Honeysuckle Vodka Lemonade ~ this unique spring cocktail is made with homemade honeysuckle infused vodka and fresh squeezed lemonade…it’s a super refreshing conversation starter, and the honeysuckle vodka is ready in 24 hours ~ can you say instant gratification?
My honeysuckle vine is in bloom again, and that can mean only one thing…more fun experimentation in the kitchen. One year that resulted in HONEYSUCKLE ICE CREAM, and the year before that I made HONEYSUCKLE ICED TEA. Every time I play with these edible blossoms I’m blown away by their delicate flavor and how clearly it comes through in my infusions. Today we’re getting boozy. It’s about time!
I have to say, I think it’s so miraculous how alcohol pulls out the flavor and aroma from the flowers. I’ve done this with all kinds of fruit, too, and I show you how to do that in my HOW TO MAKE FRUIT INFUSED LIQUEUR post. The process is fun and you can get so creative with it. If you have a honeysuckle vine growing anywhere nearby, you’re in business!
I combined jasmine with my honeysuckle in this batch because I couldn’t harvest quite enough honeysuckle on the morning I went picking, but a combination of both, or either flower alone, will work. I start by removing the blossoms from the stems and discarding any green bits before giving them a gentle swish in cold water to remove any dust or debris, then I spread them out on a clean towel to dry.
TIP: Harvest edible flowers in the early morning, if possible, when they’re freshest. Use only fresh whole blossoms, and discard any browned or faded blooms.
You can do this in any container, but a large wide mouth mason jar works well. I fill the jar about half full with blossoms, and then fill with vodka. Any brand of vodka will work, so buy an inexpensive bottle, the flavor is going to come from the flowers anyway.
The flowers will quickly oxidize and turn brown but their flavor and aroma will transfer to the alcohol. I leave the jar in a cool dark place, a kitchen cabinet is perfect, for 24 hours. After 24 hours the vodka will have a subtle but definite honeysuckle flavor and scent, and can be strained into a clean jar. You can do this easily by removing the center piece of the screw top and securing a double layer of cheesecloth in its place. Then simply turn the jar over and pour out the vodka.
TIP: Taste your vodka after 24 hours, and if you like you can leave the it longer for a stronger flavor. Infuse for up to 5 days.
Once the vodka is strained clear it’s ready to use. Keep your vodka in a sealed jar and it will keep indefinitely. It also makes a nice gift!
Fresh squeezed lemon juice and some sweetened filtered water are all you need to make a delicious honeysuckle vodka lemonade cocktail.
Add the juice of 2 lemons to 2 cups of water sweetened with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Adjust the proportions to your taste. To make the honeysuckle vodka lemonade ~ fill a glass with ice, pour in a shot of your flavored vodka, and fill with lemonade. I like to start with all the liquids pre-chilled.
I’ve got some other spring cocktails on the blog that you might try ~ my RHUBARB SPRING FLING features a homemade rhubarb simple syrup, and if you’re more of a berry person, there’s my BLACKBERRY MOJITO.
If you’re still craving spring cocktails here are some ideas from Cîroc. And here’s Ketel One‘s collection of spring vodka cocktails.
Honeysuckle Vodka Lemonade
Ingredients
honeysuckle vodka
- 2 cups approximate honeysuckle or honeysuckle and jasmine blossoms
- 750 ml bottle of vodka
lemonade
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 cups filtered water
- juice of 2 lemons
Instructions
- To make the infused vodka ~ pluck the blossoms from their stems, and discard any leaves or other green parts.
- Swish the flowers gently in cold water, then lay out to dry on a clean kitchen towel.
- Put the flowers in a large wide mouthed mason jar, or other equivalent container.
- Fill the container with vodka. Make sure the blossoms are completely covered by the liquid. Cap tightly and keep in a cool dark place for 24 hours, or up to 5 days. Give it a shake now and then.
- Strain the vodka through cheesecloth that is at least 4 layers thick. Store in a clean jar, tightly capped. The vodka will keep indefinitely.
- To make the lemonade, stir the sugar into the water until it is completely dissolved. Add the fresh squeezed lemon juice and stir. Taste to adjust the sweetness if you like.
- To make the cocktail, fill a glass with ice. Add one shot of honeysuckle vodka. Fill the glass with lemonade, garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of honeysuckle.
Notes:
- While honeysuckle flowers are edible, the berries ARE NOT, so avoid them.
- Use your blossoms right away for best results, but if you need to hold them briefly, put them in the refrigerator.
Don’t forget to pin this honeysuckle vodka lemonade
Seriously, I am in love with this recipe. When life gives you lemons, you invite all your friends over and make a batch cocktail! Glad this recipe is simple to make and looks so delicious. Regards