One popular story suggests that pink lemonade was created in the United States in the mid-19th century when a circus worker accidentally dropped red-colored cinnamon candies into a vat of traditional lemonade. Another story suggests that it originated in the 17th century when a circus performer used the pink water from a tub where pink-colored clothes were being washed to make lemonade.
Regardless of its origin, pink lemonade has become a popular and widely enjoyed variation of traditional lemonade, known for its sweet and tart flavor with a hint of fruitiness and its attractive pink hue.
Pink Lemonade
1
servings10
minutesPink lemonade is a flavored beverage that is typically made from lemon juice, water, and sweeteners. What gives it its distinctive pink color can vary, but it’s often achieved by adding red or pink fruit juices, such as cranberry, raspberry, strawberry, or grenadine. The exact origin of pink lemonade is uncertain, and there are a few different theories about how it came to be.
Ingredients
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
4 cups cold water
1/2 cup cranberry juice, raspberry juice, or strawberry puree (for the pink color)
Ice cubes
Lemon slices or mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Directions
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and the granulated sugar.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Remove from heat and let it cool. This is your simple syrup.
- Squeeze lemons to obtain 1 cup of fresh lemon juice.
- In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and 4 cups of cold water.
- Add 1/2 cup of cranberry juice, raspberry juice, or strawberry puree to the mixture. Adjust the amount to achieve the desired pink color.
- Stir the mixture well to ensure that all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Refrigerate the pink lemonade for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to chill.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled pink lemonade over the ice.
- Garnish with lemon slices or mint leaves if desired.
- Stir before serving, and enjoy your homemade pink lemonade!
