5 from 6 votes

This Bootlegger Cocktail is Minnesota’s signature sip of summer, a refreshing bootlegger drink recipe that’s perfect for a hot summer day. It starts with a homemade bootlegger mix made from frozen lemonade, limeade, and fresh lime, then topped with soda water and your choice of vodka, gin, or rum.

I tested this bootlegger drink with my Minnesota and Wisconsin family until we nailed the perfect balance — and i know you’ll love it too!

The Bootleg Cocktail Story

Also called the Bootleg Cocktail, it has a fun origin story theory that ties back to Minnesota during the height of prohibition in the united states. Story has it that this spirited beverage was created at country clubs around Minneapolis, where bartenders crafted a bootleg drink recipe using lemonade, limeade, and fresh herbs to mask the taste of liquor during bootlegger prohibition.

Some even say it became the unofficial official state cocktail of Minnesota, making it a great choice for sipping on the patio or after one of Minnesota’s many fantastic golf course options. A sour minty refreshment with a punchy finish you'll love!

For me, this recipe feels extra special. While I call Wisconsin home, I’ve also lived in Minnesota and spent over 20 years commuting there for my corporate job. My heart belongs to both places — part of my family, many friends, and colleagues are Minnesotan. I like to say I’m a Venezuelan living in Minnesota and Wisconsin, because a girl’s heart just can’t choose. Sharing this Minnesota cocktail feels right — it’s nostalgic, refreshing, and honestly, why wouldn’t I feature it? It’s so delicious.

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The Bootleg Cocktail Story
Equipment
Ingredients and Substitutions
Instructions
Other Refreshing Recipes!
Recipe Variations
Storage suggestions
⭐Leave a review!
Related Recipes
Pairing Suggestions
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And if you’re planning a summer menu, this bootleg drink recipe pairs perfectly with our Crispy Tostones Appetizer, our Creamy Mexican-Style Corn Dip, and a refreshing Mango Shrimp Ceviche. Together, they make a spread that’s as summery as it gets.

And, if you enjoy mixing drinks, here are other recipes for the cocktail lovers! From our refreshing Strawberry Watermelon Rosé Sangria to the Mexican Paloma: The Best Grapefruit and Tequila Cocktail, Brazilian Passion Fruit Caipirinha Cocktail, and the best Aperol Margarita Cocktail recipe! — each of these creative cocktails one brings its own twist of flavor and sunshine in a glass.

Equipment

Just a few tools needed to make this Minnesota classic. A tall glass to serve the finished cocktail over ice. For blending the homemade bootlegger mix, an electric blender does the job quickly. We prefer our drink extra chilled and smooth, so we use also a cocktail shaker.

Ingredients and Substitutions

This Bootleg Cocktail starts with a refreshing homemade base and finishes with bright garnishes that bring out the great flavors of summer. Fresh citrus, fresh mint, and a splash of fizz from clucb soda make it an easy drink to love.

See the Printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities

Ingredients Notes

Mint: Always use fresh mint leaves for the best aroma and color.
Citrus Base: The frozen lemonade and limeade concentrate create that signature balance of tart and sweet. Fresh-squeezed juices can be used, but the frozen concentrates make it easy and consistent.
Mixer: Club Soda gives the drink its light fizz. Swap it with your favoritte sparkling water or lemon-lime soda for a sweeter twist.
Mocktail Version: Skip the alcohol and top the mix with extra club soda for a refreshing non-alcoholic option that keeps all the great flavors.
Batching for Parties: The homemade mix can be made ahead and chilled for up to 3 days — perfect for gatherings and summer BBQs.

Choosing the Right Alcohol for The Bootlegger

When it comes to bootleg alcohol, there’s plenty of room for personal taste. The bootlegger is known for its fresh mint and citrus balance, so choosing the right base spirit makes a difference.

For a clean and crisp version, my family and I voted that vodka was our top choice. We used Prairie Organic Vodka. It’s smooth, neutral, and lets the mint and citrus shine, making it our favorite bootlegger alcohol.

If you prefer a little more character, gin is another great option. Du Nord Socialspirits Prominence Gin adds subtle botanical notes that pairs nicely with the lime and mint. Because we are Latins and love rum, we also tested white and dark rum and it worked well too. Though vodka was the winner.

Whether you’re using vodka, rum, or gin, this cocktail’s flavor is all about balance. That’s the versatility of the bootlegger — it’s easy to make your own.

Instructions

Make the Homemade Bootlegger Mix

Step 1: In a blender, combine lemonade and limeade concentrates with the fresh mint leaves and peeled, seeded lime.

Step 2: Blend until smooth.

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Step 3: Pour into a bottle or jar and refrigerate at least 30 minutes to chill for the best flavor.

Step 4: This Bootleg mix makes about 8 cocktails; shake or stir before using.

Make the Cocktail (1 serving)

Step 5: Fill a tall glass with ice. Add ice to a shaker, then add vodka (or gin/rum) and bootleg mix, shake until well chilled. Strain into the glass and top with the club soda; give a gentle stir.

Step 6: Garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig; serve right away. Enjoy!

Adjust the Strength: For lower alcohol content, use half the spirit and extra bootleg mix or more club soda. For a zero-proof version, skip the spirit and top off with extra club soda.

This fun drink is easy to make, refreshing, and full of citrus flavor — perfect for any gathering or sunny afternoon. Keep the bootlegger cocktail recipe handy because once you try it, you’ll be mixing another batch next time you need a crowd-pleasing summer cocktail! ?

Other Refreshing Recipes!

If you enjoyed this recipe, try one of these other refreshing drinks.

Passion Fruit Margarita – A light and tangy tropical margarita with fresh passion fruit and a hint of citrus.
Pumpkin Spice Margarita – The perfect blend of warm fall spices and smooth tequila for a seasonal twist.
Apple Cider Maragarita – A cozy mix of apple cider, tequila, and autumn-inspired flavors.
Brazilian Guava Caipirinha - Trropical flavors in a glass.

Recipe Variations

• Make it Non-Alcoholic: Skip the vodka, gin, or rum and add extra bootleg mix topped with chilled soda water. it’s just as refreshing and full of citrus-mint flavor.
• Sweeter Sparkling Twist: Replace club soda with lemon-lime soda water for a sweeter, fizzy finish.
• Frozen Version: Blend the bootleg mix with extra ice for a slushy-style drink that’s perfect for summer gatherings. Make sure to add the soda water after blending.

Storage suggestions

Store any leftover homemade Bootlegger mix in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a quick shake before using again to blend the mint and citrus evenly.

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Pairing Suggestions

If you’re planning a taco night or casual dinner, this cocktail pairs perfectly with Pork Carnitas Street Tacos! Try it with Tacos de Bistec con Chimichurri, Pork Carnitas Fajitas, or Easy Quesadillas with Leftover Pulled Pork Carnitas. Each dish complements the refreshing citrus and mint notes of this Minnesota classic.

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