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This homemade raspberry lemonade is bright, refreshing, and perfect for warm weather entertaining.
Made with fresh raspberries, lemon juice, and a simple homemade syrup, this easy summer drink is sweet, tart, and full of fresh berry flavor.
It’s perfect for brunches, baby showers, bridal showers, garden parties, cookouts, and summer holidays like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day.
Serve it over ice with fresh lemons and raspberries for a beautiful drink everyone will love.
If you love refreshing summer drinks, be sure to also visit my summer drinks page along with my classic sweet tea, strawberry margarita pitcher, and classic margarita recipes.
Want to try making your own jelly at home?
Get my free guide with 8 easy, beginner-friendly jelly recipes you can confidently make.
Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Lemonade
- Fresh and fruity summer drink
- Perfect balance of sweet and tart
- Easy to make ahead
- Beautiful for parties and brunches
- Great for summer holidays and entertaining
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 cups cold water
- 1 cup ice
- Lemon slices and raspberries for garnish
- Fresh mint (optional)
How to Make Raspberry Lemonade
In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and 1 cup of water. Heat over medium heat until the raspberries break down and the sugar dissolves completely.
Remove from heat and strain the raspberry mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove the seeds.
Pour the raspberry syrup into a large pitcher.
Add the fresh lemon juice and remaining cold water. Stir well.
Refrigerate until chilled.
Serve over ice with fresh raspberries, lemon slices, and mint if desired.
Tips for the Best Raspberry Lemonade
Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch.
Adjust the sugar depending on how tart or sweet you prefer your lemonade.
For a sparkling version, replace part of the water with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda.
Flavor Variations
This raspberry lemonade is easy to customize for different occasions.
Try adding:
- Strawberries or blackberries
- Fresh mint leaves
- Sparkling water
- Coconut water
- Vodka or champagne for parties
- Frozen raspberries instead of ice cubes
What to Serve with Raspberry Lemonade
This refreshing drink pairs perfectly with:
- Tea sandwiches
- Brunch casseroles
- Fruit salads
- Lemon desserts
- Garden party foods
- Summer cookout recipes
It’s especially pretty for bridal showers, baby showers, brunches, Easter, Mother’s Day, and summer entertaining.
More Lemonade Recipes
- Strawberry Basil Lemonade
- Lilac Lemonade Recipe
- Rhubarb Lemonade Recipe
- Blueberry Lavender Lemonade
- Fresh Peach Lemonade
- Watermelon Lemonade
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 cups cold water
- 1 cup ice
- Lemon slices and raspberries for garnish
- Fresh mint optional
-
In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and 1 cup of water. Heat over medium heat until the raspberries break down and the sugar dissolves completely.
-
Remove from heat and strain the raspberry mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove the seeds.
-
Pour the raspberry syrup into a large pitcher.
-
Add the fresh lemon juice and remaining cold water. Stir well.
-
Refrigerate until chilled.
-
Serve over ice with fresh raspberries, lemon slices, and mint if desired.
Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch.
Adjust the sugar depending on how tart or sweet you prefer your lemonade.
For a sparkling version, replace part of the water with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make raspberry lemonade ahead of time?
Yes. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Absolutely. Frozen raspberries work very well in this recipe.
How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce the sugar or add extra lemon juice for a tarter lemonade.
This homemade raspberry lemonade is refreshing, colorful, and perfect for summer gatherings.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, cookout, baby shower, or simply relaxing outside on a warm afternoon, this easy lemonade recipe is always a favorite.
Follow summer drinks board on Pinterest.
