18 Cocktails With a Lemony Twist

April 18, 2020

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Lemon adds a bright, citrus flavor to these cocktail recipes. Whether it’s paired with gin, vodka, whiskey or rum, lemon brings a tart, fresh note to these drinks. Recipes like Cucumber Lemonade Chiller and Maple Whiskey Sour are delicious, cooling and the perfect drink to celebrate the weekend.

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The Bee's Knees Cocktail

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The Bee's Knees is a classic Prohibition cocktail that blends the crisp, botanical flavor of gin with bright citrus and the soft floral notes of honey. This cheery spring cocktail is made with simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry, making it a great happy hour option when you don't want to make a special trip to the store. Source: EatingWell.com, April 2020

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Maple Whiskey Sour

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If you're looking for an easy happy hour recipe, but feeling a little limited on ingredients, we've got a bit of good news: you don't have to have a fully stocked bar to turn out a delicious whiskey sour. Hopefully, you've got a little whiskey or bourbon lying around, a bit of maple syrup and fresh citrus. And if you're really looking to elevate your beverage, add some aquafaba to the mix. While not necessary, it stands in for the traditional egg white to create a lovely layer of foam at the top. Source: EatingWell.com, April 2020

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Rosemary-Ginger French 75

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Rosemary and ginger add a flavorful twist to a classic citrusy gin cocktail topped with a little bubbly for a festive libation. Source: EatingWell.com, February 2017

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Strawberry Shrub Cocktail

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You can easily multiply this strawberry shrub cocktail recipe to make a pitcher cocktail to serve a whole party: just muddle the strawberries, basil and lemon in a pitcher, then vigorously stir in the vodka, shrub, Campari and ice. Top each serving with seltzer. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2019

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Sagey Gin Gimlet

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Bright and refreshing, this gin gimlet is made with sage-infused simple syrup and muddled fresh sage. This light and festive cocktail is perfect for fall gatherings, such as Thanksgiving. This recipe makes enough simple syrup for about 8 cocktails and can easily be doubled for a crowd. Source: EatingWell.com, September 2019

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Snow Banks Sparkling-Wine Cocktail

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In this simple sparkling-wine cocktail, lemon juice and simple syrup make a tart-and-sweet bubbly drink. Source: EatingWell Magazine, November/December 2014

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The Good Farmer Cocktail

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This bourbon-spiked lemonade cocktail recipe is a spirit-lifter at the end of the day. If bourbon isn't your thing, rum, gin or vodka would all make delicious substitutions. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2015

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Chaos Ladder

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In this whiskey cocktail recipe, sweet vermouth, lemon, orange and raspberries balance the bitters. Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2016

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Garden-Fresh Mint Julep

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This play on the Derby Day favorite the mint julep uses the whole sugar snap pea plant: pea greens in the simple syrup and snap pea "juice," plus pea blossoms for garnish, if you're lucky enough to find them. Source: EatingWell Magazine, May 2019

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Elderberry Sunset Cocktail

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This refreshing cocktail calls for elderberry syrup--if you've tried trendy St-Germain elderflower liqueur, which is made from the same plant, the flavor of elderberry syrup is somewhat similar but not as floral. Stock up on the syrup for this cocktail and for your health--research shows that it can help you recover from a cold faster. (One brand, Sambucol, is widely available in supermarket supplement sections.) Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2019

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Sour Cherry Gin Fizz

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We've added a little red, white and blue to the classic gin fizz to create a summer cocktail that's perfect for Fourth of July celebrations or any other summer party. Sour cherries contain anthocyanins, antioxidants shown to reduce muscle soreness after workouts, and melatonin, which can help you sleep better. If you can't find them fresh, use frozen. Skip jarred or canned cherries to avoid added sugar. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2019

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Cucumber-Lemonade Chiller

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Pick up rosemary, cucumbers and lemons to concoct this grown-up lemonade that will keep you cool on a hot day. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2009

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Tangerine Bourbon Sidecars

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A fresh twist on a classic cocktail, this quick drink recipe uses sweet tangerine juice to balance the tang of bourbon. Source: EatingWell Magazine, March/April 2016

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Celebration Champagne Sparkler

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Sure, the lemon/maple/cayenne combo may evoke the Master Cleanse detox, but they just taste great together, especially in a glass of bubbles. Source: EatingWell Magazine, December 2019

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Blueberry Tom Collins

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The classic Tom Collins cocktail just got a bit of an upgrade! With a touch of sweet honey and lots fresh blueberries, this drink will have yours guests asking, "Tom who?" Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

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Pimm's Spritz Cocktail

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A cross between the English hot-weather staple Pimm's cup and the effervescent spritz, this easy lower-alcohol drink recipe relies on club soda for its festive fizz. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2018

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Pink Lemon Spritzer

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Healthy pomegranate juice gives its pink color to an elegant blended cocktail that's just right for summer parties. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

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Bloody Mary with Shrimp

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This bright, vitamin-packed cocktail is eye-opening whether or not it's spiked with vodka. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June/July 2005

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