Heavenly Lemonade is a refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion, especially spring and Easter celebrations. It’s a simple twist on the classic mimosa, replacing orange juice with lemonade for a tart, sweet, and bubbly drink. The cocktail is made with sparkling wine and lemonade, with an optional splash of raspberries to add a fruity touch. It’s easy to make and incredibly delicious!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of pink lemonade (or your preferred lemonade)

• 1 bottle of brut or another dry sparkling wine

• Raspberries (for garnish)

Directions

1. In a champagne flute or wine glass, fill the glass about two-thirds of the way with brut or sparkling wine.

2. Fill the remaining space with pink lemonade, leaving room to drop in a few raspberries.

3. Stir gently and enjoy your heavenly lemonade cocktail!

Tip: For a less alcoholic version, adjust the ratio of sparkling wine to lemonade.

Estimated Nutritional Value per Serving (1 serving):

• Calories: 150–200 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 15–25g

• Sugars: 12–20g (mostly from lemonade)

• Fat: 0g

• Protein: 0g

• Sodium: 10–20mg

• Potassium: 40–60mg

• Vitamin C: 10% of the Daily Value (from lemonade)

These values can vary depending on the type of lemonade and the sparkling wine used. The addition of raspberries will also contribute a small amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The alcohol in the sparkling wine contributes the majority of the calories in this cocktail.

A Simple, Refreshing Twist on a Classic

Mimosas have long been a favorite choice for brunch and daytime events. Traditionally made with sparkling wine and orange juice, they are known for their light, bubbly, and slightly sweet profile. Heavenly Lemonade takes this concept and makes it even more refreshing by replacing orange juice with lemonade. The result is a cocktail that is both tangy and sweet, with the crispness of sparkling wine providing the perfect contrast to the lemonade’s zesty punch.

The beauty of the Heavenly Lemonade cocktail lies in its simplicity. With just two primary ingredients—sparkling wine and lemonade—it’s incredibly easy to make yet delivers a sophisticated and refreshing drink. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a casual get-together, or celebrating a special event, this cocktail brings an effortless touch of elegance to any occasion.

The Sparkling Wine: Elevating the Cocktail

The key ingredient in any mimosa or sparkling cocktail is, of course, the sparkling wine. For Heavenly Lemonade, a dry brut sparkling wine is the best choice, as it provides the right amount of dryness to balance the sweetness of the lemonade. Brut sparkling wines, such as Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava, have a crisp and clean profile that helps elevate the tart flavors of the lemonade without overpowering them. The sparkling bubbles also contribute to the drink’s refreshing, effervescent quality, making each sip light and enjoyable.

However, depending on your preferences, you can also experiment with different types of sparkling wines. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you might opt for an extra dry sparkling wine, which will add a hint of sweetness to the drink without being overwhelming. Alternatively, a rosé sparkling wine can give your Heavenly Lemonade a beautiful blush color and a subtle fruity flavor that pairs wonderfully with the lemonade.

Lemonade: The Heart of the Cocktail

The star of the Heavenly Lemonade cocktail is, of course, the lemonade. This ingredient provides the tart, citrusy backbone that makes the drink so refreshing. While you can certainly use store-bought lemonade for convenience, there’s something special about making fresh lemonade at home. Freshly squeezed lemons bring a bright, natural flavor that enhances the drink’s overall profile. You can adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking by adding more or less sugar or sweetener.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with different types of lemonade. For example, using pink lemonade creates a pretty blush hue and adds a slightly different flavor profile. You could even infuse your lemonade with herbs like mint or basil for an extra layer of freshness and complexity. The lemonade’s role in this cocktail is to balance the dryness of the sparkling wine with its tartness while also contributing to the drink’s overall refreshing character.

The Optional Touch: Raspberries for Garnish

While Heavenly Lemonade is delightful on its own, the addition of fresh raspberries brings a touch of elegance and visual appeal to the drink. The raspberries not only add a pop of color but also contribute a subtle sweetness and slight tartness that complements the lemonade perfectly. Dropping a few raspberries into each glass before serving provides an aesthetically pleasing presentation and allows the fruit to infuse the drink with a hint of berry flavor.

For an extra flair, you can muddle the raspberries gently in the glass before adding the lemonade and sparkling wine to release their juices. This will add a deeper berry flavor to the cocktail and create a slightly richer taste. The addition of raspberries also adds a small nutritional boost, contributing vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants to your drink.

Customization: Adjusting the Alcohol Level

One of the great things about Heavenly Lemonade is its flexibility. If you prefer a lighter, less alcoholic drink, you can easily adjust the ratio of sparkling wine to lemonade. Simply add more lemonade and less sparkling wine for a milder, more refreshing beverage. On the other hand, if you prefer a stronger drink, you can increase the amount of sparkling wine for a bolder, more boozy version of the cocktail.

For those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, you can replace the sparkling wine with a sparkling water or soda to create a festive mocktail. This version of the Heavenly Lemonade maintains the refreshing fizz and vibrant flavor while keeping it alcohol-free, making it perfect for those who are abstaining from alcohol or for younger guests at a family gathering.

The Versatility of Heavenly Lemonade

Heavenly Lemonade is an incredibly versatile cocktail that works for a variety of occasions. Its light, citrusy, and bubbly profile makes it perfect for spring and summer events, particularly Easter celebrations, bridal showers, or brunches. The cocktail’s bright and cheerful nature is ideal for bringing people together and creating a festive atmosphere.

Because of its simplicity, the drink is easy to make in large batches for parties or gatherings. You can prepare the lemonade ahead of time and simply pour the sparkling wine into glasses when it’s time to serve. If you’re hosting a larger event, consider setting up a DIY cocktail station where guests can mix their own Heavenly Lemonade to their desired sweetness and alcohol level.

The Benefits of Fresh Ingredients

In addition to its refreshing flavor, Heavenly Lemonade is a cocktail made with ingredients that offer several benefits. Lemonade, whether fresh or store-bought, is a good source of Vitamin C, which is essential for boosting the immune system and maintaining healthy skin. The raspberries used for garnish provide antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, making them a healthy addition to the drink.

The sparkling wine itself, when consumed in moderation, can have its own health benefits. Some studies suggest that moderate consumption of wine, particularly sparkling varieties, can have heart-healthy effects due to the antioxidants found in grapes. However, it’s important to drink responsibly and be mindful of alcohol intake.

Conclusion: A Toast to Spring with Heavenly Lemonade

Heavenly Lemonade is a cocktail that perfectly embodies the spirit of spring. With its simple yet elegant ingredients, this drink is a delightful twist on the classic mimosa, offering a refreshing, citrusy, and bubbly experience. The addition of raspberries provides a touch of sweetness and color, while the versatility of the cocktail allows it to be customized to suit any occasion. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch, enjoying a sunny afternoon, or simply looking for a delicious and easy-to-make cocktail, Heavenly Lemonade is sure to become your new favorite drink. Cheers to the refreshing joy of Heavenly Lemonade!