Speaking of mojitos… I can’t wait to share the recipe for what will undoubtedly become your new favorite summer cocktail – Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonade Mojitos!
One of Ben’s and my current favorite activities is partaking in cocktail hour on the back porch after the tiny gentleman goes to bed. The summer sun is still relatively high in the sky and the patio is dappled by its warm rays shining through the leafy trees. He cracks open a frosty IPA while I decide on a festive cocktail, and then we choose a Pandora station to relax to via our outdoor speakers. I preemptively veto anything hip hop-related while he forbids Fun. radio, of course. We usually end up somewhere between The Beatles, Eagles, and Bob Marley.
I’d been enjoying gin and tonics spiked with a few pickled baby jalapenos a friend gave us (oh my GOSH are they good!) but a couple weeks ago a rather serendipitous occasion occurred which has altered summer cocktail hour forever. #dramatic
First I snagged some leftover tonic from the aforementioned gin and tonics, and then randomly discovered a bottle of sweet tea vodka in the basement fridge as I was digging around for frozen ground beef. Next I spied a super-sweet meyer lemon in a bag Ben had brought home from the store for a martini he was crafting, and THEN I remembered we had extra fresh mint in the fridge from my Mojito Fruit Salad.
Put it all together and you’ve got one HELLUVA cocktail!
Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonade Mojitos are so refreshing it makes me sad. Previously my Dad’s Killer Beergaritas were the only drinks that could truly quench a summer thirst, and I had to break the news to Pops earlier this week that it’d been replaced. Noooooooo!! he exclaimed. There, there. I said.
Anyway, a couple nights later I took things up a notch and replaced the tonic with lemonade. Ding, ding, ding, we had a winner! The sweetness from the sweet tea vodka and tart lemonade mixed with muddled fresh lemon juice and fresh mint is craaaaazy good. SO refreshing! If you think you’ll miss the fizz of a traditional mojito, then by all means sub the lemonade for club soda, but do yourself a favor and try it with the lemonade too.
Heck, summer’s short. Try ’em both!
In terms of cocktails, this one’s a cinch to source and make. You’ll need sweet tea flavored vodka, lemonade (or club soda,) fresh mint, and lemons. As I mentioned, I loved this drink with meyer lemons but they can be hard to come by. Regular lemons work just fine!
First squeeze 1/2 lemon into a 16oz mason jar or tumbler then add 5-6 sprigs fresh mint.
Next use the bottom of a wooden spoon and muddle the heck out of both the lemon half and mint.
Next, fill the jar up with ice then add 2oz (1/4 cup) sweet tea flavored vodka. I like Jeremiah Weed and Firefly brands.
Finally add 1/2 cup lemonade. Again, you could use club soda, or a mixture if you don’t like your cocktails too sweet.
Screw the lid on the jar then shake what your mama gave ya’.
Tip:Â these drinks are AWESOME to make ahead of time. Simply muddle the mint and lemon/lemon juice, add the vodka and lemonade, and then screw on the top and pop in the fridge. When you’re ready to drink, add ice then shake!
Grab a straw and you’re set!
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Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonade Mojitos
Description
Sweet Tea Vodka Lemonade Mojitos are the ultimate in refreshing summer cocktails. Make ahead then sip at a moment's notice!
Ingredients
- 1 lemon (get a meyer lemon, if you can find one)
- 10-12 fresh mint leaves
- ice
- 4oz sweet tea vodka (I like Jeremiah Weed or Firefly brand)
- 1 cup lemonade (could use club soda, or a mixture)
Directions
- Squeeze each half of the lemon into two 16oz mason jars or tumblers then place lemon half in glass. Add 5-6 fresh mint leaves to each glass then muddle with a wooden spoon. Fill glasses with ice then add 2oz sweet tea flavored vodka and 1/2 cup lemonade or club soda (or a mixture) to each glass. Screw on top and shake to combine or stir to combine then serve.
Notes
- To make ahead, muddle lemon and mint in mason jars then add vodka and lemonade. Screw on top then refrigerate until ready to drink. Add ice then shake and serve!
