Bootlegger Drink Recipe (Minnesota Original Cocktail)

This Minnesota Bootlegger Drink is a refreshing mix of lemonade, limeade, mint, and your favorite spirit — vodka, gin, or rum. It’s light, citrusy, and perfect for warm days. Known as Minnesota’s signature summer cocktail, this easy recipe is simple to make and always a hit at gatherings.

5 from 6 votes

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Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Latin Inspired

Keyword: bootleg drink, bootleggers, bootleggers drink

Prep Time: 5

Chill time: 35

Total Time: 40

Servings: Serving

Calories: 185kcal

Author: Juyali (ju-ja-lee)

Equipment

Electric Blender, cocktail shaker, and tall glasses for serving.

Ingredients

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 club soda make it an easy drink to love.

For the Bootlegger Mix (makes about 8 cocktails):

1 12-ounce can Frozen Lemonade Concentrate
1 12-ounce can Frozen Limeade Concentrate
1 cup packed Fresh Mint leaves
1 Lime peeled and seeded.

For the Cocktail (makes 1 serving):

2 Ounces Vodka or Gin or Rum, if you prefer
3 Ounces Bootlegger mix
2 Ounces Club Soda
Fresh Mint sprig for garnish
Lime Wedge for garnish.

Instructions

Make the Bootlegger Mix (base)

In a blender, combine lemonade and limeade concentrates with one cup
fresh mint leaves and one peeled, seeded lime; blend until smooth.
Pour into a bottle or jar and refrigerate at least 30 minutes to chill.
This bootleg mix makes about 8 cocktails; shake or stir before using.

Make the Cocktail (1 serving)

Fill a tall glass with ice and set aside.
Add ice to a shaker, then add 2 oz vodka (or gin/rum) and 3 oz bootleg mix; shake until well chilled.
Strain into the glass and top with 2 oz club soda; give a gentle stir.
Garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig; serve right away.

Adjust the Strength

For lower alcohol content, use 1 oz spirit and extra bootleg mix or more club soda. For a zero-proof version, skip the spirit and top off with club soda.

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Notes

Vodka is classic, but gin or rum make great swaps.
Use Fresh Mint for the best flavor and aroma.
Club Soda adds fizz — sparkling water or lemon-lime soda work too.
Skip the alcohol and add extra Club Soda for a refreshing mocktail.

Other Drink recipes you might enjoy:
Strawberry Watermelon Rosé Sangria, Mexican Paloma, Brazilian Passion Fruit Caipirinha Cocktail, and the best Aperol Margarita Cocktail recipe!

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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