Vodka cocktail with lemons
This simple Romanian-style vodka cocktail combines vodka, fresh lemon juice and sugar, then is served with soda water. It takes just 10 minutes to mix and makes four servings.
Ingredients
- 500 mlvodka
- juice of 3 lemonslemon juice
- 4 tablespoonssugar
Instructions
- 1
Mix the cocktail
Stir the vodka together with the juice of the three lemons and the sugar.
- 2
Serve with soda
Serve the cocktail with soda water.
What is a vodka cocktail with lemons?
It is a short, citrus-led mixed drink made by combining vodka with lemon juice and sugar, then serving it with soda water. This Romanian recipe keeps the preparation simple, letting the sharp lemon and clean-tasting vodka lead.
Nutrition and macros by portion
The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 330 calories, 0g protein, 13g carbs, 0g fat.
| Portion | Adjustment | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighter | Use less sugar | 231 kcal | 0g | 9g | 0g |
| This serving | As written | 330 kcal | 0g | 13g | 0g |
| Hungry | Serve with appetisers | 495 kcal | 0g | 20g | 0g |
Most of the calories come from the vodka, while the sugar supplies the drink's carbohydrates; lemon juice contributes a smaller amount. Pair a serving with a meal or substantial snack, and remember that soda water adds volume without adding much energy.
The ingredients that matter
Fresh lemons: their juice gives the drink its tartness, so squeeze them shortly before mixing for the brightest flavour.
Sugar: it softens the lemon's acidity. Stir until it dissolves so the drink does not have a gritty finish.
Mixing for an even flavour
Combine the vodka, lemon juice and sugar thoroughly before serving. This helps distribute the sweet and sour flavours evenly through the mixture.
Adjusting the balance
Taste the mixture before serving and adjust the balance with a little more sugar if the lemons are especially sharp. Keep the lemon flavour noticeable rather than letting the sweetness dominate.
Serving with soda water
The recipe calls for soda water at serving time, which gives the cocktail a lighter, sparkling finish. Add it to each glass to suit your preferred level of fizz.
What to serve alongside
Serve it with salty snacks or simple appetisers, which work well beside the citrus and bubbles. Keep the food flavours straightforward so they do not overwhelm the drink.
Recipe notes & tips
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a clean, lively citrus flavour.
- Stir until the sugar has dissolved before pouring.
- Taste the vodka and lemon mixture before serving so you can judge its sweetness.
- Add soda water when serving to keep the fizz fresh.
- Chill the ingredients before mixing if you prefer to serve the drink without extra ice.
Variations
- More fizz: Add extra soda water to each glass.
- Less sweet: Reduce the sugar and taste before serving.
- Sweeter finish: Add a little more sugar if the lemon juice is very tart.
- Lemon peel: Add a strip of lemon peel to a glass for a stronger citrus aroma.
- Serve over ice: Pour the finished drink into glasses filled with ice.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Undissolved sugar: Stir the vodka, lemon juice and sugar thoroughly before serving.
- Too much tartness: Taste the mixture and add a little more sugar if needed.
- Adding soda too early: Pour it in at serving time to preserve the sparkle.
- Bottled lemon juice: Use fresh lemons for a brighter, fresher taste.
- Overpowering the lemon: Taste as you adjust the sweetness so the citrus remains distinct.
How to store
For the best flavour and fizz, mix and serve the cocktail shortly before drinking. If needed, keep the vodka, lemon juice and sugar mixture covered in the fridge for up to a day, then add soda water just before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make the mixture ahead?
Yes. Mix the vodka, lemon juice and sugar, cover and refrigerate for up to a day. Add soda water only when serving.
What kind of soda should I use?
Use plain soda water or sparkling water. The recipe does not specify a particular brand or style.
How can I make it less sweet?
Start with less than 4 tablespoons of sugar, then taste and add more if you want. Stir well so the sugar dissolves.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
You can, but freshly squeezed juice usually gives the cocktail a brighter lemon flavour.
Should I add ice?
Ice is not specified in the recipe, but you can serve the cocktail over ice if you like it colder.
Cook it from the original
This recipe comes from reteteculinare.ro. Their page has the author’s own photos, notes and tips — the best place to cook it from.
Open the recipe on reteteculinare.ro