Why jazz up store bought lemonade?
Store bought lemonade can often taste flat and overly sweet. Jazzing it up is an easy way to make it taste fresher and more vibrant. There are many simple ways to give basic lemonade an extra kick – from adding fresh fruit to stirring in herbs and spices. Upgrading store bought lemonade is a great idea for parties, backyard BBQs, or even just enjoyment at home. The possibilities are endless!
Add fresh fruit
One of the easiest ways to improve store bought lemonade is by adding fresh fruit. Fruit adds natural sweetness, flavor dimension, and texture. Here are some great fruit options to mix in:
Strawberries
Adding sliced strawberries gives lemonade a sweet berry twist. Strawberries also add a vibrant red color that is instantly eye-catching. For 4 cups of lemonade, add around 1 cup of sliced strawberries. Gently mash some of the strawberries to release more flavor.
Raspberries or blackberries
Similar to strawberries, raspberries and blackberries infuse lemonade with fruity sweet-tartness. They also tint the lemonade pink or purple for fun color. Add around 1/2 to 1 cup of raspberries or blackberries per 4 cups of lemonade. Lightly muddle the berries to bring out their flavors.
Blueberries
Blueberries may seem an unlikely match for lemonade, but their sweet-tart taste actually complements citrus perfectly. Add a cup or so of blueberries per 4 cups of lemonade. Lightly crushing some of the blueberries helps blend their flavor throughout.
Mango
For a tropical twist, blend mango into lemonade. The sweet orange flesh pairs deliciously with the citrus. Dice mango into small cubes and add around 1 cup per 4 cups of lemonade. Let it infuse for a bit to allow the flavors to mingle.
Peach
Peach is another excellent summery addition to lemonade. Dice peaches into small chunks and add about 1 cup per 4 cups of lemonade. The peach flavor comes through brightly, cutting the lemonade’s tartness.
Watermelon
Watermelon lemonade is a classic flavor combo. Blend watermelon chunks with a little lemonade in a blender, then stir into your pitcher. The melon’s sweetness balances the lemon’s zing. Use around 2 cups watermelon per 4 cups lemonade.
Add herbs and spices
Herbs and spices are another easy way to put a new spin on basic lemonade. Their flavors add intrigue and dimension. Try these herbs and spices swirled into lemonade:
Basil
Sweet basil is a natural partner for lemonade. For 4 cups of lemonade, use around 10-12 basil leaves. Muddle or crush the leaves to release their flavors before steeping in the chilled lemonade for 30 minutes up to overnight. Strain before serving.
Lavender
A few dried lavender buds or a teaspoon of culinary lavender imparts lovely floral notes to lemonade. Let them steep for at least 30 minutes. Strain the buds before serving.
Rosemary
Rosemary’s piney herbal flavor adds an unexpected twist to citrus lemonade. Use 2-3 fresh rosemary sprigs per 4 cups of lemonade. Let them steep for 30-60 minutes, then remove.
Thyme
Lemon thyme is tailor-made for lemonade, but regular thyme also complements citrus flavors. Add around 5 fresh thyme sprigs per 4 cups of lemonade and let steep 30+ minutes before removing.
Mint
No herb complements lemon better than fresh mint. For 4 cups of lemonade, muddle 10-12 mint leaves to release their flavor. Let steep 30-60 minutes, strain, and serve.
Ginger
For a spicy kick, add freshly grated ginger to lemonade. Use around 1 tablespoon grated ginger per 4 cups lemonade. Let steep briefly, then strain out ginger pieces before drinking.
Cinnamon
A dash of cinnamon spice takes lemonade to another level. Stir in around 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon per 4 cups lemonade, taste, and add more if desired.
Cardamom
Cardamom’s sweetly spicy aroma meshes intriguingly with lemonade. Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom per 4 cups lemonade and stir well to incorporate flavor.
Make lemonade slushies
For an ultra-refreshing frozen twist, turn lemonade into slushies. Simply blend lemonade with ice in a blender. Use a ratio of about 1 cup ice per 1 cup lemonade. Blend until smooth and slushy. Pour into glasses and top with a straw. Here are some delicious mix-in ideas:
Fruit purees
Blend fruit like mango, strawberry, peach, or raspberry into lemonade slushies. The fruit flavors come through brightly. Use about 1/4 to 1/2 cup fruit puree per 2 cups lemonade.
Herbs
Any of the fresh herbs suggested above, like basil, mint, or lavender, can be blended into lemonade slushies too. Use around 1/4 cup lightly packed herbs per 2 cups lemonade.
Chia seeds
For a nutrition boost, add 1-2 tablespoons chia seeds per 2 cups lemonade before blending into slushies. The chia seeds add thickness along with fiber, protein, and omega-3s.
Whipped cream
Top off lemonade slushies with a dollop of sweet whipped cream. The creaminess contrasts the icy texture perfectly.
