This Lemon Curd Cocktail is a creamy and delicious drink made with homemade lemon curd, vanilla vodka, and fresh lemon juice. It's easy to pull together using either homemade or store-bought lemon curd. If you like lemons, you have to try this cocktail!
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Ingredients for a Lemon Curd Cocktail
- Vanilla Vodka - vanilla vodka adds an extra layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with lemon curd. If you don't care for vanilla vodka, you can substitute regular vodka.
- Lemon Curd - lemon curd is easy to find in most grocery stores, however, making lemon curd at home is easier than you think. Whichever option you choose will work great for this cocktail recipe.
- Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice - it's always recommended to use fresh citrus juice when making cocktails. Not only does it add a fresh element to the drink, but the flavor is always better than bottled juice.
How to Make this Creamy Lemon Drink
If you are going to make your own lemon curd, follow the recipe below, and remember it has to chill for at least an hour so plan ahead.
Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for about 10-12 seconds until nice and cold.
Pour through a strainer (the one with holes on your shaker if available works perfectly) into a cocktail glass of choice. Serve immediately.
Recipe FAQs
Lemon curd originated in England in the early 1800s. Back then, the recipe used the acid of the lemon in cream to form curds and separate the whey (similar to how cheese is made). Today, there is no actual curd.
Modern recipes use eggs and butter and have a consistency closer to a custard. Curds can also be made using other acidic fruit like orange, grapefruit, or passion fruit.
No, you don't have to use vanilla vodka in this recipe, but it does add an additional layer of flavor that compliments the lemon curd and balances out the fresh lemon juice. If vanilla vodka isn't your thing, substitute your favorite vodka. You may need to add an additional sweetener like simple syrup depending on your preference.
Expert Tips For Making a Lemon Curd Cocktail
- Using a chilled glass is best. You can either place the glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes or fill the glass with ice and water 10 minutes before serving the cocktail.
- For garnish, I would suggest a lemon peel twist or lemon slice.
- When adding ice to your cocktail shaker, be careful not to add too much since a lot of the ice is going to melt into the cocktail. I would say no more than ½ cup.
- Because lemon curd and vanilla vodka are both sweet, this cocktail is pretty sweet as well. If you are looking to tone down the sweet factor, add another ½ oz. of lemon juice or use regular vodka or citrus vodka.
- Cocktails are always best when you use FRESH lemon juice.
Lemon Curd Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vanilla vodka
- 2 ounces lemon curd (recipe below)
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for about 10-12 seconds until nice and cold.
- Pour through wire strainer into a cocktail glass of choice. Serve immediately and cheers!
Notes
- Using a chilled glass is best. You can either place the glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes or fill the glass with ice and water 10 minutes before serving the cocktail.
- For garnish, I would suggest a lemon peel twist or lemon slice.
- When adding ice to your cocktail shaker, be careful not to add too much since a lot of the ice is going to melt into the cocktail. I would say no more than ½ cup.
- Because lemon curd and vanilla vodka are both sweet, this cocktail is pretty sweet as well. If you are looking to tone down the sweet factor, add another ½ oz. of lemon juice or use regular vodka or citrus vodka.
- Cocktails are always best when you use FRESH lemon juice.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Joely Olson says
This is exactly what I was hoping for. I have lemon curd and thought why not use it in a cocktail!? Thank you for validating my thoughts! So nice to find your blog!
Emily says
Great minds think alike! I hope you love this cocktail and I'm so glad you found my blog. 🍸 Cheers!
Meesha says
Those look amazing!! Love the step by step guide.
Emily says
Thanks, Meesha! Both the cocktail and the lemon curd are pretty easy to put together.
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
It looks delicious. I wish this were in front of me right now.
Emily says
Thanks, Maggie!
Amanda Marie Boyle says
Love this! I love lemon curd but never thought of using it in a cocktail. It's great!
Emily says
I love lemon curd as well, I knew it had to make a great cocktail!!
Alexandra says
Cheers to this fabulous drink! Absolutely delicious!
Emily says
Cheers indeed!!
Deanna says
I always have lemon curd in the fridge, but never thought about using it to make a cocktail! This was so good!
Emily says
I LOVE lemon curd and knew I had to come up with something! I'm so glad you liked it.
Swathi says
Lemon curd cocktail looks delicious
Emily says
Thanks, Swathi!
Amy says
Would never have thought to use lemon curd in a cocktail! What a great idea!
Emily says
It was a random thought but I knew I had to try it!! Thanks, Amy!
Taleen | Just As Tasty says
What an interesting idea for a cocktail! Excited to try this!
Emily says
Thanks, Taleen! I had some lemon curd and knew there had to be a way to make it a cocktail!
Emily says
So simple but sounds so good! I am going to get me some lemon curd tonight.
Emily says
I hope you do, it's soooo good!