Pin it
This dazzling ruby beet lemonade has been my go-to summer cooldown during hot afternoons, delivering just the right mix of sweet and tart flavors with a gorgeous red color that always wows my visitors.
I came up with this drink during an extra warm summer when beets were taking over my garden. What began as a clever way to use up extra veggies has turned into the drink everyone asks for when friends drop by for backyard hangouts.
Key Ingredients
- Fresh lemons: Their sharp acidity builds the perfect tangy base. Go for weighty, solid lemons with bright yellow peels to get the most juice.
- Fresh beets: Pick out hard, unblemished beets with rich color and attached greens for the tastiest flavor and bold color.
- Honey: Brings natural sweetness that works well with the earthy beet taste. Local raw honey is a fantastic choice here.
- Water: Use filtered water for the purest taste without any competing mineral flavors.
- Ice: Essential for enjoying this lemonade at its most refreshing temperature.
Making It Step By Step
- Get your beets ready:
- Use your food processor's shredding attachment to turn peeled beet chunks into about 1 cup of thin shreds. The smaller you shred them, the more color and taste will come out in your juice.
- Make the beet juice:
- Put your shredded beets with 4 cups of water in the food processor and mix until it's totally smooth, around 45-60 seconds. You shouldn't see any bits of beet left.
- Filter out solids:
- Pour your blended beet mix through a fine strainer sitting over a big bowl. Push down firmly with a wooden spoon to get out as much bright liquid as you can. Don't rush this part for best results.
- Combine your lemonade:
- In a large pitcher, mix your strained beet juice with fresh lemon juice, honey, and 2 more cups of water. Stir well with a wooden spoon until the honey completely melts, which takes about a minute of steady stirring.
- Tweak the taste:
- Give it a try and change it to suit you. Add extra honey if you want it sweeter, more lemon juice for tanginess, or water to make it milder. The best thing about this drink is you can easily make it just how you like it.
- Cool it down:
- Put the lemonade in the fridge for at least an hour before serving so the flavors can blend together. It tastes way better when it's properly chilled.
Pin it
The beets really change this from basic lemonade into something special. Their natural sweetness cuts down on how much honey you need, while adding amazing health perks. My family now compares all pink drinks to this naturally colorful creation.
Gorgeous Serving Ideas
Make this colorful drink even better by pouring it into see-through glass pitchers or mason jars to show off its beautiful red shade. Throw in some thin lemon slices and small beet circles as garnish for a photo-worthy drink. For special events, try freezing tiny beet pieces or lemon wedges in ice cubes that look stunning as they slowly melt.
Health Advantages
This cool drink offers great health benefits besides just keeping you hydrated. Beets have natural stuff that might help bring down blood pressure and boost how well you perform in sports. The vitamin C from lemons helps your immune system, while the natural sugars give you quick energy. With just 99 calories per serving, this pretty drink is good for you without any guilt.
Keeping It Fresh
This beet lemonade keeps its taste and bright color best when you store it in glass containers instead of plastic ones. Keep it in the fridge in a sealed pitcher for up to 3 days. Don't worry if it separates a bit just give it a stir before you pour. To keep it longer, freeze the mix in ice cube trays, then move the cubes to freezer bags for up to 3 months they're perfect to add to smoothies or to quickly make a small amount.
Tasty Twists
Play around with this flexible starting recipe to create your own special versions. Add some fresh mint or basil for an herby touch. For a grown-up drink, mix in a bit of vodka or gin to make a beautiful cocktail. Try adding ginger for extra warmth and tummy-friendly benefits. When citrus is in season, swap out some of the lemon juice for blood orange juice to get a different flavor dimension.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s the easiest way to make beet juice?
Chop fresh beets into smaller pieces. Use a food processor to shred them with 4 cups of water. When it’s blended well, strain through a fine sieve.
- → Are substitutes for sweeteners allowed?
You bet! Try agave, maple syrup, or even calorie-free substitutes if you’re looking for options beyond sugar or honey.
- → How do I tweak the tartness or sweetness?
Give it a taste test after mixing. Add sugar for extra sweetness, a splash of lemon for zing, or more water to tone it down.
- → How do I make it super cold?
Pop it in the fridge for a couple of hours to chill, or simply pour it over ice and serve right away.
- → Is it okay to use bottled beet juice?
Totally! Just make sure it’s plain beet juice with no extra additives or sugar to keep the natural taste intact.
- → Can kids enjoy beet lemonade?
Yes, kids can have it in moderation with a natural sweetener. Just consider if they’re good with its earthy taste.