Infuse lemonade with tea
Brewing tea directly in lemonade lets their flavors mingle, creating an intricate new taste. Try these tea infusions:
Green tea
Brew strong green tea, cool completely, then mix into lemonade. The earthy green tea tames the lemonade’s tartness.
Hibiscus tea
Hibiscus tea’s tart cranberry-like flavor is delicious blended with lemonade. Brew hibiscus tea bags in hot water, cool, and mix into lemonade for a pink drink.
Earl grey tea
Earl grey’s bergamot notes pair exceptionally well with lemon. Brew Earl Grey tea bags in hot water, cool, then combine with lemonade.
Chamomile tea
For a mellow lemonade, brew strong chamomile tea, cool completely, and mix into lemonade. Chamomile’s apple-like flavor rounds out the citrus.
Ginger tea
Brew bags of ginger tea in hot water, cool, and stir into lemonade for a spicy twist. The ginger’s zing contrasts the tart lemon.
| Flavor Mix-In | Amount per 4 cups lemonade |
|---|---|
| Strawberries | 1 cup sliced |
| Raspberries | 1/2 to 1 cup |
| Blueberries | 1 cup |
| Mango | 1 cup diced |
| Peach | 1 cup diced |
| Watermelon | 2 cups chunks |
| Basil | 10-12 leaves, muddled |
| Lavender | 1 tsp buds |
| Rosemary | 2-3 sprigs |
| Thyme | 5 sprigs |
| Mint | 10-12 leaves, muddled |
| Ginger | 1 Tbsp grated |
| Cinnamon | 1/4 tsp ground |
| Cardamom | 1/4 tsp ground |
Make lemonade popsicles
Lemonade isn’t just for sipping – it also makes fantastic homemade popsicles! Blend lemonade with your choice of flavorings, pour into popsicle molds, and freeze. Kids and adults alike will love these sweet-tart frozen treats. Mix-in ideas include:
Fruit purees
Blend mango, peach, strawberry, or raspberry puree into lemonade before freezing into popsicles. Use about 1/4 cup fruit puree per 1 cup lemonade.
Herbs
Muddle basil, mint, lavender, or rosemary into lemonade before freezing into popsicles. Use around 1 tablespoon lightly packed herbs per 1 cup lemonade.
Tea
Brew concentrated tea like hibiscus, Earl Grey, green tea, or ginger tea. Cool completely then blend into lemonade for popsicles. Use about 1/4 cup strongly brewed tea per 1 cup lemonade.
Yogurt
For a creamier popsicle, blend 2-3 tablespoons plain yogurt per 1 cup lemonade before freezing. Greek yogurt works best.
Honey or agave
For extra sweetness, stir 1-2 teaspoons honey or agave nectar into lemonade before freezing into popsicles.
Make lemonade cocktails
Lemonade isn’t just for kids – it also makes a fantastic cocktail mixer for adults! Jazz up your lemonade with these easy add-ins:
Vodka
Vodka lemonade is a classic refreshing cocktail. Add 1-2 ounces vodka per serving of lemonade. Adjust to taste based on desired booziness.
Gin
For a herbaceous twist, use gin instead of vodka. The botanicals in gin complement lemonade’s citrus notes. Use 1-2 ounces gin per serving of lemonade.
Rum
Extend your tropical fruit lemonade into cocktail territory by splashing in a little rum. White rum works best. Start with 1 ounce rum per serving lemonade.
Tequila
For a southwestern vibe, mix tequila with lemonade. The agave flavors pair wonderfully with citrus. Use 1-2 ounces white or silver tequila per serving lemonade.
Triple sec
Stir 1-2 ounces orange-flavored triple sec into lemonade for a margarita twist. The sweet orange notes balance the tart lemon.
Bitters
Just a dash or two of aromatic bitters, like Angostura, can add intriguing spice to lemonade cocktails. Add bitters to taste.
Seltzer
For lower alcohol versions, top off vodka, gin, or rum lemonade cocktails with some bubbly seltzer water or club soda. The effervescence keeps drinks light and refreshing.
Mix up flavor combinations
Don’t be afraid to get creative and combine multiple mix-ins for more complex lemonade flavors! Some delicious combos include:
Blueberry basil lemonade
Muddle some fresh basil leaves with blueberries, then mix into lemonade.
Watermelon mint lemonade
Blend watermelon with muddled mint leaves and stir into lemonade.
Peach ginger lemonade
Steep grated ginger in lemonade, then mix in diced fresh peaches.
Pineapple chili lemonade
Add diced pineapple and a pinch of chili powder for sweet heat.
Raspberry rose lemonade
Steep rosemary sprigs in lemonade, then stir in fresh raspberries.
Conclusion
With endless flavor combos and variations, the possibilities are wide open when it comes to jazzing up basic store bought lemonade. Fruits, herbs, spices, teas, slushies, popsicles, cocktails – take your pick for the perfect custom lemonade creation! Use your imagination and transform boring lemonade into your new signature drink.