Ready to meet your new favorite lemon vodka cocktail? Here it is!
This sweet, tart and incredibly refreshing Lemon Crush is likely to become your summer go-to — though I happily enjoy them well into the fall. The cocktail was inspired by our crew’s favorite lemon-coconut water drink at P.F. Chang’s. Unable to get the official recipe from the bartender, we carefully watched, took notes and recreated it at home. The result is a bright, balanced cocktail that feels both light and lively.
While the recipe uses coconut sugar and coconut water, the coconut flavor is subtle. For a more pronounced tropical note, try coconut-flavored vodka (CÎROC Coconut is a favorite for this). If you prefer a cleaner lemon profile, use a citrus or lemon vodka. I often choose coconut sugar for its caramel-like depth and because it feels a touch less processed than white sugar. If necessary, regular granulated or brown sugar will work fine, but the coconut sugar adds a pleasant background flavor that makes this cocktail distinctive.
This drink is simple to make and relies on fresh ingredients. Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the cocktail, the sugar balances acidity, vodka adds the kick, and coconut water keeps it light and thirst-quenching. The combination creates a crisp, slightly sweet cocktail that pairs beautifully with light bites and seafood.
Serving your cocktail:
Serve the Lemon Crush in a stemless wine glass, coupe, rocks glass, or highball — whatever you prefer. Garnish with a lemon wedge and an optional coconut sugar rim for a pretty, flavorful finish. For a lighter, alcohol-free version, simply omit the vodka and enjoy a refreshing mocktail.
These cocktails are excellent alongside simple dishes like roasted shrimp with lemon and garlic for an easy, casual afternoon or early evening snack. The bright citrus notes cut through richer flavors and complement seafood particularly well.
Love lemon cocktails? Try a lemon-basil margarita next
If you enjoy bright lemon drinks, a lemon margarita with fresh basil offers a complimentary herbal twist. Fresh herbs can elevate citrus cocktails, adding aromatic complexity and freshness that pair well with vodka-based lemon drinks like this Lemon Crush.
This Lemon Crush tastes like summer with a kick. Pro tips: use lemon or citrus vodka for extra lemon flavor, or coconut vodka for a tropical finish. Adjust the sugar to taste if your lemons are particularly tart.
Lemon Crush | Lemon Vodka Cocktail
K.C. Cornwell
5 mins
5 mins
Drinks
American
1 cocktail
141 kcal
Ingredients
- ½ lemon, juiced plus remaining half for garnish
- 1 Tbsp. coconut sugar plus more for garnish
- 1 oz. vodka
- 3-4 oz. coconut water
- a handful of ice
Instructions
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Combine lemon juice, coconut sugar and vodka in a cocktail shaker. Stir until the sugar begins to dissolve. Add coconut water and ice, then cover and shake until well chilled.
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Pour some additional coconut sugar onto a small plate and set aside for rimming the glass, if desired.
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Garnish the cocktail glass by running a lemon wedge around the rim. Press the rim into the coconut sugar on the plate and twist until it is evenly coated.
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Fill the glass with ice and, if you like, add another squeeze of lemon. Strain the shaken cocktail over the ice and enjoy. For a non-alcoholic version, skip the vodka and keep the proportions the same for a refreshing mocktail.
Notes
For more lemon flavor, use lemon or citrus vodka. If you prefer a stronger coconut character, substitute coconut vodka.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Protein: 1 g
Fat: 1 g
Sodium: 119 mg
Potassium: 267 mg
Sugar: 13 g
Vitamin C: 22 mg
cocktail recipes, gluten-free cocktail recipes, lemon cocktail, summer cocktail recipes
Photos by Hilary Rance and Katie Roletto.
Lemonade Blueberry Cocktail Recipe
This boozy lemonade blueberry cocktail is another summer favorite: refreshing, fruity and visually striking. Blueberry pairs wonderfully with lemon, and both cocktails share a bright, drinkable quality that makes them perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Lemon Crush | Lemon Vodka Cocktail:
It’s very close. We observed the drink being made at the restaurant, took notes and recreated it to match the flavor and balance.
No. Regular granulated sugar or brown sugar will work. Coconut sugar adds caramel-like depth and a subtle flavor that complements the coconut water.
The Lemon Crush is a great example: fresh lemon juice, vodka, coconut sugar, and coconut water create a bright, well-balanced cocktail.
Light, fruity mixers and citrus are excellent with coconut vodka. This Lemon Crush is an especially good match.