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
This is a drink I will be sipping all summer long. Hope you enjoy as much as I do!
Ann 06.06.2014
Sweet Tea is not anything I get near. But, the vodka element has piqued my curiosity. The only ingredient I have on hand is fresh mint. This is a definite sign to make a Costco run for the rest. I have plans for this Mojito. Lol Love that this is “make ahead and always ready.” With a serious schedule of outdoor concerts, this is very helpful. Thanks, IG.
Polly @ Tasty Food Project 06.06.2014
This looks like such a refreshing summer beverage! Thanks for sharing!
Sammi @Sammi Sunshine 06.06.2014
I LOVE a good lemonade drink in the summer heat. I’m trying to get my husband to drink more cocktails to show him they’re not all “girly”. He’s a major beer drinker. :)
Kelsie 06.06.2014
Sweet Tea Vodka is my absolute favorite for summer!! I love the cute straws and mason jars too! My second favorite summertime drink is watermelon cucumber cooler. You should give it a try!
http://www.designlifediaries.com/2014/06/watermelon-strawberry-and-cucumber.html
Millie l Add A Little 06.06.2014
These are so cute! Loving the jars you’ve served them in and the straws are adorable!
http://youtube.com/addalittlefood
jenna 06.06.2014
This is a great idea -we’ve been making “adult” Arnold Palmers for awhile (it’s our favorite beach drink), but I never thought to add mint – can’t wait to try this! Also, the sweet tea vodka mixed with regular brewed iced tea is great too!
We are vodka people, so one other favorite is whipped flavored vodka plus ginger ale – tastes like cream soda!
Trista 06.06.2014
My go to summer drink is sweet tea vodka and lemonade. Since, I just planted mint in my garden, I am excited to try it with the mint. Yummy!! Love your blog.
Matt Robinson 06.06.2014
This is the perfect drink for summer, love this!!
Susan 06.06.2014
Your recipe sounds delicious and refreshing! I think I’ll try them according to your suggestion, and when I’m craving the fizz, I’ll use lemonade flavored soda. Cheers!!!
Adrienne 06.06.2014
Oh my. I love Sweet Tea Vodka and Lemonade. I also love Mojitos. I need to try this combination ASAP!!
erin @hooleywithaz 06.06.2014
HOW DARE YOU. how dare you post a recipe like this when i cannot participate?? this might be the first cocktail i make myself when i can drink again. drooling.
Michelle 06.06.2014
These look amazing!! I’ve been GF for three years and still can’t figure out what’s safe to drink. So much conflicting info. I would love a mojito or g&t – margaritas are getting old. You’ve had no problems with vodka or gin?
Anna @ Small Dog the Blog 06.06.2014
I’m due to have my baby anytime now in the next week and a half, and I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect post-baby, summery, refreshing alcoholic beverage. You just nailed it with this recipe! THANK YOU!
Elizabeth {Positively Healthy} 06.06.2014
YUM! I love fun drinks likes this before a meal or even during! Sounds like it would go great with a summer salad!
Friday Favorites | Kaylen's Kitchen 06.06.2014
[…] Tea Vodka Lemonade Mojito Recipe: This is from one of my favorite food blogs, Iowa Girl Eats! I must try this recipe; it just screams […]
Erin | The Law Student's Wife 06.06.2014
Oh my lans, bless your heart! These have me wanting to slip into a charming southern accent, then sip sweet tea cocktails on a porch for all of time. Love your and Ben’s HH routine too!
Chicago Jogger 06.06.2014
YUM. This looks like the perfect summer drink :)
Laura @ Raise Your Garden 06.06.2014
The kiddos are going to charge double for these at their lemonade stand this year!! Just a little joke…..or not!
Bri | Bites of Bri 06.06.2014
I went to school in Charleston so Firefly is a favorite! We’ve actually thought about going to the distillery but we always run out of time when we are down visiting. These look so refreshing. I cannot wait to try them.
Maryea {happy healthy mama} 06.06.2014
Ooh I need to find some sweet tea vodka~ this sounds incredible!