Light, zesty, and just the right amount of sparkle-that’s the Blondie Cocktail. It’s a golden-hued drink that’s as easy to sip as it is to love. With crisp citrus notes and a little fizz, it’s the kind of cocktail that instantly puts you in a sunny, beachy state of mind. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it’s become a staple for summer nights on the patio or easy weekend get-togethers.
Blondie Cocktail
Ingredients
Makes 1 cocktail | Prep time: 5 minutes
You’ll need:
– 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
– 1 oz (30 ml) Triple Sec (or another citrus liqueur like Cointreau)
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
– Splash of club soda
– Ice
– Lemon slice or maraschino cherry, for garnish
What You’ll Need
– Shaker
– Highball glass (or a martini glass for a fancier vibe)
– Strainer
– Jigger or measuring spoons
Method
- Fill your shaker with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, Triple Sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well-about 15 seconds-until the outside of the shaker feels nice and cold.
- Strain into a chilled highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top it off with a splash of club soda. Give it a gentle stir so the bubbles don’t flatten.
- Garnish with a lemon slice or a cherry, and serve right away.
Tips for the Best Blondie Cocktail
– Use fresh lemon juice-it really makes a difference in the brightness of the drink.
– Chill your glass ahead of time to keep the cocktail cool longer.
– Don’t overshake. You want it cold, not watered down.
– To make your own simple syrup, just combine equal parts sugar and hot water. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can mix the vodka, Triple Sec, lemon juice, and syrup ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Don’t add the club soda until just before serving to keep the fizz fresh.
Substitutions
– No Triple Sec? Swap it with another orange liqueur like Cointreau or even Grand Marnier for a richer flavor.
– Want it less sweet? Cut the simple syrup to 0.25 oz (7 ml) or skip it altogether if your citrus liqueur is on the sweeter side.
– For a lower-alcohol version, just reduce the vodka to 1 oz (30 ml) and add a little more soda water.
What It Tastes Like
This drink is light and refreshing with a sweet-citrusy kick and a clean finish. Think lemonade with a grown-up twist. The vodka keeps it smooth, while the Triple Sec adds a gentle orange note. The lemon brings tang, and the club soda gives it that bubbly finish. It’s the kind of cocktail that’s easy to sip and hard to put down.
Why It Works
The balance of citrus and sweetness is what makes the Blondie shine. The acid from the lemon juice brightens the drink, while the simple syrup smooths it out. The vodka adds body without overpowering the flavor. And that splash of club soda? It lightens everything up and adds a refreshing sparkle.
Food Pairings
This cocktail goes great with light, fresh dishes. Here are a few ideas:
– Grilled chicken skewers – The smoky, savory notes work beautifully with the citrusy drink.
– Shrimp cocktail or grilled scallops – A perfect match for the Blondie’s crisp finish.
– Summer salads – Think greens, citrus vinaigrettes, or even fruit-forward combos like strawberry-spinach.
Variations to Try
Here’s where you can get creative. I thought I’d share a few twists I’ve tried over the years:
Blondie Blue
– Swap Triple Sec for Blue Curaçao to give the drink a vibrant blue hue and a slightly different citrus flavor.
Spicy Blondie
– Muddle a thin slice of fresh jalapeño in the shaker before adding the other ingredients. Adds a fun little kick.
Blondie Berry
– Toss in a few fresh raspberries or blackberries and muddle before shaking. It gives the drink a fruity depth and a pretty color.
Virgin Blondie
– Skip the vodka and Triple Sec. Just mix lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda for a fizzy, non-alcoholic refresher.
Common Questions
Can I make a pitcher for a group?
Yes! Multiply the ingredients by how many servings you need. Mix everything but the club soda ahead of time. Chill, then pour into glasses and top with soda right before serving.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
You can, but fresh lemon juice gives a much better flavor. Bottled lemon juice can taste flat or metallic.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Definitely. Adjust the simple syrup to your taste or use a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup.
What if I don’t have a shaker?
No problem. Just stir the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, then strain into your serving glass.
Is it only for summer?
Not at all. While it’s a hit in warm weather, the clean citrus flavor works year-round-especially as a lighter option during holiday gatherings.
Final Sips
The Blondie Cocktail is one of those drinks that just feels easy-easy to make, easy to drink, and easy to love. Whether you’re making one for yourself or mixing up a batch for friends, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Play around with the flavors, add your own twist, and enjoy the golden glow in every glass. Cheers!
