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    Home » Vodka » Bootleg Cocktail Recipe

    Published: May 14, 2021 · Modified: May 23, 2022 by Lisa · This post may contain affiliate links, which means we make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you.

    Bootleg Cocktail Recipe

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    There's nothing like summer in Minnesota, especially when it involves a Bootleg Drink . It's the perfect way to quench your thirst on a hot summer day. This Minnesota summer staple cocktail comes together in less than 15 minutes. Just measure, shake and pour!

    A glass cup on a table, with Lime. this recipe

    Summer is a great time to get out of your cocktail rut and one of our summertime favorite Cocktails is the Bootleg Drink.

    If you aren’t from Minnesota you probably wonder what in the world it is. If you are from here, you are convinced you know exactly where the original bootleg recipe was poured.

    It's a Minnesota staple and needs to go to the top of your must-make list. Trust me.

    Why this Recipe Works

    • This citrus and fresh mint filled refreshing cocktail can be tailored to any palate. It can be made with vodka, gin, rum or even makes a tasty mocktail.
    • The mix uses three ingredients and stores well in the refrigerator.
    • It's easy to make one Bootleg for yourself or a pitcher for your next BBQ.
    Jump to:
    • Why this Recipe Works
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • FAQs
    • Helpful Equipment
    • Recipe

    Ingredients

    Ingredient Notes:

    • Frozen Lemonade & Limeade Mix- Don't substitute fresh lemonade, you need to use the 12 ounce frozen can for the best results.
    • Fresh Mint is a key ingredient in this bootleg mix and does double duty as a garnish too.
    • You only need a splash of club soda so be sure to use the best! We love Q Club Soda because it comes in small cans.

    Instructions

    Bootleg cocktails Steps 1-3

    Add fresh mint, frozen limeade and frozen lemonade to blender. Blend until mint is pureed.

    Bootleg Cocktail Steps 4-6

    Add mix and vodka (or spirit of choice) to glass and top with club soda. Stir, garnish and serve!

    Instruction Notes:

    • Like your drinks a little sweeter? Add a little more mix.
    • Prefer them a touch drier, add more club soda or an extra shot of alcohol.
    low ball glass filled with ice and mint leaves and bootleg cocktails. On a silver tray with a yellow straw.

    FAQs

    How did the Bootleg drink get its name?

    No one is quite sure, but we know it was during prohibition when the bootlegged booze needed to be covered up. And we also know that every single country club in Minnesota has their own (best) version of it.

    Can you make this a mocktail?

    Not everyone likes to drink alcohol but that doesn’t mean they need to miss out on the fun cocktails. This drink is a snap to make nonalcoholic for anyone to enjoy. Simply put 3 ounces of bootleg mix in a pint glass filled with ice, top with club soda, stir and serve!

    Don’t forget the garnish! We love to use lemon slices, lime wedges or fresh mint leaves to add the finishing touch.

    What is the best spirit to use in this drink?

    Whenever you order a bootleg, the next question is always gin, vodka or rum? 
    I prefer mine with gin, but don't worry if you aren't a gin lover like me. Vodka and rum are both delicious options. 
    The Bootleg is a great way to serve the same drink to many people while being able to add a personal touch to suit their individual tastes.

    Cocktails in low ball glasses with fresh mint leaves and lemon wedges for garnish.

    Helpful Equipment

    Not a lot is necessary, but these few items make it much easier.

    •  A good blender. Now I know not everyone can splurge on a top-tier blender, but I highly suggest you save up your birthday gift cards because they make a huge difference in how quickly you can pull together one of these minty cocktails.
    • I own Blendtec and love it, but many people are also thrilled with their Vitamix blenders. These high powered blenders do a much better job of tackling that mint and pulverizing it so you don't end up with green things stuck in your teeth.
    • We forego old school traditional bar jiggers and always use these OXO Liquid Measuring Beakers. They are easy to read and have multiple sizes to take the guesswork out of measuring smaller amounts.

    Any bartender knows that proper proportions make or break a cocktail.

    Best Happy Hour Snacks

    Happy hour isn’t complete without the addition of some tasty nibbles too nosh on. Here are some of our go-to summer bites:

    • Caprese Bites- its a caprese salad on a stick, everything about it scream summer!
    • Healthy Avocado Dip- Just say no to boring dill dip. The smoky avocado cumin yogurt dip is a great way to increase your veggie intake.
    • Avocado Feta Salsa- Avocado, tomatoes and feta cheese tossed in a olive oil/vinegar/herb dressing. Need we say more?
    • Layered Greek Dip- This Mediterranean spin on the 7 layer dip is filled with all of the greek flavor you want. Bonus points for being healthy!
    • Bacon Cream Cheese Bites- Crispy bacon bites filled with cream cheese and chives. One bite and you will fall in love.
    • Crisp and refreshing, you will love these Cucumber Bites.

    Favorite Summer Cocktails

    • Watermelon Gin Punch
    • Raspberry Paloma Cocktails
    • Elderflower Vodka Soda recipe
    • Aperol Gin Cocktail

    Check out all of our drink recipes.

