 ingredient cocktail idea with gin? Try gin and lemonade! It might sound overly simple, but gin and lemon are a natural cocktail pairing featured in many classic drinks.
What do the Tom Collins, Gin Fizz, and French 75 have in common? They all pair gin and lemon! I love that using lemonade makes a cheater version of these drinks that’s so quick and easy to whip up.
The Two Ingredients For Gin and Lemonade
Gin and lemonade requires nothing beyond the two ingredients in its name. But here’s a note: it’s best when you use homemade lemonade because the flavor is outstanding. You can make a full pitcher or by the glass. You can also use purchased lemonade: the botanical flavors of gin paired with the citrusy lemon is delicious either way. Here’s what you’ll need for gin and lemonade:
- Lemonade: It’s best with homemade lemonade made with lemons, sugar, and water. In a pinch, use a quality brand of purchased lemonade.
- Gin: You can use any brand; I like Malfy gin. Avoid overly floral gins like Tanqueray or Opihr (see below).
Make It As A Pitcher Or Glass
This gin and lemonade recipe is pretty loose, and only requires stirring together two ingredients. It’s great as a singe glass, or you can make an entire pitcher. Go to the recipe below, or review these notes:
- Make the homemade lemonade. You’ll need 6 cups of the lemonade for a pitcher, or ¾ cup lemonade for a glass. If you’d like, you can make a single serving of homemade lemonade! Go to that post and search for the “by the glass” variation. Then measure out ¾ cup for this recipe.
- For the pitcher, use 6 cups lemonade and 2 cups gin.
- For the glass, use ¾ cup lemonade and ¼ cup gin.
Best Type Of Gin
When it comes to gin and lemonade, really anything goes! Use whatever gin you have on hand. But keep in mind, some gin has very forward flavor profiles. Here are some brands I like:
- Malfy gin has a great flavor that blends well in cocktails. I also like local gin options: where I live in Indianapolis I buy from 8th Day Distillery or Hotel Tango.
- Tanqueray gin is very floral and can overpower drinks.
- Opihr gin is has very forward spices (in this drink, it almost tastes like cumin!).
What are your favorite brands of gin? Let me know in the comments below!
Variations On Gin and Lemonade
There are lots of ways to spike your lemonade! Here are my favorite liquors to mix with lemonade:
- Grab your tequila for Tequila Lemonade (like a margarita!), or rum for Rum Lemonade
- Go with whiskey for Whiskey Lemonade or Bourbon Lemonade (like a whiskey sour!)
- Use vodka for Vodka Lemonade
- Grab vodka and limoncello for Spiked Lemonade
Gin and Lemonade
Gin and lemonade are the best combination! Make this quick and easy 2 ingredient cocktail that’s perfectly sweet tart.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Cocktail
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 6 ounces (¾ cup) homemade lemonade or purchased lemonade*
- 2 ounces (¼ cup) gin
- Ice, for serving (try clear ice)
- Fresh mint and lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- By the glass: In a glass, pour in the lemonade and gin. Add ice and garnish with fresh mint and lemon slices.
- By the pitcher: Mix 6 cups lemonade with 2 cups gin. Add ice and serve.
This was fantastic. I tryed the black button lilac gin from rochester ny and the flavors with the lemonade was fantastic.
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