This Raspberry Lemonade is the perfect summer drink—refreshing, sweet-tart, and packed with vibrant flavors. Made with fresh raspberries and lemons, it’s a treat that’s easy to whip up and perfect for sipping on hot days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Refreshing and Light: The combination of fresh raspberries and lemon creates a sweet yet tangy drink that’s perfect for warm weather.
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Simple Ingredients: With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a large batch of this delightful drink in no time.
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Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness to your liking, and even experiment with other fruits for a new twist!
Ingredients
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8 cups water (divided)
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1 ½ cups granulated sugar
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12 ounces raspberries
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2 cups lemon juice (freshly squeezed, about 10-12 lemons)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1: Make Raspberry Syrup
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Set a saucepan over medium-low heat and add 2 cups of water.
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Stir in the sugar and raspberries. Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves, and the raspberries soften and begin to break down.
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Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl. Use the back of a spoon to press the raspberry pulp against the strainer to extract as much juice as possible.
Step 2: Combine Lemonade Base
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Add the remaining 6 cups of water and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the raspberry syrup. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Chill and Serve
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Pour the mixture into a serving pitcher and refrigerate until fully chilled (about 1 hour).
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Stir the lemonade before serving, as it may separate slightly as it sits.
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Serve over ice with extra raspberries and lemon slices for garnish, if desired.
Notes
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Fruit Variations: You can swap the raspberries for other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different flavor.
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Chill Before Serving: For the best taste, chill the lemonade for at least an hour before serving.
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Fresh Ingredients: Make sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice.
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Ice Cold Water: Using ice-cold water for the lemonade base helps speed up the chilling process.
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Separation: The lemonade may separate slightly as it sits, so be sure to give it a good stir before serving each time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw them first, and you may need to strain the mixture a bit more thoroughly.
How long can I store leftover raspberry lemonade?
Leftover raspberry lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to stir it well before serving, as it may separate over time.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the lemonade?
Absolutely! You can add more or less sugar to suit your taste. Start with the recipe’s suggested amount and add more if you prefer a sweeter drink.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Yes! You can easily double this recipe to make more servings. Just make sure to use a larger pitcher and adjust the chilling time accordingly.
This Raspberry Lemonade is sure to become your go-to drink for sunny days and gatherings. It’s simple to make, refreshing, and a real crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
Print
Raspberry Lemonade
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 13
Description
This Raspberry Lemonade is the ultimate refreshing summer drink, combining the sweetness of raspberries with the tang of fresh lemon juice. Perfect for warm days or any occasion when you need a cold, delicious drink!
Ingredients
8 cups water, divided
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
12 ounces raspberries (fresh or frozen)
2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 10–12 lemons)
Instructions
Make the Raspberry Syrup:
Set a saucepan over medium-low heat and add 2 cups of water.
Add the sugar and raspberries to the pan. Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves, and the raspberries become soft and break down.
Strain the Raspberry Mixture:
Pour the raspberry-sugar mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl.
Press the raspberry pieces firmly against the strainer to extract as much raspberry juice as possible.
Combine with Lemon Juice:
Add the remaining 6 cups of water and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the bowl with the raspberry mixture.
Stir to combine thoroughly.
Chill and Serve:
Pour the lemonade into a serving pitcher and refrigerate until completely chilled (about 1 hour for best results).
Stir well before serving, as it may separate slightly while sitting.
Optional Garnish:
Serve in glasses filled with ice, and garnish with extra raspberries and lemon slices for an extra touch of freshness!
Notes
Fruit Variations: You can experiment with other fruits like strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries to make flavored variations of this lemonade.
Ice Cold Water: Using ice-cold water helps to chill the drink faster and maintain its refreshing taste.
Fresh vs. Frozen Raspberries: Both fresh and frozen raspberries work great for this recipe. If using frozen, just ensure they are fully thawed before making the syrup.
Do Not Use Bottled Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor and is essential for this recipe!
Separation: The raspberry lemonade may separate slightly as it sits. Be sure to stir it well before serving.
Serving Size: This recipe makes about 3 liters (13 servings). You can double the recipe if you’re serving more people or want to have leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
