86% would make this again

Simple Raspberry Lemonade

Q: How long does homemade raspberry lemonade last in the fridge?

Homemade raspberry lemonade will stay fresh and tasty in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days when stored in a covered jug or airtight container. Always give it a good stir before serving as the fruit can settle over time. If it starts to smell off or looks cloudy, it’s best to make a fresh batch.

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

You can use bottled lemon juice if you don’t have fresh lemons on hand but fresh squeezed juice gives the brightest and most natural flavour that really makes this drink pop. If you do use bottled juice then try choose a high quality one with no added sugar and taste as you go so you can tweak the balance.

Q: Are frozen raspberries as good as fresh for lemonade?

Yes frozen raspberries work great and are a convenient, year-round option as long as you thaw them before blending so they puree smoothly. Many people find frozen berries just as flavourful and they often make the drink more affordable without losing colour or taste.

Q: Why is my raspberry lemonade too tart or too sweet?

Homemade raspberry lemonade can taste too tart if there’s too much lemon or too little sugar and too sweet if you add too much sweetener or water isn’t balanced. The best fix is simple: add sweetener a little bit at a time if it’s too tart or a splash more lemon juice or water if it’s too sweet, then taste until it’s just right for you. This is how we make ours turn our yummy every time.

Q: Do I need to strain the raspberry lemonade and why?

Straining the raspberry mixture removes seeds and pulp so you get a smooth easy-to-drink lemonade that everyone can enjoy. If you don’t mind a bit of texture you can skip straining it but most people prefer the clearer look and mouthfeel that straining gives.

Q: Can I make lemonade fizzy with sparkling water?

Absolutely, you can swap still water for sparkling water when you’re ready to serve for a fun fizzy twist on classic home made lemonade. Just add the sparkling water last so you keep the bubbles and remember that fizzy drinks taste stronger so you might want a little extra water or ice to balance it

Vish G

February 16, 2026

On hot afternoons Simple Raspberry Lemonade somehow becomes the drink everyone suddenly agrees on. It’s bright, sweet and just tart enough to make store bought drinks feel a little embarrassed. If summer had a favourite sip then this would be it. We love enjoying a jug of cool refreshing lemonade often with our friends and family over a BBQ to brighten up the day.

PREP TIME

10 MIN

COOK TIME

5 MIN

SERVINGS

Ingredients

1 cup raspberries, fresh or frozen and thawed (about 125 g / 4.5 oz)
1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
1 cup water for syrup (240 ml)
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4 to 6 lemons / 240 ml)
3 to 4 cups cold water, to taste (720 to 960 ml)
Ice, for serving
Fresh mint or lemon slices, optional

Instructions

Add the sugar and 1 cup water to a small saucepan, place over medium heat and stir until the sugar fully dissolves then remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Add the raspberries to a blender and blend until smooth, then pour the mixture through a fine sieve into a large jug, pressing gently to remove the seeds and keeping only the juice.
Pour the warm sugar syrup into the jug with the raspberry juice and stir well so everything mixes evenly.
Add the fresh lemon juice and 3 cups cold water, then stir and taste.
Adjust the flavour if needed by adding more water for a lighter taste or a little extra lemon juice for more sharpness.
Chill the lemonade in the fridge until cold, then serve over ice and garnish with mint or lemon slices if you like.