Treat yourself to this refreshing Rosemary Lemonade! You'll love this simple, but sophisticated twist on the classic recipe, and it couldn't be easier to make (just three ingredients). It's the perfect summer drink!
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Ginnie's Take
Is there anything better than a tall glass of homemade lemonade on a hot summer day? Honestly, I can't think of much! One sip instantly transports me to a breezy porch on a lazy afternoon (even if only in spirit). As much as I love the traditional recipe, I can't resist playing around different flavors, and this wonderful Rosemary Lemonade is a favorite. It tastes just as bright and sunny as the classic drink, but with a lovely herbal twist. If you're a rosemary fan, you won't be able to resist this mouthwatering drink!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Delicious - This yummy drink pairs tangy lemon with piney rosemary, two flavors that are a match made in heaven. You're going to adore this classic with a twist recipe!
- Easy to Make - Homemade lemonade is surprisingly quick and easy to prepare, which means you can throw a pitcher together whenever a craving strikes!
- Simple Ingredients - You need just three ingredients (plus water) to make this recipe. You probably already have everything you need!
Jump to:
Ingredients
You only need three ingredients (plus water) to make this refreshing lemon rosemary drink:
- Lemons - Fresh lemons are a must! When shopping for lemons, give them a gentle squeeze. The juiciest lemons have some give.
- Syrup - You'll sweeten the drink with homemade Rosemary Simple Syrup. It's easy to make with fresh rosemary, granulated sugar, and water.
- Water - And lastly, you'll need some cold water to dilute the lemon.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian, vegan (as long as you use vegan sugar), dairy free, gluten free, and nut free. Perfect for serving all your family and friends!
You'll Also Need
You will need a small saucepan, fine mesh strainer, and a cooking mallet (or rolling pin) to make the syrup. Grab a juicer for the lemons (I have old fashioned glass juicer), as well as a pitcher to make the drink. The pitcher I used is the ideal size for this rosemary lemon drink, and it comes with a lid. Perfect for storing drinks in the fridge!
How to Make Lemonade with Rosemary
This Rosemary Infused Lemonade is a snap to prepare! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's a quick overview of the steps:
- Make rosemary syrup. Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan, then heat the mixture until it's hot and the sugar has dissolved. Next, you'll steep the rosemary in the hot syrup for 20 to 30 minutes. Strain the syrup, then let cool before using. Tip: I recommend making the syrup a few hours (or even a day) in advance, so it has plenty of time to cool.
- Juice lemons. While the syrup cools, juice your lemons, removing any seeds. Tip: You can strain out the pulp, if you prefer, though I rarely do.
- Combine lemons + syrup. Mix the syrup and fresh lemon juice together in a large pitcher.
- Add water. Stir in the cold water, then serve the lemonade over ice or chill in your refrigerator.
And that's all there is to it, your delicious, homemade Rosemary Lemonade is ready to drink!
Variations
This rosemary drink is super simple to customize! Here are a few ideas to try:
- Fruit - Stir in mashed peaches, strawberries, blackberries, or watermelon for a fruity twist.
- Herbs - Infuse the syrup with mint, basil, or thyme instead of (or in addition to) the rosemary.
- Sparkling - Swap in sparkling water for an effervescent twist. This makes a great mocktail!
- Cocktail - Add a shot of vodka, gin, whiskey, or tequila for a fun adult drink.
Storage
Store leftover lemonade in a covered pitcher in your refrigerator. It will stay fresh for three to four days. The syrup can be made in ahead of time, then chilled until you're ready to use it.
Related Recipes
If you love this refreshing drink as much as I do, make sure to add my traditional Lemonade Recipe to your repertoire. You can even make Lemonade by the Glass, if you don't need a full pitcher! More flavors to try:
- This wonderful Strawberry Lemonade is another summer favorite!
- Have leftover watermelon? Then you have to try this delightful Watermelon Lemonade Drink.
- If you're a rhubarb fan, then you won't be able to resist this delish Rhubarb Lemonade recipe!
- You can add other citrus fruits, too. This yummy Orange Lemonade (Orangeade) is a favorite with kids and adults.
- Craving a lemony cocktail? Try my easy Lemonade Shandy or this fun Raspberry Lemonade Cocktail!
Rosemary Lemonade
Ingredients
For Rosemary Syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 4 large sprigs rosemary
For Lemonade:
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 to 6 large, juicy lemons)
- 5 cups cold water
Equipment
- Small Saucepan
- Kitchen Mallet (or Rolling Pin)
- Pitcher
Instructions
Prepare Rosemary Syrup:
- Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring very frequently, until sugar is dissolved and mixture is hot. (Do not boil.)
- While simple syrup cooks, place 4 large sprigs rosemary on a cutting board. Hit with a kitchen mallet a few times to gently bruise the rosemary. (If you don't have a mallet, use a rolling pin, or smack between hands.)
- When simple syrup is done cooking, remove from heat. Add rosemary, pressing down to cover in syrup. Set mixture aside for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing rosemary flavor to infuse syrup. (Taste after 20 minutes. Then proceed to next step, or continue steeping rosemary for stronger flavor.)
- Place fine mesh strainer over a bowl or large measuring cup. Strain syrup, then let cool before using.
Prepare Lemonade:
- Add 1 cup lemon juice, plus all of the rosemary syrup to a large pitcher. Mix well.
- Stir in 5 cups cold water.
- Serve lemonade over ice, or refrigerate until ready to drink. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
