Summer Sips: Vodka Cocktails That Taste Like the Great Lakes

Summer Sips: Vodka Cocktails That Taste Like the Great Lakes

When the summer sun reflects off the water and the breeze carries that unmistakable lake air, there’s nothing better than kicking back with a cocktail that captures it all. At Lake Effect Vodka, we’ve crafted our spirits with the Great Lakes in mind — clean, crisp, and bursting with natural flavor.

Whether you're hosting a lakeside BBQ, a backyard cookout, or a rooftop hang, here are 4 summer-ready vodka cocktails that taste like the best of the Midwest.

🍓 1. Strawberry Lake Effect

Fresh, fruity, and fizzing with flavor

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Lake Effect Vodka

• 0.75 oz lemon juice

• 0.75 oz strawberry purée

• Top with prosecco

• Optional: sliced strawberry

Instructions: Shake vodka, lemon juice, and strawberry purée with ice. Strain into a glass and top with prosecco. Garnish with a fresh strawberry.

Perfect for: Afternoon picnics, patio brunches, and pink sunsets over the water.

🥒 2. Lemon Lake

Light, floral, and cucumber-cool

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Lake Effect Vodka

• 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur

• 1 oz lemon juice

• Top with cucumber soda

• Optional: cucumber slices

Instructions: Shake vodka, lemon juice, and elderflower together. Pour over ice in a tall glass. Top with cucumber soda and garnish.

Perfect for: Poolside lounging or pairing with grilled veggies and light fare.

🧊 3. The Mule Effect

Zesty and refreshing with a ginger kick

Ingredients

• 1.25 oz Lake Effect Vodka

• 0.75 oz lemon juice

• Ginger beer

• Grapefruit wedge (optional)

Instructions: Shake vodka and lemon juice, pour into a copper mule mug filled with ice, top with ginger beer, and garnish with grapefruit.

Perfect for: Summer bonfires, boat days, and lakeside chillouts.

🌶️ 4. The Remedy Effect

Bold, savory, and perfect for brunch

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Lake Effect Vodka

• Remedy Bloody Mary Mix

• Dill pickle spear

• Celery stalk

Instructions: Shake vodka and Bloody Mary mix. Pour over ice into a tall glass. Garnish with a pickle spear and celery.

Perfect for: Late morning lakeside brunches or post-swim recovery.

Why These Cocktails Work with Lake Effect Vodka

Our vodka is seven times distilled for unmatched smoothness, crafted in small batches in Milwaukee, and inspired by the clean, fresh air of the Great Lakes. That’s why these cocktails don’t just taste good — they taste like home.

Which One Will You Try First?

Tag us in your creations using #LakeEffectVodka and #SummerSips — and if your local liquor store doesn’t carry us yet, ask them to!

Find Lake Effect Vodka at participating Woodman’s and local liquor stores. Want to bring the lake effect to your next gathering? Book a tasting event today »