Raspberry rose lemonade is the kind of drink people assume you bought at a pretty summer café. In reality it is fresh raspberries, lemon juice, a tiny splash of rose water and cold sparkling water, stirred together in about five minutes.
The raspberries give it a natural blush color, the lemon keeps it bright and tart, and the rose water adds a soft floral note that makes every sip feel a little special. No syrups, no dyes and no cooking.
Why you'll love this Raspberry Rose Lemonade
Ready in 5 minutes with no cooking at all
Naturally pink from real raspberries
Light, fizzy and not overly sweet
Easy to scale up for a party pitcher
What makes raspberry rose lemonade so refreshing?
It balances three things: juicy fruit, sharp citrus and bubbles. Mashing the raspberries releases their juice and color, the lemon cuts through the sweetness, and sparkling water lifts everything so the drink never feels heavy.
Rose water is the secret ingredient, but only a little. Half a teaspoon is enough to perfume two glasses without tasting like soap.
Ingredients for Raspberry Rose Lemonade
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 to 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, to taste
- ½ teaspoon food grade rose water
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 cup chilled sparkling water
- 1½ cups ice
- 2 thin lemon slices, optional
- Edible rose petals and extra raspberries, for garnish
Full steps are in the recipe card below.
How to make Raspberry Rose Lemonade
- 1
Mash the berries
Add the raspberries, lemon juice and honey or maple syrup to a bowl. Mash with a fork until the berries break down and release their juice.
- 2
Strain
Press the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a measuring jug to remove the seeds. Scrape the underside of the sieve to catch all the pulp.
- 3
Add rose water
Stir in the rose water and cold water. Taste and add a little more sweetener if your berries are tart.
- 4
Build the glasses
Fill two tall glasses with ice and divide the raspberry base between them.
- 5
Top with bubbles
Pour the sparkling water over the top and stir gently. Garnish with lemon slices, raspberries and rose petals, then serve right away.
Tips for the best Raspberry Rose Lemonade
- Use ripe raspberries for stronger color and less added sweetener.
- Fresh lemon juice tastes brighter than bottled.
- Taste the base before sweetening because raspberry sweetness varies a lot.
- Chill the glasses for ten minutes for an extra frosty finish.
Easy variations
Still lemonade
Use cold still water instead of sparkling water.
Berry mix
Mash a few strawberries with the raspberries.
Classic pink
Skip the rose water for a simple sparkling raspberry lemonade.
Party pitcher
Multiply the base, keep it in the fridge and add sparkling water and ice right before guests arrive.
How to store Raspberry Rose Lemonade
- Make the raspberry base up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge.
- Add ice and sparkling water only when serving.
Raspberry Rose Lemonade
Make raspberry rose lemonade in 5 minutes with fresh raspberries, lemon, rose water and sparkling water. A pretty, naturally pink summer drink.
Ingredients
Equipment: Fine mesh sieve, small bowl and fork or muddler, 2 tall glasses
Instructions
- Mash the berriesAdd the raspberries, lemon juice and honey or maple syrup to a bowl. Mash with a fork until the berries break down and release their juice.
- StrainPress the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a measuring jug to remove the seeds. Scrape the underside of the sieve to catch all the pulp.
- Add rose waterStir in the rose water and cold water. Taste and add a little more sweetener if your berries are tart.
- Build the glassesFill two tall glasses with ice and divide the raspberry base between them.
- Top with bubblesPour the sparkling water over the top and stir gently. Garnish with lemon slices, raspberries and rose petals, then serve right away.
Notes
- Add the sparkling water last so the drink stays fizzy.
- Start with half a teaspoon of rose water. You can always add a drop more.
- For a still version, replace the sparkling water with cold still water.
Yield: 2 servings. Nutrition is an estimate of about 80 calories per serving and will vary with your ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
What does raspberry rose lemonade taste like?
Mostly juicy raspberry and tart lemon, with a light floral aroma from the rose water.
Can I skip the rose water?
Yes. You will have a lovely sparkling raspberry lemonade.
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes. Thaw them fully before mashing and taste before adding water, since they release more liquid.
Can I make it ahead?
Make the base ahead and add the sparkling water and ice just before serving.
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