I am the thirstiest person. ย I’ve taken a city-wide poll, and yep… it’s me. ย I win the prize for the thirstiest human.
I’m trying to get creative with the cold beverages that I take in this summer. ย I’ve been brewing my own black tea which is remarkably easy, reasonably priced, and delicious. ย Adding fresh mint (stems and leaves) into the brewing tea makes it fancy in a flash. ย I’m also a huge fan of adding cucumber and lemon slices to water, smashed strawberries to sparkling water, and a splash of orange juice in my iced green tea.
None of it feels particularly genius though it is pretty dang refreshing.
This lemonade though… this neon magenta lemonade feels like a small stroke of genius. ย Sweet, tart, and big bright pink! ย Let’s drink.
If you’re feeling like you’d like to add a glug of vodka into this lemonade refresher… well, I get you. ย Go on and get it!
Let’s start with the basics: ย fresh lemons juiced up just right, granulated sugar, filtered water, and raw, grated beet (about 1/4 cup). Yes, actual beet root!
Lemons are juiced! ย We’ll need about 3/4 cup of fresh lemon juice.
One small beet is grated on the small side of a box grater. ย We’ll only need about 1/4 cup of raw beet. ย The color and flavor is potent but not overpowering!
Fresh lemon juice, shredded raw beets, sugar, and a bit of water are blended together in a food processor. ย You might also use a blender. ย Either works well!
The beets will never be perfectly smooth, but a good blending will infuse the lemonade with lots of beet color and flavor.
Pass the beet lemonade through a fine mesh strainer. ย That way we’ll get all of the bright pink beet lemonade without the actual beet pulp.
Not strawberry. ย Not raspberry. ย Pfffttt..
Pretty pink beet!
Lots of ice because it’s summer and I’m pretty sure that lemonade without ice is a crime.
Sweet and tart with a hint of beet and a whole lot of pink.
No need for a fancy juicer.. just a citrus juicer, a blender, and a mega amount of ice.
Happy hot days to us! ย Let’s drink to our thirst!
Beet Lemonade
makes about 8 cups
adapted slightly from Saveur
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup finely grated raw beet*
6 cups filtered water, divided
*I used the fine grating side of a box grater to shredย a small, raw, unpeeled beet. ย You can also use a food processor with the shredder attachment, but I found the box grater to be much easier.
In a blender or a food processor (fitted with the blade attachment), blend together lemon juice, sugar, shredded beet, and 1 cup of water. ย Blend for 1 minute until the mixture is bright pink and well combined. ย The beets will never be fully smooth, ย that’s ok!
Strain mixture through a fine mesh strainer and into a medium bowl. ย Use the back of a spoon to press any remaining juice out of the beets and into the lemonade. ย Transfer strained mixture to a pitcher and discard the beets. ย Add remaining 5 cups of water to the pitcher and stir. ย Taste and add more lemon or sugar as necessary. ย Store in the refrigerator and serve chilled. ย
40 Responses
This looks beautiful. I love beets in any form and this is definitely on my to-try list. Will do me a world of good in this 45 C heat in Delhi, India!
When I was in New Orleans in February, I was always tempted by the beet lemonade at Satsuma Cafe & planned to recreate it when I got back home. Never did & I see you did all the work :) Hooray!
You’re a genius!
Thanks for giving the nice ideas how to make beet recipe with lemon. It looks so delicious. I would love to try this in my kitchen.
This was a big old mess to make, and I don’t regret it one bit. It’s unique, delicious, refreshing and the prettiest beverage I have ever made!
Beet lemonade sounds like something I could really get into. I wonder if I could convince my family it was something else though. I might have to make this in secret so they don’t see me! Pinning!
This looks so delicious! And perfect for this upcoming holiday weekend!
Thanks Joy! I have been trying to find some new and fun options for lemonade to make this summer! I can’t wait to make this.
Wow! I love this. It was so nice meeting you in LA last month! Hope you’re having a great summer.
I absolutely LOVE that color but I HATE beets! I just can’t stand them. Any ideas on how to get that color but with a different flavor? Raspberry and strawberry lemonades are OK, but are old news and don’t give a great color.
Try blueberry pomegranate lemonade!! same beautiful color but no beets!
Looks great and refreshing. Wondering if can the same results with grape stevia for sweetener. I can’t use sugar.
This is fabulous…used beets from our garden. Thank you!