Raspberry Lemonade
Raspberry lemonade is a vibrant and refreshing beverage that perfectly balances the tartness of lemons with the sweetness of raspberries.
This delightful drink is ideal for cooling down on a hot summer day or adding a pop of color and flavor to any gathering. With its beautiful pink hue and invigorating taste, raspberry lemonade is sure to be a hit among kids and adults alike.
This recipe will guide you through making a delicious homemade raspberry lemonade from scratch, ensuring you get the freshest and most authentic flavors in every sip.
Ingredients
For the Raspberry Syrup:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
For the Lemonade:
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 6-8 lemons)
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
For Garnish:
- Lemon slices
- Fresh raspberries
- Mint leaves
How to Make
Step 1: Prepare the Raspberry Syrup
Rinse and Prep the Raspberries: Begin by rinsing the fresh raspberries under cold water. If you are using frozen raspberries, make sure they are fully thawed.
Cook the Raspberries: In a medium saucepan, combine the raspberries, granulated sugar, and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the raspberries have broken down and the liquid has thickened slightly into a syrup.
Strain the Syrup: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly. Use a fine mesh strainer to strain the syrup into a bowl or jar, pressing down on the raspberry solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the raspberry solids.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemonade
Juice the Lemons: While the raspberry syrup is cooling, juice the lemons to obtain 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This usually requires about 6 to 8 medium-sized lemons.
Combine Lemon Juice and Water: In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice with 4 cups of cold water. Stir well to mix.
Step 3: Mix and Chill
Add the Raspberry Syrup: Pour the cooled raspberry syrup into the pitcher with the lemon juice and water. Stir thoroughly to ensure the syrup is fully incorporated into the lemonade.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness to your preference. If you find it too tart, you can add a little more sugar or water. If you prefer it sweeter, add more syrup or simple syrup if needed.
Chill the Lemonade: Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and let the lemonade chill for at least 1-2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the lemonade is nice and cold.
Serve: When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the raspberry lemonade over the ice. Garnish with lemon slices, fresh raspberries, and mint leaves if desired.
Chef’s Note
Adjusting Sweetness: The sweetness of the raspberry syrup can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter lemonade, you can add more sugar when making the syrup. Conversely, if you prefer a less sweet lemonade, reduce the amount of sugar.
Using Frozen Raspberries: If fresh raspberries are not in season, frozen raspberries work just as well. Just make sure they are fully thawed before using.
Infused Water: For a more intense flavor, consider infusing the water with lemon and raspberry slices for a few hours before making the lemonade.
Sparkling Version: For a fizzy twist, substitute some or all of the cold water with sparkling water or club soda.
Alcoholic Version: For an adult version, consider adding a splash of vodka or gin to each glass before serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Sugars: 28g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fiber: 1g (from garnish)
- Sodium: 5mg
- Vitamin C: 30% DV (Daily Value)
Raspberry lemonade is a delightful combination of tart lemons and sweet raspberries, creating a perfectly balanced and refreshing drink.
Whether served at a summer barbecue, picnic, or just as a refreshing treat, this homemade raspberry lemonade is sure to impress. Enjoy the natural flavors and vibrant color of this delicious beverage, and savor the taste of summer in every glass.
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