Equipment
Ingredients
Main
- 30 ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 30 ml vodka
- 15 ml simple syrup
- ½ g salt, fine
- 150 g ice
- 90 ml club soda, chilled
- 1 lemon, wedge or wheel
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition is estimated per serving. Nutrients without complete source data are omitted.
Full nutrition
- Calories
- 206 kcal
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 36 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
- Sugar
- 16 g
- Sodium
- 222 mg
- Saturated Fat
- 0 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat
- 0 g
- Potassium
- 65 mg
- Calcium
- 23 mg
- Iron
- 0.2 mg
- Magnesium
- 7 mg
- Phosphorus
- 6 mg
- Zinc
- 0.2 mg
- Vitamin A
- 2 mcg
- Vitamin C
- 87 mg
- Vitamin E
- 0.1 mg
- Vitamin B6
- 0.1 mg
- Thiamin
- 0.03 mg
- Riboflavin
- 0.03 mg
- Niacin
- 0.1 mg
- Folate
- 8 mcg
- Water
- 276 g
- Alcohol
- 10 g
Sources: USDA FoodData Central
Method
Add the lemon juice, vodka, simple syrup, and salt to the cocktail shaker.
Add approximately 75g of ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the container is very cold.
Place the remaining 75g of fresh ice into the rocks glass.
Strain the chilled liquid from the shaker into the ice-filled glass.
Pour the chilled club soda over the mixture.
Place the lemon wedge or wheel on the rim of the glass and serve immediately.
Chef's Notes
- For the best flavor, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled juice can lack the brightness and complexity needed for a great cocktail.
- Ensure your simple syrup is fully dissolved. If making it yourself, a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water heated until dissolved is standard. Let it cool completely before use.
- When shaking, aim for a vigorous shake that creates a good chill and slight dilution. The outside of the shaker should be frosty.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or tartness before adding the club soda. If it's too tart, add a touch more simple syrup; if too sweet, a squeeze more lemon.
- Chill your serving glass beforehand for an even colder, more enjoyable drink.
Storage
Troubleshooting
Drink is too sour
Cause: Lemons had higher than average acidity.
Fix: Stir in an additional 5ml of simple syrup.
Prevention: Taste a small drop of the juice before mixing to gauge acidity.
Drink is watery
Cause: Shaking for too long or using small ice cubes that melt quickly.
Fix: Cannot be fixed.
Prevention: Use large ice cubes and limit shaking to 15 seconds.
Cultural Context
The Hard Lemonade, as a concept, is a modern interpretation of classic cocktails, evolving from the simple lemonade into an alcoholic beverage. It embodies the American tradition of casual, refreshing drinks often enjoyed at barbecues, picnics, or during warm weather.
