I’m curious how much more citrus I can squeeze into a drink.
A little more, please. I’ll trade you cold drinks filled with crushed ice and very likely pizza.
Hi there.
Last year I made clementine cream sodas and we absolutely loved them. They’re a delightful fruity alternative to soda—especially if carbonation isn’t your thing—and when you add ice cream it becomes pure indulgence: creamy, bright and delicious.
For this thirsty Thursday I wanted a grown-up version. I’ve been thinking about a cucumber vodka soda because it’s so refreshing, but with gray, cold weather dragging on I needed something that felt sunnier. Clementines scream sunshine—spa-day and poolside vibes—so I decided to pack a big dose of vitamin C into a vodka soda.
Plus vodka. Because sometimes that’s the best medicine for everything.
Start by making fresh clementine juice. Clementines aren’t built for juicing the way oranges are—they’re segment-friendly—so the easiest method is a handheld citrus squeezer. You can also use a juicer if you prefer, or pulse clementines in a blender and strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove pulp and seeds. I like the sieve method when I want a very smooth juice.
Next, combine the clementine juice with freshly squeezed lime juice for a bright, balanced flavor.
Then add ice-cold vodka and a little simple syrup to taste. I like my cocktails slightly sweet—childhood sweet—but adjust the syrup to your preference.
Finally, top everything with cold seltzer or club soda and serve over crushed ice. Garnish with fresh mint, lime wedges and clementine segments, and hand out two straws for maximum weekend vibes.
Clementine Vodka Soda
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fresh clementine juice
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1/4 cup simple syrup
- 1 to 2 cups cold seltzer water lime seltzer is great
- crushed ice for serving
- lime fresh mint and clementine segments for garnish
Instructions
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In a large pitcher, combine the clementine juice, lime juice, vodka and simple syrup. Stir well, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Before serving, pour in the cold seltzer water, starting with 1 cup. Taste and add more simple syrup or seltzer if desired. Serve over crushed ice and garnish with mint, lime wedges and clementine segments.
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To make simple syrup: combine equal parts sugar and water (for example, 1 cup each) in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the sugar dissolves, bring to a simmer, then remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Store in the fridge.
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Now that we’ve had our juice for the day, you’re ready to mix, chill and enjoy.