Pink Lemonade: How To Make It

Just like your favorite classic lemonade, except…pink! This recipe does not taste like cranberry at all. It’s just enough juice to give it a beautiful color. The flavor is all sugar and lemons and sweet-tart perfection.

I hope you love this pink lemonade recipe, one of our favorite lemon recipes of all.

I hope you love this homemade Pink Lemonade. It’s a perfect blend of tangy and sweet, ideal for cooling down on a warm day.

🥣 it’s all about the sugar + fresh lemon juice

When there are so few ingredients, each one of them is important! Don’t use bottled lemon juice if you can help it.

• Cranberry Juice. This is the secret ingredient that gives our Pink Lemonade its unique color and a subtle twist in flavor.
• Fresh Lemon Juice. The cornerstone of any lemonade, fresh lemon juice provides that essential, tangy kick.
• Granulated Sugar. This balances the tartness of the lemons and the cranberry juice. It adds the right amount of sweetness.

You only need a few tools for this recipe. And in a pinch, you can make the syrup in the microwave.

• Small Saucepan: For making the sugar syrup.
• Pitcher: To mix and serve the lemonade. We always use a quart mason jar!
• Citrus Juicer: To easily extract fresh lemon juice.

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If you have a beautiful pitcher, that works. But a mason jar for storing and wide-mouth pint glasses for serving works just great.

✨ Tips for the best pretty lemonade

As long you follow the recipe, you’ll be just fine.

• Syrup Preparation. Make sure the sugar dissolves completely in the water. This will prevent any graininess in your lemonade.
• Chill Time: Don’t rush the chilling process. A well-chilled lemonade enhances the flavors and provides a refreshing experience.
• Adjusting Sweetness. If the tartness is too much, feel free to adjust the sugar quantity to your liking.
• Freshness Matters! Use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than store-bought for the best flavor.
• Garnishing. Add a creative touch with lemon slices and fresh mint to make it pretty ❤️.

I know making the syrup feels like pain but it’s super easy and worth the trouble. You’ll want to use it for all your other homemade drinks once you try it.

🥫 Storage and make ahead instructions

Drinks are one of the best things to make on a meal-prep day to stock your fridge.

This recipe doubles very well. You can also leave out the additional water and freeze it as a concentrate to save room in the freezer.

Refrigeration

• In the Fridge: Pour the lemonade into a clean pitcher or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Always give it a good stir or shake before serving, as the ingredients may settle at the bottom.
• Make-Ahead Tip: If you’re planning for an event, you can prepare the sugar syrup a few days in advance and store it in the fridge. Combine it with the lemon and cranberry juices on the day of serving for the freshest taste.

Freezing

• Freeze as Ice Cubes: Pour the lemonade into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag or an airtight container. These lemonade ice cubes are perfect for adding to drinks without diluting them as they melt.
• Freeze in a Container: To freeze a larger quantity, use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top as the liquid will expand when frozen. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 4 months.
• Thawing: Thaw the frozen lemonade in the refrigerator overnight. If it separates after thawing, simply stir or shake well to recombine the ingredients.

Perfect Pairings

• Grilled Dishes: Complements the smoky flavors of grilled chicken or vegetables.
• Summer Salads: A light, fresh garden salad or a fruit salad pairs wonderfully.
• Seafood: Ideal with light seafood dishes, like grilled shrimp or fish tacos.
• Picnic Snacks: Great with sandwiches, wraps, or finger foods at a picnic.

❤️ More lemonades you’ll love

• Quench your thirst with a refreshing glass of Raspberry Peach Lemonade. The tangy raspberries meet the sweet peaches for a delicious treat.
• Imagine sipping on Freckled Strawberry Lemonade. Every sip has crushed fresh berries right in the drink.
• Slushy Vodka Pink Lemonade is the perfect party starter. It blends the playful tartness of pink lemonade with a cheeky vodka kick. The result is a slushy, fun-filled experience.
• The unique pairing in Strawberry Basil Lemonade offers a delightful surprise. Herbal but not overpowering, this is summer in a glass.
• Savor the calming essence of Blueberry Lavender Lemonade. Notes of lavender are beautifully intertwined with the juicy sweetness of blueberries.

You’ll love them all. Perfect for a summer party, a bridal shower, or an afternoon on the porch. Enjoy!