Best Substitutes for Lemonade

Out of Lemonade? Here are the best alternatives that work in cocktail recipes.

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Original Ingredient

Lemonade

Other Sweet, citrusy nose with lemon, sugar, and refreshing brightness. Palate is sweet-tart with lemon juice and simple syrup balance. Clean, bright finish with quenching citrus freshness.

Recommended Substitutes

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Pink lemonade

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

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Lemon-lime soda

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

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Sour mix

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

General Substitution Tips

  • Match the alcohol level: a 40% spirit needs a similarly strong replacement or adjust volume.
  • For liqueurs, dilute spirits + simple syrup can replicate sweetness and proof.
  • Citrus substitutions: lemon and lime are mostly interchangeable at a 1:1 ratio.
  • For bitters, Angostura is the most neutral substitute for most other aromatic bitters.