We all appreciate cool, refreshing drinks like fresh lemonade in the hot summer months. I love fresh raspberries, so recently I started adding puréed fresh raspberries to my homemade lemonade and it really took this popular summer drink to the next level!
Today, I'm reviewing my quick and easy fresh raspberry lemonade recipe with you. Once you taste it, you'll never want to drink lemonade from a mix again.
Tip: You can strain the raspberry purée, if desired, but I prefer to blend until the seeds are very finely ground and keep them in the drink for some healthy fiber.
Fresh Raspberry Lemonade (with a Sugar-Free Option)
Bright, tangy, and bursting with summer flavor, this refreshing fresh raspberry lemonade is a beautiful way to cool down naturally.
There’s something undeniably joyful about sipping a tall, frosty glass of raspberry lemonade on a warm afternoon. This version is made with fresh organic raspberries, real lemon juice, and your choice of sweetener, either a classic simple syrup or a sugar-free alternative that keeps things light without sacrificing flavor.
Best of all? It comes together in just minutes using simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Just a few, fresh ingredients
- Ready in just minutes
- Perfectly tart with a touch of sweetness
- Naturally beautiful color and vibrant fruit flavor
- Sugar-free option
Whether you’re hosting a backyard brunch, need a pretty drink for a picnic, or just want something special for yourself, this cold, refreshing raspberry lemonade is as elegant as it is easy.
Fresh Raspberry Lemonade Recipe
Serves 2
Ingredients
- 1 cup organic fresh raspberries, rinsed and drained
- ¼ cup ice-cold water (for blending)
- 1 very large or 2 medium fresh lemons
- 3 cups ice-cold water
- Simple syrup (see recipe below) or either liquid allulose or monk fruit and allulose syrup for a sugar-free raspberry lemonade
- Ice cubes
- Sprigs of fresh mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Purée the raspberries. In a high-speed blender, combine the fresh
raspberries with ¼ cup of ice-cold water. Blend until smooth and the seeds
have been finely ground.
Optional: Strain the puréed raspberry liquid through a fine stainless steel mesh sieve, if desired, and discard the seed residue. - Juice the lemon(s) and add. Squeeze the juice of one very large or two medium fresh lemons and add it to the raspberry purée in the blender.
- Dilute and sweeten. Stir in 3 cups of ice-cold water. Then sweeten to taste using either simple syrup or (for a sugar-free option) liquid allulose or monk fruit and allulose syrup. I used 1/4 cup of liquid allulose.
- Serve over ice. Fill two tall glasses (16-ounce highball glasses work beautifully) with ice cubes and pour the raspberry lemonade evenly into each glass.
- Garnish with mint, if desired. If you like, add a sprig of fresh mint (crush the leaves slightly between your fingers to release the aromatic oils) for a touch of green and a lovely hint of mint aroma.
Variations
- Use frozen raspberries. While the taste won't be quite as good, it's a great option for when fresh raspberries aren't in season, and the freshly squeezed lemon juice keeps the taste vibrant.
- Make it sparkling. Swap the 3 cups of ice-cold water with ice-cold sparkling mineral water for a fizzy twist.
- Make it a cocktail. Add a splash of vodka or gin for an elegant adults-only refresher.
Classic Simple Syrup Recipe
Simple syrup is an easy, versatile sweetener made from just sugar and water. It dissolves instantly in cold drinks, making it ideal for lemonade and many other drinks, including sweetened cocktails.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water.
- Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes.
- Allow to cool to room temperature and chill before using.
- Store in a covered glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
The Perfect Summer Sipper
This fresh raspberry lemonade is more than just a drink. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the flavors of summer. The sugar-free version is especially lovely for those who want to watch their sugar intake without compromising on taste.
Next time you crave something cool and fruity, skip the store-bought mixes and give this homemade version a try. You’ll be surprised at how something so simple can feel so special!
The Best, Most Refreshing Fresh Raspberry Lemonade Recipe by Margaret Schindel
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