Vinegar Coleslaw (no mayonnaise)
Tangy vinegar coleslaw is crunchy and bursting with color and flavor. With a mayonnaise-free dressing, this coleslaw is a healthy alternative to creamy coleslaw....
Sparkling Pink Lemonade (with cocktail option!)
Make your own sparkling pink lemonade, with freshly squeezed lemons and homemade strawberry raspberry syrup, for an unforgettable summer cocktail or punchbowl.
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.
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 natural color to your drink.
About this sparkling pink lemonade:
One of the things I like best about this drink is that it isn’t overly sweet. I’m not a big fan of sugary drinks. I don’t like the taste or the extra calories. Non-sugary drinks seem to be a trend right now, too.
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 the addition of 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.
The fresh berry syrup is easy to make and can be made ahead of time. 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.
The berry syrup is combined with more fresh lemon juice, lots of seltzer, and ice to make this delicious fizzy berry lemonade.
Serve sparkling pink lemonade over ice in a pitcher, individual glasses, or in a punch bowl. Garnish with fresh strawberries, raspberries, lemon slices, or mint sprigs. Enjoy!
How to make this drink your own:
- Make a half-batch. This recipe is easily halved.
- Use frozen berries instead of fresh.
- Instead of seltzer, add a flavored carbonated water, like LaCroix. Some flavors that would work perfectly are Berry, Lemon, or Cran-Raspberry.
- Substitute tequila for the vodka, or add more seltzer for a non-alcoholic drink.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
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 be watered down and flat.
More drink ideas:
Looking for more refreshing summer drinks? Try:
