Sweet, homemade raspberry lemonade is a refreshing drink for hot summer afternoons, and is the base for a Raspberry Lemonade Limoncello Cocktail.
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.
When raspberries are cool, press through a strainer to remove seeds and pulp. Reserve juice.
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.)
Combine 5 c. raspberry lemonade, 1 1/4 c. limoncello and 1 1/4 c. vodka in a large pitcher. Stir.
Serve cocktail chilled or over ice. Garnish with fresh raspberries and/or lemon slices, if desired.
Optional: Top the cocktail with a splash of seltzer water to reduce the sweetness and make your cocktail last a bit longer.
For a single serving of this cocktail, you'll use 4 oz. raspberry lemonade and 1 oz. each limoncello and vodka.