This Kansas City Ice Water recipe is all about bringing a refreshing twist to your summer gatherings and cozy evenings alike. Imagine a cool drink with zesty citrus notes that dance on your taste buds, perfectly mingled with the smoothness of gin and vodka. It’s like a mini celebration in a glass! The best part? It’s super easy to whip up. Whether you’re tailgating at a Chiefs game or enjoying a casual backyard BBQ, this drink is sure to elevate the vibe. With its fizzy lemon-lime soda and vibrant garnishes, you won’t just be quenching your thirst; you’ll be impressing friends and family with a cocktail that’s both tasty and visually appealing. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and discover why Kansas City Ice Water is your new go-to drink!
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Why This Recipe Works
This Kansas City Ice Water recipe creates a vibrant and refreshing drink that perfectly blends the zesty notes of citrus with the smoothness of gin and vodka. The mix of flavors is designed to be invigorating, making it ideal for hot days or lively gatherings. By balancing the spirits with lemon-lime soda, this cocktail achieves a lightness that can be enjoyed all day long.
Why You’ll Love This Kansas City Ice Water
This drink celebrates Kansas City’s love for sports and social gatherings. With its simple preparation and delightful flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re tailgating at a Chiefs game or hosting a backyard barbecue. The Kansas City Ice Water is not only easy to make, but it also invites creativity with its adaptable ingredients, making it a favorite among recipe enthusiasts.

Ingredients
- 1 ounce gin
- 1 ounce vodka
- ½ ounce lime juice (freshly squeezed for optimal flavor)
- ½ ounce triple sec
- 3 ounces lemon-lime soda (chilled)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon and lime slices (for garnish)
How to Make Kansas City Ice Water

Prepare Your Glass
Begin by chilling a highball glass in the freezer or filling it with ice water for a few minutes. This ensures that your drink stays cold and refreshing.
Add Ice to Your Glass
Once your glass is chilled, fill it with fresh ice cubes to keep your cocktail cool and enjoyable.
Combine the Spirits
Pour 1 ounce of gin and 1 ounce of vodka into the glass over the ice. These spirits are the foundation of your Kansas City Ice Water, offering depth to the flavor profile.
Incorporate the Citrus
Add ½ ounce of fresh lime juice and ½ ounce of triple sec to the glass. The lime juice provides a tangy kick, while the triple sec brings a sweet, orange essence that balances the drink beautifully.
Top It Off
Pour in 3 ounces of chilled lemon-lime soda, gently stirring the mixture with a cocktail spoon or straw. This step adds a fizzy texture that enhances the drink’s refreshing qualities.
Garnish and Serve
Finish your Kansas City Ice Water by garnishing it with slices of lemon and lime. This not only adds visual appeal but also an extra hint of citrus aroma that invites you to take a sip.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your Kansas City Ice Water as a refreshing drink option at parties, barbecues, or while lounging on a warm day. Pair with light appetizers like chips and salsa, salads, or grilled vegetables for a balanced spread.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh citrus juices to elevate the flavor of your cocktail. Freshly squeezed lime juice will make a noticeable difference.
- Chill your ingredients in advance, especially the lemon-lime soda, to ensure a refreshing experience.
- Experiment with different garnishes such as mint leaves or edible flowers for a unique twist.
Variations
- Fruity Kansas City Ice Water: Add fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for a fruity touch.
- Herbal Twist: Include fresh herbs like basil or mint for an aromatic flavor profile.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace gin and vodka with sparkling water for a delicious, non-alcoholic refreshment.
Storage Tips
For optimal freshness, it’s best to enjoy Kansas City Ice Water immediately after making it. If you have leftover components, store any remaining spirits and juices separately in the refrigerator. Do not mix and store the soda, as it will lose its fizz.

FAQs
1. Can I make Kansas City Ice Water ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the ingredients in advance and mix them just before serving.
2. Can I use other types of soda?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other citrus-flavored sodas or sparkling water for a lighter variant.
3. What can I use instead of gin?
You can replace gin with any other flavored spirit like tequila or rum for different flavor profiles.
4. Is this cocktail suitable for a large crowd?
Yes! You can easily scale the ingredients to batch-make this drink for parties or gatherings.
5. How strong is the Kansas City Ice Water?
The drink is moderately strong, with a good balance of spirits and soda, making it both refreshing and flavorful.
The Kansas City Ice Water is the perfect blend of flavors that embody the spirit of social gatherings. Its vibrant taste easily complements any occasion. Whether you’re cheering for your favorite team or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this cocktail invites creativity and personalization. Cheers to sipping on a taste of Kansas City!
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Kansas City Ice Water
Kansas City Ice Water is a vibrant cocktail combining gin and vodka with citrus flavors, ideal for tailgates or casual BBQs. It’s easy to make and visually appealing.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ounce gin
- 1 ounce vodka
- ½ ounce lime juice (freshly squeezed for optimal flavor)
- ½ ounce triple sec
- 3 ounces lemon-lime soda (chilled)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon and lime slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Chill a highball glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water.
- Fill the chilled glass with fresh ice cubes.
- Pour in 1 ounce of gin and 1 ounce of vodka.
- Add ½ ounce of fresh lime juice and ½ ounce of triple sec.
- Pour in 3 ounces of chilled lemon-lime soda and gently stir.
- Garnish with lemon and lime slices.
Notes
Use fresh citrus juices for the best flavor.
Chill your ingredients beforehand for a more refreshing drink.
Experiment with garnishes such as mint leaves or edible flowers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 10
- Fat: 0
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 0






