Two recipes for the price of one today! Sweet, homemade raspberry lemonade is a refreshing drink for hot summer afternoons, and is the base for a Raspberry Lemonade Limoncello Cocktail.
We moved into our neighborhood years ago, when I was pregnant with Miss. Hazelnut. I loved my neighborhood then – it was a new community and we built our house designed to (most of) my specifications – and it just keeps getting better and better.
As the kids get older, they’re able to run amuck a bit more, with a bit less supervision. It’s great to enjoy hanging with the neighbors while the kids run between houses, playing all the things. I know exactly who to text when my kids are MIA or bored, and I know who to text when I need to get out of the house for a walk, and escape from the kiddos, or a strong drink.
Speaking of drinks… Our community cocktail club has been on a summer hiatus as we all catch up on vacations that we’ve missed, summer childcare juggling, and beach trips. Y’all, my ladies have a killer cocktail game. Homemade flavored simple syrups. Irresistible appetizers to accompany those cocktails. THESE ARE TOTALLY MY PEOPLE!
The last cocktail I made was this one, a Raspberry Lemonade Limoncello Cocktail. It was for a larger gathering, so it was perfect for two reasons:
- Easy to scale. I made a ridiculous batch of the raspberry lemonade and then made cocktails by the pitcher.
- A non-alcoholic base that the kids loved.
This is a sweeter cocktail, so if you need to mellow it out, add a splash of sparkling water to top it off.
Recipe Notes for Raspberry Lemonade Limoncello Cocktail:
- Easy to Scale: Make a big batch of the raspberry lemonade to have on hand, and make pitchers of the cocktail as needed.
- For a single serving of this cocktail, you’ll use 4 oz. raspberry lemonade and 1 oz. each limoncello and vodka.
- I used store-bought limoncello but you can make your own, if desired (my brother and sister-in-law do!). Try this classic limoncello from Our Good Life or this recipe from Karen’s Kitchen Stories.
- I also used fresh raspberries, because it’s summer and local raspberries are divine, but you can use frozen if desired.
- Optional: Top the cocktail with a splash of seltzer water to reduce the sweetness and make your cocktail last a bit longer.
Farmer’s Market Week, hosted by Christie of A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures and Ellen at Family Around the Table, is always the first week in August. Whether you have a great local farm stand or market, are a member of a CSA or purchase your fruits and vegetables at the supermarket, follow our Pinterest board, for great recipes including those for appetizers, drinks, breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and more. Join us all week long with lots of fun, seasonal recipes inspired by what you can find at your local farmer’s market. Today’s recipes are below, but you can follow along by searching #FarmersMarketWeek on social media. Enjoy!
More Farmer’s Market Week Recipes to Inspire You:
Breakfast Recipes:
- Glazed Peach Scones by Our Good Life
- Peach Pancakes by Life Love and Good Food
Starters, Sauce & Drink Recipes:
- Air Fried Zucchini Fries by West Via Midwest
- Bacon Wrapped Pickles by Take Two Tapas
- Chilled Cucumber Melon Soup by Cookaholic Wife
- Easy Refrigerator Dill Pickles by Cheese Curd In Paradise
- Raspberry Lemonade Limoncello Cocktail by Books n’ Cooks (below)
- Strawberry Pesto Brie Bites by Kate’s Recipe Box
- Watermelon Rind Pickles by Palatable Pastime
- Zucchini Nachos by Magical Ingredients
Side Dishes Recipes:
- Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts by Devour Dinner
- Diner-Style Breakfast Potatoes and Onions by Family Around the Table
- Honeyed Carrots with Citrus Basil Gremolata by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Southwestern Potato Salad by The Freshman Cook
- Twice Baked Potatoes by Hostess At Heart
- Zucchini Corn Fritter by The Fresh Cooky
Main Dish Recipes:
- Eggplant and Chickpea Fritters w/ Herb Yogurt Sauce by Savory Moments
- Philly Style Pepper Steak by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Asparagus by Blogghetti
- Steak and Bell Pepper Salad by The Redhead Baker
Dessert Recipes:
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- Apple Squash Quick Bread by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Corn Ice Cream by House of Nash Eats
- Homemade Peach Ice cream by SueBee Homemaker
- Peach Pie with Bourbon Caramel Sauce by Lemon Blossoms
Raspberry Lemonade + Raspberry Lemonade Limoncello Cocktail
Sweet, homemade raspberry lemonade is a refreshing drink for hot summer afternoons, and is the base for a Raspberry Lemonade Limoncello Cocktail.
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Raspberry Lemonade:
- 2 c. raspberries fresh or frozen
- 1/8 c. granulated sugar
- 1/2 c. lemon juice
- 5 c. cold water
Ingredients for the Cocktail:
- 5 c. raspberry lemonade
- 1 1/4 c. limoncello
- 1 1/4 c. good quality vodka
- raspberries and/or lemon slices for garnish optional
- seltzer water optional
Instructions
Make the Raspberry Lemonade:
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Add raspberries and sugar to a small pot set over medium heat. Stir to combine. Cook until sugar is dissolved and raspberries are broken down, about 10 minutes. Stir frequently. Set aside to cool.
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When raspberries are cool, press through a strainer to remove seeds and pulp. Reserve juice.
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Add 1/2 c. raspberry juice, lemon juice, and water to a large pitcher and mix well. Taste, and if desired, add more sugar to sweeten. (If using for a cocktail, don't make it too sweet, as limoncello will add additional sweetness to the cocktail.)
Make the Cocktail:
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Combine 5 c. raspberry lemonade, 1 1/4 c. limoncello and 1 1/4 c. vodka in a large pitcher. Stir.
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Serve cocktail chilled or over ice. Garnish with fresh raspberries and/or lemon slices, if desired.
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Optional: Top the cocktail with a splash of seltzer water to reduce the sweetness and make your cocktail last a bit longer.
Recipe Notes
For a single serving of this cocktail, you'll use 4 oz. raspberry lemonade and 1 oz. each limoncello and vodka.
Adapted from Cooks with Cocktails.
I first tried limoncello on a trip to Italy and immediately fell in love, so this raspberry cocktail is in my near future! Sounds absolutely perfect.
I am loving this recipe, so fresh, bright and loved adding a splash of seltzer water to extend like you suggested!