I think I’m in love with this sparkling pink lemonade. Isn’t it pretty? Light and refreshing, pink lemonade is a perfect summer drink. A great cocktail with the addition of vodka or kid-friendly without, it’s a very enjoyable drink both kids and adults will appreciate. How long it takes: 20 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes to chill the berry syrup. Equipment you’ll need: saucepan, fine mesh strainer, pitcher Servings: 16 Many sparkling pink lemonades get their “pink” from food coloring, grenadine, or cranberry juice. I think you’ll agree that this recipe is ten times better because of the addition of fresh fruit syrup. Fresh strawberries and raspberries are simmered with lemon juice and sugar to make a very berry flavored syrup that adds so much more than a pink hue to your drink.
Reasons to Love this pink lemonade
It’s not overly sweetened. One of the things I like best about this drink is that it isn’t too sugary. I lean toward summer drinks that aren’t heavily sweetened because sugar masks the natural fruit flavors and besides, who needs the extra calories? Non-sugary drinks seem to be a trend right now, too. Carbonated seltzer drinks are super popular. If you’re a fan of the flavored seltzer drinks that are super popular right now (LaCroix, Bubly, Spindrift are a few examples), you’ll love this sparkling pink lemonade. The main ingredient is seltzer, which is sugar-free carbonated water. Water with bubbles! With vodka or without, it’s a refreshing beverage. With freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh berry syrup, the end result is a very flavorful and light drink. And, of course, vodka is optional but nice. Make the fresh berry syrup (best if you make it ahead). The fresh berry syrup is easy to make and can be stored in the fridge. Simply simmer strawberries, raspberries, lemon juice, and sugar until the berries are super soft and mushy, and the mixture is syrupy looking. Strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove the seeds and pulp. Mix the remaining ingredients in when you’re ready to serve. The berry syrup is combined with more fresh lemon juice, lots of seltzer, and ice to make this delicious fizzy berry lemonade. Garnish with fresh strawberries, raspberries, lemon slices, or mint sprigs. Serve sparkling pink lemonade over ice in a pitcher, individual glasses, or in a punch bowl. A lemon twist is extra festive. Enjoy!
Make It Your Own
Make as much as you need. Make a half-batch or a double batch. This recipe is easily halved or doubled. Use frozen berries instead of fresh. Substitute a flavored carbonated water, like LaCroix for the seltzer. Some flavors that would work perfectly are Berry, Lemon, or Cran-Raspberry. Make it non-alcoholic (mocktail): Add more seltzer, if desired. Substitute tequila or white rum for the vodka, if you prefer.
Make-Ahead Ideas
Squeeze the lemons and prepare the fresh berry syrup a day or two ahead and refrigerate in separate jars or containers. Right before serving, combine the ingredients as directed. Note: Once the seltzer and ice are added, you should serve the drink as soon as possible. Leftovers may become watered down and flat.
More Drink Ideas
Looking for refreshing summer beverages and cocktails? Take a look at my list of 14 easy summer cocktail recipes or one of the recipes below:
Grapefruit and Elderflower Cocktail Bay Breeze Recipe –with cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and vodka Classic Gin and Tonic Recipe including tips to make the best! Pomegranate Mojito Vodka Lemonade Watermelon Slushie
