Description
A refreshing and healthy twist on classic lemonade, this recipe combines the tropical sweetness of coconut water with the tangy zest of lemon.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups coconut water, chilled
- 1 ½ cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 8–10 lemons)
- ½ cup simple syrup (see instructions below, or use agave nectar/honey to taste)
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
- Ice cubes
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Combine sugar and water in a saucepan: In a medium saucepan, pour in the granulated sugar and water.
- Heat and stir: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. You’ll know it’s ready when the liquid is clear and there are no sugar granules visible at the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer (optional): Once the sugar is dissolved, you can let the mixture simmer for about 1 minute. This helps to thicken the syrup slightly, but it’s not strictly necessary.
- Cool completely: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the simple syrup cool completely. This is important because adding warm syrup to the lemonade will melt the ice and dilute the flavor. You can speed up the cooling process by transferring the syrup to a heat-safe container and placing it in the refrigerator.
- Store (if not using immediately): If you’re not using the simple syrup right away, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Combine ingredients: In a large pitcher, combine the chilled coconut water, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and cooled simple syrup.
- Stir well: Stir the mixture thoroughly until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed. If you prefer a sweeter lemonade, add more simple syrup, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired level of sweetness. If it’s too sweet, add a little more lemon juice.
- Chill (optional, but recommended): For the best flavor, chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the lemonade to become even more refreshing. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and serve it immediately over ice.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the coconut water lemonade over the ice.
- Garnish: Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a sprig of mint (if using). This adds a touch of elegance and enhances the overall presentation.
- Enjoy!: Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious and refreshing coconut water lemonade!
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness: The amount of simple syrup you need will depend on the sweetness of your coconut water and your personal preference. Start with the recommended amount and adjust as needed. You can also use other sweeteners like agave nectar, honey, or stevia.
- Use different types of coconut water: There are many different brands and varieties of coconut water available. Some are sweeter than others, so choose one that you enjoy. You can also use coconut water with pulp for a slightly thicker and more textured lemonade.
- Add fruit: For a fruity twist, try adding other fruits to the lemonade. Some good options include strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and watermelon. You can either muddle the fruit before adding it to the lemonade, or blend it into a puree and then stir it in.
- Make it sparkling: For a fizzy lemonade, top each glass with sparkling water or club soda before serving.
- Add herbs: Experiment with different herbs to add a unique flavor to your lemonade. Some good options include basil, rosemary, and thyme. Muddle the herbs before adding them to the lemonade to release their flavor.
- Make it spicy: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of jalapeño to the lemonade.
- Freeze it: Pour the lemonade into popsicle molds and freeze for a refreshing summer treat.
- Infuse the coconut water: Before making the lemonade, infuse the coconut water with fruits or herbs for a more intense flavor. For example, you could add slices of cucumber and mint to the coconut water and let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours before using it to make the lemonade.
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the pitcher for an extra burst of lemon flavor. Be sure to zest the lemons before juicing them.
- Ginger Zing: Grate a small piece of fresh ginger into the lemonade for a warm and spicy note. Start with about a half-inch piece and adjust to taste.
- Salted Lemonade: A pinch of sea salt can actually enhance the sweetness and tartness of the lemonade. Try adding just a tiny pinch and see if you like it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes