You deserve a Shot of Gold drink – a sparkling lemonade that’s perfect to serve as a St. Patrick’s Day cocktail. This easy champagne cocktail is a perfect way to start the festivities and it’s also fancy enough to serve at ladies’ brunches and Mother’s Day. Quick and easy to make with just 3 ingredients.
The Luck of the Irish is bringing you this charming St. Patrick’s Day cocktail to help you celebrate the Irish in great taste.
Yes, I know that traditionally St. Patrick’s Day means imbibing with your favorite green beer, Irish whiskey, and maybe even a big dinner of corned beef… but sometimes we want to mix things up a little!
My mixing comes in the form of this cute celebratory drink. I don’t drink a lot of hard alcohol, so my cocktail contribution for this holiday is an easy sip, perfect for day drinking occasions like showers, birthdays, brunches and of course, St. Patrick’s day.
If champagne cocktails are your thing, be sure to check out my Champagne Slushies and Peach Champagne Punch Brunch Cocktail.
Sparkling Lemonade Recipe Ingredients
- Sugar and water – combined together to make a simple syrup. This adds a little sweetness to the cocktail and you can make it ahead of time.
- Lemon juice – lemon juice adds a little acidity and bright citrus flavor to this St. Patrick’s Day cocktail and is balanced out by the simple syrup.
- Champagne – Use your favorite champagne to top up the cocktail. You can also use Prosecco if you prefer.
How To Make This Sparking Lemonade
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Prep – make the simple syrup by adding sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat and whisk until clear. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
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Combine – simple syrup, lemon juice and whisk in champagne.
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Serve – chilled.
Easy Mocktail Variation
Make this shot of gold cocktail into a mocktail by substituting the champagne for sparkling grape juice, club soda or sparkling water. Non-drinkers and any children at your party will love this thoughtful touch!
A Gold Drink For St. Patrick’s Day
There’s nothing better at the end of the rainbow, or long day, than a Shot of Gold! I love the golden hue of this drink, and it’s a classy way to celebrate Paddy’s Day.
I rimmed each glass with gold sugar so you can serve this drink with even more sparkle! More ideas for a sweet garnish?
- It would also be so pretty with a sprig of mint leaves for garnish.
- Play up on the lemon flavor with fresh lemon slices or even candied lemon.
- Add a fresh edible flower (like pansies) for a charming addition for this drink to fit into a variety of other springtime occasions.
If you love this sparkling lemonade cocktail, be sure to check out my incredible homemade honey lemonade. You’ll never want store bought lemonade again!
Can You Make Sparkling Lemonade Ahead Of Time?
This drink is best served as soon as you make it: you want it chilled, and this ensures the champagne is still bubbly.
You can, however, make the simple syrup up to two weeks ahead of time and keep it in an airtight bottle or jar in the fridge. It’s great for so many other drinks like a Vodka Mojito.
A Light Sparkling Lemonade
I love how quick and easy it is to make this St.Patrick’s Day cocktail, just three ingredients and it’s ready to drink in minutes. It’s wonderfully light and refreshing and it’s a perfect Spring time drink.
You can easily multiply this recipe with my printable conversion chart, and serve this cocktail in a large pitcher if you’re inviting lots of guests!
Tips
- Be sure to chill your champagne before making the cocktails.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the freshest tasting cocktail, don’t use the bottled stuff.
- Sugar rim the glass by either dipping it in water and then the sugar, or rub a little lemon juice around the rim and then dip it.
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If you try this yummy sparkling lemonade recipe, please come back to share using my 5 star rating in the comments below! Not only do I appreciate it, but I know readers do, too!
Sparkling Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups lemon juice
- 1 bottle champagne (about 3 cups) or sparkling juice
Instructions
- Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium and whisk until clear making a simple syrup. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Combine simple syrup, lemon juice and whisk in champagne. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Be sure to chill your champagne before making the cocktails.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the freshest tasting cocktail, don't use the bottled stuff.
- Sugar rim the glass by either dipping it in water and then the sugar, or rub a little lemon juice around the rim and then dip it.
That sounds fantastic! I can’t wait to try it. 🙂
Cheers!
I feel like I could have one of these right now…
This sounds amazing! I am really partial to champagne cocktails and I love how simple this one is…plus anything with lemon is a winner for me!
Aw, I wish we all could actually get together to celebrate as well! Beautiful cocktail Julie. xo
This drink is (almost) too pretty to drink! That gold rim, ooh la la!
I like how you rimmed it with the gold sugar. But even more so, that plant is just perfect for the shoot! It looks like a large three-leaf clover!