Sippin' on Sunshine: Spiced Lemonade
A cozy, tropical twist on classic lemonade
Looking for an easy, vibrant cocktail that delivers sunshine in every sip? This Spiced Lemonade blends the tangy brightness of lemonade with the warm, comforting notes of Kōloa Spice Rum—think cinnamon, vanilla, toasted sugar, and a hint of clove. It’s simple to make, endlessly sippable, and ideal for backyard barbecues, lazy Sunday afternoons, or sunset beach hangs.
With just three ingredients and a splash of island flavor, this cocktail is all about celebrating the moment—one refreshing sip at a time.
Servings: About 1 cup (Serves 1)
Ingredients
2 oz Kōloa Spice Rum
4 oz lemonade (fresh-squeezed or quality store-bought)
Lemon wheel or wedge, for garnish
Ice
Instructions
Fill a tall glass with ice.
Pour in Kōloa Spice Rum and lemonade.
Stir gently to combine and chill.
Garnish with a lemon wheel, wedge, or even a sprig of mint.
Sip and enjoy the cozy tropical vibes!
Lemon Tips & Variations
Types of Lemons: Meyer lemons add a naturally sweet, floral note that pairs beautifully with spiced rum. Lisbon or Eureka lemons (standard supermarket lemons) offer that classic tangy zip. For a more intense citrus flavor, try a mix of lemon and lime juice.
Fresh is Best: Freshly squeezed lemonade will give you the brightest, most vibrant flavor. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water, then sweeten to taste with simple syrup or honey.
Make It Sparkle: Add a splash of sparkling water or lemon seltzer for a fizzy twist.
Garnish It Up: Add a cinnamon stick, a few whole cloves, or a thin slice of candied ginger for an elegant finishing touch.
Batch It: Hosting a group? Multiply the recipe and serve in a large pitcher with floating lemon slices and ice.
Serving Suggestions
Pair With: Grilled shrimp skewers, rum-glazed chicken wings, papaya and avocado salad, or spiced nut mixes.
Mocktail Option: Omit the rum and add a splash of spiced tea (like chai) for a non-alcoholic version that still delivers warming notes.
Sweetener Swap: If making lemonade from scratch, try agave syrup, honey, or coconut sugar instead of white sugar for depth and richness.
Best Glassware: Tall highball glass or mason jar with a paper straw
Want to share your take or see how others are using it?
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This simple cocktail is one of those easy wins that brings instant island joy to your glass.
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With gratitude,
Nicole
The Island Spirit Kitchen—where sweet, savory, and a little splash of rum come together beautifully.