Sparkling Lemonade

Nothing beats a glass of cool, refreshing lemonade on a hot day, and sparkling lemonade takes things up a notch. With a hint of zest, sweetness and the perfect amount of soda fizz, this homemade lemonade will become your go-to drink when the heat peaks. Like most lemonade recipes, it’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients and is an absolute crowd-pleaser at a summer gathering. Plus, carbonated lemonade is versatile—experiment with different flavors and variations to keep things fresh and exciting.

Sparkling Lemonade Ingredients

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• Sugar: When dissolved in water, sugar turns into a simple syrup, essential for smooth, well-mixed sweetness that balances out the tartness of the lemons.
• Water: Water helps dissolve the sugar and extract the flavors of the lemon zest. It also dilutes the lemonade to the perfect consistency.
• Lemons: Juice and zest strips from fresh lemons give the lemonade a bright, zesty flavor. The zest adds a subtle depth to the drink, while the juice delivers that classic tangy citrus flavor.
• Soda: Club soda adds the bubbly fizz that makes this lemonade extra refreshing. Its effervescence makes the drink feel light and crisp, perfect for sipping on a hot day. Buy it or make your own with a soda maker.

Directions

Step 1: Make the simple syrup

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Heat the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until the sugar is completely dissolved. Stir in the lemon zest strips and gently simmer uncovered for about five minutes to infuse the syrup. Remove the syrup from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix

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Combine the syrup with lemon juice in a pitcher. Refrigerate until the mixture is chilled.

Step 3: Add bubbles

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Once ready to serve, discard the lemon zest strips and stir in the club soda. Pour the sparkling lemonade into glasses filled with ice.

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Sparkling Lemonade Recipe Variations

• Raspberry lemonade: For a raspberry lemonade, add a handful of fresh raspberries to the simple syrup while it’s simmering. Strain the syrup before mixing with the lemon juice to remove the berry seeds.
• Herbal lemonade: Infuse the simple syrup with a few sprigs of fresh herbs, such as mint, basil or rosemary, for an herbaceous and aromatic flavor. Remove the herbs before adding the lemon juice.
• Hard lemonade: For an adult cocktail, spike the lemonade with a shot of vodka, gin or rum.
• Sparkling lemonade tea: To make a bubbly Arnold Palmer, substitute half the soda water with black iced tea.
• Slushy sparkling lemonade: Freeze lemonade in a metal or plastic container until it reaches your desired slushy consistency. If it’s too frozen, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to achieve the right texture.

How to Store Sparkling Lemonade

Store the lemonade mixture (before adding the club soda) in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Add the club soda just before serving to maintain the bubbles.

Can you freeze sparkling lemonade?

You can freeze the lemonade before adding the soda. It can be kept in the freezer for up to six months. When you’re ready to drink it, add club soda.

Sparkling Lemonade Recipe Tips

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Can I use sparkling water instead of club soda?

Sparkling water works just as well and adds the same refreshing fizz. Some people prefer sparkling water for its lighter flavor.

Can I make this recipe sugar-free?

Substitute the sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, but remember to taste and adjust the amounts depending on the sweetness of the alternative you’re using.

How do you make lemonade ice cubes?

Making lemonade ice cubes with leftover lemonade is a smart way to save it for future drinks. Pour lemonade into ice cube trays and freeze to use in glasses of lemonade or other drinks. The result? No diluted lemonade!