Sparkling Pink Lemonade (with cocktail option!) Recipe

Make your own sparkling pink lemonade, with freshly squeezed lemons and homemade strawberry raspberry syrup, for an unforgettable summer cocktail or punchbowl.

Recipe Overview

Why you’ll love it: It’s a fun and “berry” flavorful summer beverage!

How long it takes: 20 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes to chill the berry syrup.
Equipment you’ll need: saucepan, fine mesh strainer, pitcher
Servings: 16

A light red drink on ice in a small mason jar. It is garnished with a fresh strawberry, mint leaves, and a red and white striped paper straw.

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 a pink hue to your drink.

Overhead view of two glasses of pink lemonade, a pitcher, a bowl of lemons, and two lemons on a white wooden background.

Reasons to Love this pink lemonade

It’s not overly sweetened. One of the things I like best about this drink is that it isn’t too sugary. I lean toward summer drinks that aren’t heavily sweetened because sugar masks the natural fruit flavors and besides, who needs the extra calories? Non-sugary drinks seem to be a trend right now, too.

Carbonated seltzer drinks are super popular. 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 vodka or without, it’s a refreshing beverage. With 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.

Overhead image of four glass containers, one with strawberries, one with sugar, one with lemon juice, and one with fresh raspberries.

Make the fresh berry syrup (best if you make it ahead). The fresh berry syrup is easy to make and can be stored in the fridge. 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.

Overhead view of a sauce pan full of strawberries and red liquid, being stirred with a wooden spoon.

Mix the remaining ingredients in when you’re ready to serve. The berry syrup is combined with more fresh lemon juice, lots of seltzer, and ice to make this delicious fizzy berry lemonade.

Garnish with fresh strawberries, raspberries, lemon slices, or mint sprigs. Serve sparkling pink lemonade over ice in a pitcher, individual glasses, or in a punch bowl. A lemon twist is extra festive. Enjoy!

Pink lemonade being poured from a pitcher into a mason jar.

Make It Your Own

Make as much as you need. Make a half-batch or a double batch. This recipe is easily halved or doubled.
Use frozen berries instead of fresh.
Substitute a flavored carbonated water, like LaCroix for the seltzer. Some flavors that would work perfectly are Berry, Lemon, or Cran-Raspberry.
Make it non-alcoholic (mocktail): Add more seltzer, if desired.
Substitute tequila or white rum for the vodka, if you prefer.

FAQs

Is pink lemonade made out of pink lemons?

I just love literal thinkers! Does chocolate milk come from brown cows?
No, pink lemonade isn’t made out of pink lemons although I was a little surprised to find that variegated Eureka lemons can have a pinkish hue.

What is the pink in pink lemonade?

There are lots of ways to add the “pink” in pink lemonade. Strawberry and/or raspberry syrup are used in this recipe. I love this watermelon lemonade which is a lovely rose color. Cranberry juice can be added or even red dye. Grenadine, a cocktail mixer which is made from pomegranate juice, is another way to add color to lemonade.

Is pink lemonade healthy for you?

Fruit juice beverages contain vitamin C and other good-for-you nutrients but added sugar and alcohol put pink lemonade cocktails into a treat category. On the other hand, this sparkling pink lemonade recipe is fairly low in sugar, perfect for those of us who enjoy cocktails that aren’t overly sweet. Each one cup serving (which includes ice) is only 97 calories.

Close up view of a pink lemonade on ice, garnished with berries and fresh mint.

Make-Ahead Ideas

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 become watered down and flat.

Light red drink in glasses with red and white striped paper straws.

More Drink Ideas

Looking for refreshing summer beverages and cocktails? Take a look at my list of 14 easy summer cocktail recipes or one of the recipes below:

Grapefruit and Elderflower Cocktail
Bay Breeze Recipe –with cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and vodka
Classic Gin and Tonic Recipe including tips to make the best!
Pomegranate Mojito
Vodka Lemonade
Watermelon Slushie

More Summer Beverages

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