Introduction:
Hot Pink Lemonade is the perfect refreshing drink for any occasion! With its vibrant pink color and the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, it’s a drink that will impress guests and keep you cool during those hot summer days. Easy to make and full of natural flavors, this lemonade is a must-try!
Reasons to Love This Hot Pink Lemonade Recipe:
- The vibrant pink color makes it a showstopper at parties.
- The combination of fresh lemon and raspberry provides a unique, refreshing taste.
- It’s quick to make, requiring just a few ingredients and simple steps.
- Perfect for a hot summer day or as a refreshing drink for any festive occasion.
- The drink can be customized to suit your sweetness preference.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions:
- Sweetener options: Replace granulated sugar with honey, agave syrup, or a sugar alternative like stevia for a different sweet flavor.
- Other fruits: Add strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries for a mixed berry lemonade twist.
- Herbs: Fresh basil can be used instead of mint for a different flavor profile.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Small saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Large pitcher
- Spoon for stirring
- Glasses for serving
- Knife for slicing lemons
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Raspberry Juice:
In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries and 1/2 cup of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the raspberries are soft and broken down. Use a fine mesh strainer to strain the raspberry mixture into a bowl, pressing with a spoon to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the seeds and pulp. - Make the Lemonade:
In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and granulated sugar. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the raspberry juice and stir to combine. - Add Water:
Pour in the remaining 3 1/2 cups of cold water and stir well. Taste the lemonade and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more sugar. - Chill the Lemonade:
Refrigerate the hot pink lemonade for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and chill the drink. - Serve:
Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled lemonade over the ice. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for a beautiful and refreshing presentation.
What to Serve with Hot Pink Lemonade:
- Light snacks like fruit skewers or chips.
- Serve alongside summer BBQ foods such as grilled chicken, burgers, or vegetarian options like veggie burgers and salads.
- Pair it with light desserts like shortbread cookies, lemon bars, or a fruit salad.
How to Store Hot Pink Lemonade:
Store any leftover lemonade in an airtight container or pitcher in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. Be sure to stir the lemonade before serving again, as the ingredients may settle.
Can I Freeze Hot Pink Lemonade?
Yes, you can freeze Hot Pink Lemonade! Pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze the lemonade cubes. These can be used to chill future glasses of lemonade without watering them down. You can also freeze the lemonade in an airtight container and defrost it in the fridge when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I make this lemonade ahead of time? Yes, this lemonade can be made up to a day in advance. Just refrigerate it and serve when ready.
- Can I use bottled lemon juice? Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
- Can I adjust the sweetness? Yes, adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar or using an alternative sweetener.
Two Resources:
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Serving Size: 1 glass (8 oz)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Conclusion:
This Hot Pink Lemonade recipe is an eye-catching and refreshing drink that will be the highlight of any summer gathering. With its natural fruit flavors and vibrant color, it’s as fun to make as it is to enjoy. Whether for a special occasion or just to cool off on a hot day, this lemonade will quickly become a favorite.
See also
PrintHot Pink Lemonade
Hot Pink Lemonade is the perfect refreshing drink for any occasion! With its vibrant pink color and the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, it’s a drink that will impress guests and keep you cool during those hot summer days. Easy to make and full of natural flavors, this lemonade is a must-try!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5min
- Total Time: 20min
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Beverages
- Method: no-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Raspberry Juice:
- Combine raspberries and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, then simmer for 5 minutes until the raspberries break down.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, pressing with a spoon to extract the juice. Discard seeds and pulp.
- Mix the Lemonade Base:
- In a large pitcher, combine fresh lemon juice and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add the Raspberry Juice:
- Pour the raspberry juice into the pitcher and mix well.
- Dilute and Chill:
- Add the remaining 3 1/2 cups of cold water and stir.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to meld the flavors.
- Serve:
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the lemonade over the ice.
- Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves.
Notes
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste and add more sugar if desired. You can also use honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetener.
- Fresh or Frozen Raspberries: Both work well. Frozen raspberries might require a bit longer to simmer.
- Make Ahead: The lemonade can be prepared a day in advance. Stir before serving, as the ingredients may settle.
- For Extra Fizz: Replace 1-2 cups of water with sparkling water or soda for a bubbly twist.
- Storage: Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (8 oz)
- Calories: 90kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5g
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg