FAST Fresh Lemonade and Vodka

No one loves classic, old-fashioned cocktails better than me—see my recipes for Frozen Whiskey Sours and West Indies Lime Mint Rum Punch.

But let’s face it, sometimes you don’t have a jar of Simple Syrup in the fridge and nine limes on hand.

Can you still treat yourself to a fresh specialty cocktail?

Yes, indeed.

Just as there’s a time and place for FAST—Fresh Almost Scratch Tasty—food, Copywriters’ Kitchen embraces the occasional FAST cocktail. Maybe a little more than occasionally.

You can read more about my FAST food philosophy, but the central tenets for FAST cocktails follow:

The drinks should…

• Be mixable in two minutes or less
• Not use convenience mixes like those Bar-Tenders Tom Collins packets from the 1970s
• Not demand exotic ingredients like fresh mango or coconut milk
• Require minimal clean-up—no blenders or cocktail shakers needed

FAST Fresh Lemonade and Vodka is one of my favorite summer cocktails. This tall drink doesn’t taste exactly the same as the Lemon Presse and Vodka they used to serve at the Union Square Café, but it’s close.

Very close.

FAST Fresh Lemonade and Vodka
For each drink you’ll need:
4 tablespoons frozen lemonade concentrate–I like Minute Maid Brand
6 ounces water
2 ounces vodka
Ice
Lemon wedges and slices for garnish, if desired

1. In a tall glass, mix frozen lemonade, water and vodka.




2. Fill glass with ice and squeeze juice from a lemon wedge on top. Garnish with a thin lemon slice.