    What are you waiting for? Hosting happy hour in the summer couldn’t be any easier or more delicious. We’ll drink to that!

    Cheers!

    
    
    Did you make this recipe? We'd love to hear your thoughts! 
    
    Please rate the recipe and leave a comment below. Your feedback helps us and your fellow readers! 
    
    
    

    Recipe

    A glass cup on a table, with Lime.

    Bootleg Cocktail

    Garnish With Lemon
    There's nothing like summer in Minnesota, especially when it involves a Bootleg Drink. It's the perfect way to quench your thirst on a hot summer day. This Minnesota summer staple cocktail comes together in less than 15 minutes. Just measure, shake and pour!
    4.79 from 23 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Vodka
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 ounces
    Calories 156 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Blendtec Blender
    • Bar Spoon
    • Mini Measuring Beaker Set

    Ingredients
      

    Bootleg Mix:

    • 12 ounce can lemonade concentrate
    • 12 ounce can limeade concentrate
    • 1 cup packed mint plus additional for garnish

    Bootleg Cocktail:

    • 1 ½ ounces Vodka
    • 3 ounces Bootleg mix
    • splash of club soda
    • Mint for garnish

    Instructions
     

    To make the Bootleg Mix:

    • Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until mint is chopped finely. Pour into jar and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let flavors develop. The chopped mint will rise to the top and it settles, I scoop most of it off before mixing the cocktails.

    To make Bootleg Cocktail:

    • Pour vodka and Bootleg mix into low ball glass filled with ice.
    • Top with club soda, stir and garnish with mint.

    Notes

    This cocktail tastes great with vodka, gin or rum. Use your favorite. 
    Looking for a mocktail? Omit the alcohol and replace with Club Soda or sparkling water.
    To Make 12 Bootleg Cocktails:
    • One can frozen lemonade concentrate
    • One can frozen limeade concentrate
    • 20 mint leaves
    • Club soda
    • 12 ounces vodka, rum or gin

    VIDEO

    Nutrition

    Serving: 6ouncesCalories: 156kcalCarbohydrates: 37gSodium: 9mgSugar: 26g

    Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.

    Did you make this recipe?Tag us on Instagram or leave a comment!
    « Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe
    Caprese Skewers »

    About Lisa

    Hi, I’m Lisa! Looking for the party? It’s probably at my house. Nothing brings me more joy than sharing good food with friends and family. That and a seriously good cocktail.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. @Minnejoeta says

      May 18, 2022 at 10:05 pm

      5 stars
      EUREKA!!!

      Lisa, I sure am glad I found this. I lost my old Bootleg recipe. Although I could easily make it from memory, I was asked to share it with a friend and figured it would be easier to find a recipe online than write it out myself.

      MAN OH MAN are there ever a bunch of bad Bootleg recipes on the internet! But yours *thankyouverymuch* was SPOT ON! You're a champion and a true Minnesotan. Yah sure ... hey, you betcha! Thanks heaps!

      Reply
      • Lisa says

        May 18, 2022 at 10:15 pm

        Aw, thank you! It is definitely one of my favorite summer sippers! So glad you like it too!

        Reply
    2. Mary says

      July 10, 2019 at 8:20 pm

      How many drinks can be served from this recipe? How large of a can of lemonade & limeade? We are making for a big group - when can I add the soda - I would like to have it ready a while ahead if possible. I've had it and it was very refreshing.

      Reply
      • Lisa says

        July 11, 2019 at 8:04 am

        Hi Mary, You can make 8 cocktails with this recipe. I added the size of the lemonade and limeade cans to the recipe, I use 12 ounce cans. I add the soda right before everyone comes or as I am serving them. That way people can add a little bit more if they want a lighter drink. This is such a great cocktail for a group! Enjoy!

        Reply
    3. Suzanne says

      June 20, 2016 at 9:38 am

      Could this be put into a pitcher for a group so don't have to make each one individually? Any suggestions? Thanks

      Reply
      • Lisa says

        June 20, 2016 at 9:54 am

        Hi Suzanne, I make the bootleg mix and then mix 2 parts bootleg mix to one part gin, vodka or rum and keep chilled. Serve over ice and add club soda before serving. Hope that helps. Cheers!

        Reply
    4. Christie - Food Done Light says

      June 04, 2014 at 8:25 am

      Gin is my favorite! I have to make this as soon as I can find some Bootleg. I've never heard of it. I love your little whisk too!

      Reply
    5. steve b says

      May 23, 2014 at 1:55 pm

      This is a darn good recipe, But growing up at Oak Ridge
      C.C. in hopkins. Darrel S. The main bartenders recipe has been tried and true for over 30 years. Follow above recipe, just add 1/2 can frozen O.J. and 2 Tbl corn syrup....mix well, put in Tupperware and freeze over night. Add 1-2 Tbl to each glass. Add vodka, muddle to mix/melt, finish with club soda.....enjoy

      Reply
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