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5.0 from 3 votes

Bootleg Cocktail

The Bootleg Cocktail, Minnesota's signature summertime cocktail, is a super lovely balance of sweet and tart, with freshly squeezed lemon and lime juices, plus a bit of orange. Fresh mint adds a sweet, cooling flavor. And club soda provides the bubbly finish. Mix with vodka or your favorite alcohol, or enjoy as a mocktail!

Prep Time
20 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 140 kcal
Course: Cocktails
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Bootleg Mix (enough to make 10 drinks)
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon loosely packed fresh lemon zest
  • ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon loosely packed fresh lime zest
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon loosely packed fresh orange zest
  • 1 cup simple syrup see Notes below
  • 2 tablespoons small-chopped fresh mint leaves
Bootleg Cocktail (single cocktail)
  • 2 ounces chilled Bootleg Mix
  • 1-2 ounces vodka gin, light rum, or bourbon (see Notes below)
  • 2 ounces chilled club soda
  • fresh lime wedge and a sprig of fresh mint for garnish

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. To make the Bootleg Mix: Place lemon juice and zest, lime juice and zest, and orange juice and zest in a high-speed blender and blend on high for 30 seconds to fully incorporate the zest. Then add the simple syrup and mint, and pulse the blender just until the mint is chopped into very small bits. Take care to not over blend - you still want to see some little bits of mint leaves! Pour the mix into a jar and enjoy immediately in Bootleg Cocktails - or cover jar with a lid and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. For the freshest color when entertaining, do not make this more than 2 hours prior to serving - if made too far in advance, the vibrant green color of the mint starts to fade.
  2. To make a Bootleg Cocktail: Add Bootleg Mix and vodka (or booze of choice) to a 10-12 ounce glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig.

Notes

  • To make simple syrup: Simply boil equal parts water and sugar on the stovetop (I usually use 1 cup each), and stir until the sugar dissolves. Then keep it in a covered jar or bottle in the fridge - it'll last for at least a month!
  • To make a pitcher of Bootleg Cocktail (for 10 cocktails): Add the entire Bootleg Mix to a large pitcher, along with 1¼ to 2½ cups liquor of choice, and 2½ cups chilled club soda. Give the mixture a stir, then divide between ice-filled glasses, about 5-6 ounces per cocktail. If not making all 10 cocktails at once, omit the club soda from the pitcher and then top each drink with 2 ounces club soda - this will ensure lively bubbles.
  • The chopped mint floats to the top of the drink as it settles - if you prefer less of the chopped mint, feel free to skim it off the top of the drink before enjoying.
  • The Bootleg Mix keeps well for up to 4 days. Just know that the bright green color of the fresh mint will fade as time goes on.
  • The Bootleg Mix makes an EXCELLENT mocktail. Just mix it with club soda to your desired ratio. It's also fun to use a combination of club soda and spicy ginger beer!

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 Calories 140kcal (7%) Carbohydrates 23g (8%) Sodium 9mg (0%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 20g (40%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 10servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 140

% Daily Value*

Serving 1
Calories 140kcal 7%
Carbohydrates 23g 8%
Sodium 9mg 0%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 20g 40%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.