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Healthy Raspberry Lemonade: A Refreshing & Nutritious Recipe

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

Refreshing homemade raspberry lemonade with fresh raspberries, lemons, and a simple raspberry syrup. Sweet and tart!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 cup water (for raspberry syrup)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or honey/agave for a healthier option)
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 6–8 lemons)
  • 4–5 cups cold water (to dilute the lemonade)
  • Lemon slices, for garnish
  • Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Combine Raspberries and Water: In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup of fresh raspberries and 1 cup of water.
  2. Simmer the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You want to see small bubbles forming around the edges, not a rolling boil.
  3. Mash the Raspberries: Using a fork or potato masher, gently mash the raspberries while they simmer. This will help release their juices and flavor into the water.
  4. Add Sweetener: Add the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar (or your preferred sweetener) to the saucepan. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  5. Continue Simmering: Continue to simmer the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The syrup should thicken slightly. You’ll notice the color deepen and become more vibrant.
  6. Strain the Syrup: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Place a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander over a heatproof bowl. Pour the raspberry mixture through the sieve, pressing down on the solids with a spoon to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the seeds and pulp left in the sieve. This step is crucial for a smooth, seedless syrup.
  7. Cool the Syrup: Let the raspberry syrup cool completely before using it in the lemonade. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the bowl in the refrigerator. The syrup will thicken further as it cools.
  8. Juice the Lemons: If you haven’t already, juice your lemons! You’ll need about 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Freshly squeezed juice is key for the best flavor. Store-bought lemon juice just doesn’t compare.
  9. Combine Lemon Juice and Raspberry Syrup: In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the cooled raspberry syrup.
  10. Add Water: Pour in 4-5 cups of cold water. Start with 4 cups and add more to taste, depending on how tart or sweet you like your lemonade.
  11. Stir Well: Stir the lemonade mixture thoroughly until everything is well combined.
  12. Taste and Adjust: Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness or tartness as needed. If it’s too tart, add a little more raspberry syrup or sweetener. If it’s too sweet, add a little more lemon juice or water.
  13. Chill the Lemonade: For the best flavor, chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a more cohesive and refreshing drink.
  14. Prepare Glasses: Fill glasses with ice cubes.
  15. Pour Lemonade: Pour the chilled raspberry lemonade into the ice-filled glasses.
  16. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh raspberries, lemon slices, and/or fresh mint sprigs. These garnishes add a beautiful visual appeal and enhance the overall flavor experience.
  17. Serve Immediately: Serve the raspberry lemonade immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a sweeter lemonade, use more raspberry syrup or sweetener.
  • For a tarter lemonade, use more lemon juice.
  • Use frozen raspberries if fresh are not available. Thaw slightly before using.
  • Raspberry syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • Leftover raspberry lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Experiment with other berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
  • Infuse the raspberry syrup with fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme.
  • Substitute sparkling water or club soda for some of the plain water to create a fizzy raspberry lemonade.
  • Use honey, agave nectar, or stevia as a sugar substitute for a healthier option.
  • Add a splash of vodka, gin, or rum to create a refreshing raspberry lemonade cocktail.
  • Blend the lemonade with ice for a frozen treat.
  • Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the raspberry syrup while it simmers for an extra burst of lemon flavor.
  • For a lighter, less sweet option, add a few tablespoons of the raspberry syrup to a pitcher of water with lemon slices and raspberries. Let it infuse in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
  • This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes

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Find it online: https://recipesgrape.com/healthy-raspberry-lemonade/