Fruity Vodka Lemonade Cocktail with Smirnoff No. 21 “American Summer” Edition

Independence Day weekend is pretty much HERE, and I find myself doing the classic “what the heck can I do with all these strawberries and blueberries?!” last minute 4th of July shuffle. Well, fear not, those of you pretending to care about my plight – for I have found the remedy!

And that remedy is taking something classic (Vodka Lemonade) and adding fruit! WIN! While not my most impressive or original moment as an amateur mixologist, I must say that fresh berries saturated in booze is so decadent – and the red, white and blue profile is so visually appealing – that I’m calling this one golden.

While this recipe calls for Smirnoff No. 21, if you plan to make this cocktail for your 4th of July weekend – or any summer gathering – you simply MUST get the limited edition No. 21 “American Summer” bottle with a playful and patriotic theme. The wraparound graphic was created by designer Jay Fletcher and it will add some serious party décor to your get-together.

I am the cliché hostess (think Alice from Orphan Black) that must have everything JUST SO when it comes to setting out the table. If it’s a patriotic or summertime gathering, I want every plate, bowl, bottle and dish to be in the spirit, dammit! (I’ve been known to raid the Dollar Store for cheap tablecloths and plastic cutlery if the rest of the table isn’t sufficiently themed.. Pinterest ain’t got nuthin’ on me, yo..)

Why I like this limited edition bottle? (Aside from the fact that I’m a nerd who gets giddy over owning / consuming anything limited edition?) There’s no mixing the drink, and then keeping the bottles tucked away to keep with the party theme. That’s a major plus for those of you as OCD as me when it comes to magazine cover quality party settings. This bottle is sit-on-top-of-the-table worthy for your summery shindigs.

While I am much more of a whiskey girl myself, Smirnoff No. 21 triple distilled 80-proof vodka is the world’s #1 best-selling vodka, which makes it pretty much a party pleaser and a must have for anyone’s entertaining bar. Part of being a good hostess is having a good selection of snacks and drinks that appeal to EVERYONE.. actually, what’s that one line from Blast from the Past, when Adam is saying what the definition of a gentleman is? Yeah, that.

Anyway, onward with my yummy cocktail creation! (Yes, I CAN reinvent the wheel, thank you very much..)

Additionally, you can make this drink party style and add the floating fruit into a punch bowl and whip up a large batch. I’d actually recommend this, since the longer the berries sit in the vodka, the more the flavors mingle, and the tastier the fruit!

Enjoy! *clinks imaginary glass*