Drinks

Boozy Blueberry Basil Lemonade

August 26, 2026

One of the most quintessential Nantucket cocktails is blueberry vodka lemonade, all thanks to Cisco Brewers/Triple Eight Distillery’s blueberry- flavored vodka. Made with real berries, this vodka tastes like a shot of blueberry jam. Mix it with refreshingly tart lemonade on a hot summer night and that’s paradise to me. This recipe is my way of recreating the beverage when I’m off island and Triple Eight is hard to come by. I’m subbing in unflavored vodka and a literal shot of blueberry jam, and if you close your eyes, it almost tastes like you’re on island.

Boozy Blueberry Basil Lemonade

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Ingredients

For 1 Cocktail

1 1⁄2 ounces vodka or gin
1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon Blueberry Jam (page 250) or store- bought
5 fresh basil leaves, torn into 1⁄2 inch pieces
4 ounces club soda, chilled

For 10 Cocktails

2 cups vodka or gin (optional)
1 1⁄4 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
1⁄4 cup Blueberry Jam (page 250) or store- bought
5 cups filtered water or club soda
1⁄2 bunch fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
Lemon slices, for serving

Instructions

FOR ONE COCKTAIL: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add the vodka or gin, lemon juice, blueberry jam, and torn basil leaves and shake vigorously.
Dirty dump into a glass (meaning no straining, ice goes in too!), add more ice if desired, and top with 4 ounces of chilled club soda, or more to taste.
FOR BATCHED COCKTAILS: In a large container, whisk together the vodka or gin (if using), lemon juice, and blueberry jam. Store the lemonade concentrate in the refrigerator for up to 2 days until ready to serve.
If using water, in a large pitcher combine the lemonade concentrate and 5 cups of filtered water and stir to combine.
To serve, fill glasses three quarters full with crushed ice and pour over the lemonade. Top with a few pieces of torn basil leaves and a sliced lemon.
If using club soda, do not premix it with the concentrate, as the carbonation will go flat. Instead, prepare each glass fresh. To serve, fill glasses three-quarters full with crushed ice. Pour in about 3⅓ ounces of the lemonade concentrate, then add about 1/2 cup of club soda. Top with a few pieces of torn basil leaves and a sliced lemon.