When I think of the summertime, one of the first things that I think about is drinking lemonade, as a kid, with my friends. From starting lemonade stands to enjoying a homemade afternoon treat, lemonade is a sweet and nostalgic drink that is quintessentially summertime. So, I figured it was time for lemonade to get a healthy (and grownup) twist! My 5 Minute Healthy Raspberry Lemonade Refresher is sweet, creamy, and made with just a few simple ingredients, for a treat that everyone- kids and adults alike- will enjoy!
Friends, as my boys get older, one of my favorite things to do it witness them enjoy the same things that I loved as a kid. Whether that’s weekend sports, trips into San Francisco, or even enjoying summer break, it reminds me of how simple and fun it is to be a child… and how special it is to relive those memories again, through their eyes.
So, when one of my boys told me the other day that they wanted to start a lemonade stand this summer, I was so excited. I had fond memories of running a lemonade stand with my sister, back in the day, outside our childhood home in Los Angeles. Were we successful in our endeavors? In a monetary sense, no. But in terms of fun and making precious lifetime memories? We were absolutely successful.
With memories of lemonade stands in my head, I knew that I needed to create a healthy lemonade recipe that was sweet, creamy, and perfect for those like me who don’t like a lemonade that’s too-sweet. And let me tell you… this lemonade truly hits the mark. It gets its sweetness from maple syrup (or honey), so it isn’t loaded with sugar like traditional lemonade is. Store-bought lemonade is full of refined sugars, so this recipe gets its healthy stamp by swapping out the refined sugars for natural sugars, that don’t sacrifice flavor. And, it’s packed with tart raspberries for a fun twist. I truly cannot get enough of this recipe, and I know that you won’t be able to, either!
5 Ingredients to Make This Perfect Summertime Refresher
- Lemon Juice: You’ll need the juice of approximately 6 lemons in order to make this recipe. I highly recommend using fresh lemon juice, if possible, because it adds the freshest and most delicious flavor!
- Maple Syrup or Honey: To sweeten this lemonade refresher, and keep it refined sugar-free, I recommend sweetening it with either maple syrup or honey. Both taste just as delicious in this recipe, and work just as well!
- Coconut Water: Coconut water is perfectly sweet and refreshing, and also is full of electrolytes and potassium, making it healthy as well as delicious, and also hydrating.
- Freeze-Dried Raspberries: I like using freeze-dried raspberries in this recipe, rather than fresh recipes. Why? Because it makes this refresher nice and thick, and is also more cost-effective as well! You can get freeze-dried raspberries off of Amazon. And if you don’t like raspberries, you can also use freeze-dried strawberries instead.
- Mint: This is optional, but I highly recommend garnishing your refresher with a few sprigs of fresh mint, for the most delicious finishing touch!
A Few Delicious & Refreshing Recipes to Pair With This Lemonade
While this lemonade is perfect to enjoy on its own, you may be wondering: “Nicole, what can I pair this drink with?” And if that’s you, then don’t worry, because I have got you with some delicious recipes to pair with this equally-as-delicious drink!
- Healthy Chicken Caesar Wraps: These light and refreshing wraps just scream summertime. I love pairing these wraps with the Lemonade Refresher for the ultimate summer meal!
- Healthy Golden Door Jam Cookies: If you have a big sweet tooth like me, then you will love pairing these cookies alongside this drink! It’s perfectly sweet without being too-sweet, and because both of these recipes are made with better-for-you ingredients, you’ll still feel full and satisfied after your sweet snack!
- Healthy Chinese Chicken Salad: This chicken salad is crispy, crunchy, and perfect for pairing alongside this drink! This combination feels perfect for a summertime picnic in the sunshine.
Less Than 5 Minutes to Make This Sweet & Fruity Drink
To make this refresher, start by slicing your lemons in half and juicing them. I like to juice them into a small bowl or glass, so that I can remove the seeds, if needed.
Next, transfer the juice into your blender, and add in the maple syrup or honey, coconut water, and the freeze-dried raspberries (or strawberries!). Blend until it is smooth- this should take approximately 30-45 seconds. Once it’s done, add a handful of ice cubes to your glass and pour your refresher on top.
Top with a garnish of mint, if desired, then serve and enjoy! This recipe makes 2 drinks, but can easily be doubled (or tripled) in order to make more!
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.
** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice, this is the juice of about 6 lemons
- 3 Tablespoons Maple Syrup or Honey, if you like a sweeter drink, you can increase the amount to 1/4 cup
- 2 Cups Coconut Water
- ½ Cup Freeze Dried Raspberries, or strawberries
- 2 Sprigs Fresh Mint, optional; for garnishing
Instructions
- Start by slicing your lemons in half and juicing them. I like to juice them into a small bowl or glass, so that I can remove the seeds, if needed.
- Next, transfer the juice into your blender, and add in the maple syrup or honey, coconut water, and the freeze-dried raspberries (or strawberries!).
- Blend until it is smooth- this should take approximately 30-45 seconds.
- Once it’s done, add a handful of ice cubes to your glass and pour your refresher on top.
- Top with a garnish of mint, if desired, then serve and enjoy!
Rate & review
SELECT A RATING and tell me what you think!