Imagine a drink so vibrant and refreshing that it instantly transports you to a sun-drenched garden, bursting with natural sweetness and tangy goodness. This Mixed Berry Lemonade isn't just another beverage—it's a liquid celebration of summer that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you! Packed with antioxidant-rich berries and sweetened naturally without a hint of refined sugar, this recipe is about to become your new go-to drink for beating the heat and impressing your guests.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (to taste)
- Ice cubes for serving
- Fresh mint for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your mixed berries. If you are using strawberries, hull and slice them into smaller pieces. Rinse the blueberries and raspberries under cold water, and set all the berries aside in a bowl.
- In a large pitcher, combine 1 cup of fresh lemon juice with 4 cups of water. Make sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Add 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup to the pitcher. Stir well to combine the sweetener with the lemon juice and water. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness according to your preference by adding more honey or maple syrup if desired.
- Once the lemonade base is ready, add the prepared mixed berries into the pitcher. Gently stir the mixture to distribute the berries evenly throughout the lemonade.
- Let the lemonade sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will also help release some of the juices from the berries, enhancing the overall flavor.
- To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the mixed berry lemonade over the ice. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint for a refreshing touch.
- Enjoy your all-natural, no refined sugar Mixed Berry Lemonade with friends and family!
Tips
- Choose Fresh, Ripe Berries: The quality of your berries directly impacts the flavor. Select seasonal, ripe berries for maximum sweetness and color.
- Use Fresh-Squeezed Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice can't compare to the bright, zesty flavor of freshly squeezed lemons.
- Adjust Sweetness Gradually: Start with less honey or maple syrup and add more to taste. This prevents over-sweetening.
- Let It Infuse: Allowing the berries to sit in the lemonade for 5-10 minutes helps release their natural flavors and creates a more complex taste.
- Serve Chilled: Use plenty of ice and consider chilling the pitcher before serving for the most refreshing experience.
- Get Creative with Garnishes: Besides mint, try adding a few whole berries or lemon slices to make your drink visually stunning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
