Homemade Pink Lemonade
This Homemade Pink Lemonade recipe delivers a vibrant, refreshing, and perfectly balanced drink, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups fresh lemon juice from 8-10 lemons
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 6 cups cold filtered water, divided
- ½ cup cranberry juice for natural pink color
- Fresh lemon slices and cranberries or raspberries for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Simple Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar with 1 ½ cups of the filtered water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not let it boil. Once dissolved, remove from heat and let the simple syrup cool completely to room temperature. This step ensures a smooth, non-gritty texture for your pink lemonade.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pitcher, combine the cooled simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and the remaining 4 ½ cups of cold filtered water. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Taste and adjust for sweetness or tartness as desired, adding more water for less intense flavor or a touch more simple syrup if you prefer it sweeter.
- Add Pink Color: Gently stir in the cranberry juice until the desired pink hue is achieved. The amount of cranberry juice can be adjusted based on how vibrant you want the color to be. If using muddled berries, strain them before adding the juice to the mixture for a smoother consistency. This is where your Homemade Pink Lemonade truly gets its signature look.
- Chill Thoroughly: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate the pink lemonade for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled. Chilling is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures a refreshingly cold drink. For the best experience, serve it ice-cold.
- Serve and Garnish: When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice. Pour the chilled Homemade Pink Lemonade over the ice. Garnish each glass with fresh lemon slices, a few cranberries, or a handful of raspberries for an appealing presentation. Enjoy this delightful and vibrant beverage!
Notes
- Fresh is Best: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the most vibrant and authentic flavor in your Pink Lemonade.
- Simple Syrup First: Making a simple syrup ensures the sugar dissolves completely, preventing a gritty texture in your final drink.
- Chill Thoroughly: A well-chilled lemonade allows the flavors to fully develop and provides the most refreshing experience.