2.5 from 26 votes

Pink Lemonade Drink Recipe


WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The Pink Lemonade drink is one of the most popular non-alcoholic drinks.

The combination of Lemon Juice and Soda Water is a timeless duo that’s found in many other popular drinks such as the Lemon Squash, a staple in pubs and restaurants all over the world.

A non-alcoholic classic with a fascinating history, nothing is as cooling as sipping a Pink Lemonade mocktail on a warm summer’s day. Let’s get mixing!

How To Make a Pink Lemonade 

Ingredients

Parts ml
Number of Servings
1

Rate this recipe

What You’ll Need

  • Jigger or Measuring Instrument 
  • Highball Glass
  • Citrus Elbow (or Citrus Press)
  • Paring Knife
  • Bar Spoon

How to Mix

  1. Fill a Highball Glass with Ice Cubes.
  2. Cut one Lemon in half using a Paring Knife.
  3. Squeeze the juice from the Lemon half with a Citrus Elbow into a Jigger, then pour the correct measure into the Glass.
  4. Measure and pour Simple Syrup into the Glass using the Jigger.
  5. Add four dashes of Bitters.
  6. Top up with Soda Water.
  7. Stir gently with a Bar Spoon.
  8. Sip and enjoy!

The History of the Pink Lemonade

After reading how the Pink Lemonade was invented, you’ll never look at the drink the same again! There are several stories, and they all involve a circus. 

One popular story from the late 1850s tells of a circus lion tamer’s brother working at the concessions stand who ran out of water for his lemonade. With a line of thirsty customers, he grabbed a bucket from the performers’ tent, unaware it had been used to rinse a performer’s red tights.

The dye turned the water pink, and he mixed it with Lemon Juice and Sugar. Seizing the opportunity, he marketed it as “refreshing Strawberry Lemonade.” 

Luckily, no one said anything about the fact it didn’t taste like strawberry.

Tips for Making the Perfect Pink Lemonade 

Use Fresh Lemon Juice
Nothing beats the taste of Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice. Store-bought bottle stuff just isn’t as fresh or tasty as the real stuff. Grab a couple of Lemons and a Citrus Press and press your own juice.

The combination of Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice and Soda Water is as refreshing as two ingredients can get and they’re the key to a great Pink Lemonade. Don’t skip on quality – always press fresh!

Variations of a Pink Lemonade Drink 

Pink Lemonade made with Cranberry Juice
A popular twist on Pink Lemonade drink uses Sweetened Cranberry Juice instead of Bitters or Grenadine/Pomegranate Syrup for its pink hue. 

The blend of Fresh Lemon Juice and Sweetened Cranberry Juice creates a deliciously tart Pink Lemonade.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for a Pink Lemonade 

We recommend serving a Pink Lemonade in a Highball Glass filled with Ice Cubes. A Collins Glass also works great. Be sure to check out our article on cocktail glassware.

The most popular garnish for a Pink Lemonade mocktail is a Lemon Wheel – and it’s a great choice.

IF YOU LIKE A PINK LEMONADE, YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY THESE MOCKTAILS:

Go to Gentle Sea Breeze
gentle sea breeze

Gentle Sea Breeze

Cranberry Juice (sweetened), Grapefruit Juice, Lime

Go to Virgin Appletini
virgin appletini

Virgin Appletini

Apple Juice, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Apple

Go to Shirley Temple
shirley temple

Shirley Temple

Ginger Ale, Grenadine, Maraschino

hero banner image for Pink Lemonade