Description
This Classic Raspberry Vanilla Lemonade blends tart fresh raspberries with bright lemon juice and a hint of vanilla extract into a smooth, lightly sweet lemonade with a warm, creamy vanilla undertone that rounds out the sharp raspberry flavor beautifully. The vanilla makes the drink taste a bit more like a dessert‑style lemonade while still feeling refreshing. This lemonade is ready in just ten minutes and looks gorgeous with a few raspberries peeking through the glass.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh raspberries
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup simple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
3 cups cold water
1 cup ice cubes
Fresh raspberries and lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
1. Add raspberries into a high‑speed blender and blend until completely smooth.
2. Strain the raspberry puree through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher, pressing to extract all juice, and discard all seeds and solids.
3. Pour in fresh lemon juice and add lemon zest.
4. Add vanilla extract, simple syrup or honey, and cold water.
5. Stir everything together until well combined.
6. Taste and adjust sweetness, vanilla, or lemon juice as needed.
7. Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the lemonade over the ice, garnish with lemon slices and fresh raspberries and serve immediately.
Notes
Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor and subtle creaminess without overpowering the raspberry.
Strain the raspberry puree very thoroughly to remove all tiny seeds and fibers for the smoothest texture.
Ripe raspberries give the sweetest flavor and the most vibrant red‑tinted color.
Frozen raspberries work well here and are a great year‑round option.
Store in the fridge for up to 2 days — stir well before serving as natural separation occurs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (12 oz)
- Calories: 88
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg