Fresh Raspberry Lemonade

I made this Fresh Raspberry Lemonade recipe for the first time on my daughter's 3rd birthday. For its perfectly girly pink color, of course. And it has made a repeat appearance at almost all of her birthdays since then, and plenty of times in between. The lemons and the raspberries give it a double dose of lip-puckering tartness, which I love. I even take the sugar down a half cup sometimes, because I really like sour, but this is a more kid-friendly/crowd-pleasing version. Feel free to take it down a notch if you're on team tart like me or use honey for a naturally sweetened version. It is such a simple recipe but such a special drink. Once you make this you will never reach for pre-mixed, powdered, or frozen lemonade mixes again.

You only need 3 ingredients to make this raspberry lemonade: Lemons, raspberries, and sugar. Yes, you need a lot of lemons, but I promise the flavor you'll get from the fresh stuff is SO much better than bottles. And yes, you can use frozen raspberries to make this raspberry lemonade. If you use honey to sweeten this make sure to use less as honey tastes sweeter than sugar. I might start with 1 cup and up it gradually if you think it needs it.

Raspberry Lemonade for Grown-Ups

And I feel I must mention, if you want to turn this raspberry lemonade into a grown up treat, add a splash of your favorite spirit. My choices would be gin, vodka, or light rum. A little splash of chambord would be extra special and fancy!

I hope you'll give this beloved family recipe a try. It is just the most refreshing thing on a hot, humid day. Let me know if you make it by leaving a comment and rating below! And snap a photo and be sure to tag me on Instagram @wild.thistle.kitchen. I love seeing my recipes in your kitchens! xo - Anita

Fresh Raspberry Lemonade

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Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups fresh lemon juice squeezed from about 14 lemons (reserve two of the lemons for the raspberry syrup)
• 12 ounces red raspberries (two of the smaller berry containers, or about 3 cups worth)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• Enough cold water to make 1 gallon (you should need about 14 cups)

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Instructions

Place raspberries and sugar in a large bowl and squeeze in the juice of two lemons. Stir and let sit for about an hour at room temperature, stirring and squishing the berries occasionally. You can also do this the night before and leave it in the fridge overnight. The lemon juice and sugar will cause the berries to break down and release their juices.

Place this mixture in a strainer/fine sieve set over a large bowl or measuring cup and press the berries through--really "squash their guts out," as my daughter says, to get all the juice out. You will be left with about two cups of beautifully red, seedless raspberry syrup.

Add the rest of your lemon juice to the raspberry syrup and whisk to make sure the sugar is dissolved. I have two half gallon pitchers, so I divide this mixture evenly between the two and top each one off with cold water. But, obviously, if you have a gallon pitcher just place the entire mixture in and top off with water.

Pour over lots of ice, find a nice sunny spot, and enjoy!

• Author: anita | wild thistle kitchen