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What if I told you that you could have a sweet summer drink that’s totally keto-friendly? My easy Keto Lemonade recipe is sweetened with sugar-free simple syrup and flavored with completely natural fresh squeezed lemon juice for a simple, refreshing beverage that you don’t need to feel guilty about enjoying!
Eating healthy doesn’t mean giving up the sweets and treats we love the most. I love to take ordinary treats and turn them into a better for you version, like these Candied Pecans or this lightened up version of Cheesecake.
That’s exactly what this Keto Lemonade is–that sweet and tart drink you want for a hot summer afternoon- without all the unnecessary sugars!
Zesty lemon and simple sweetness are a classic pairing that just can’t be beat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Keto-friendly- This low-carb lemonade is sugar-free, but still all natural!
- 2 ingredients- if you don’t count the water, or the optional thickener.
- Mouthwateringly tangy and sweet
Key Ingredients
- Lemons– Fresh squeezed, please! No bottled lemon juice here or concentrate, this is as pure as it gets, and it’s worth the effort.
- Granulated Sweetener – Swerve measures the same as sugar and what I used. However, you can use your favorite stevia based one. Make sure you check a conversion chart.
- Xanthum Gum (not pictured)- This optional ingredient is used to thicken the simple syrup. Find it in your local health food store.
How To Make Keto Lemonade
This is an overview of the instructions, be sure to see the recipe card for all the details.
- Add sweetener and water to a small saucepan.
- Heat it over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sweetener dissolves. If using the Xantham gum, carefully sprinkle it over the top, while whisking like mad to avoid any clumping. Set the syrup aside to cool.
- Juice the lemons into a small bowl or large measuring cup. A citrus press works great here.
- Add the lemon juice, cooled simple syrup, and cold water to a pitcher. Stir well.
This Sugar-free lemonade is great for all seasons, ages, and occasions. Sit, sip, and relax with a glass this summer or anytime you feel the need.
EXPERT TIPS
- Use really cold water if you want to serve this immediately, otherwise chill until it’s nice and cold. Alternatively, serve it over ice.
- You can make the syrup ahead of time to save on time. Allow it to cool to at least room temperature, even better if it’s chilled.
- Make extra syrup and use it in cocktails or Mocktails. It will keep for about a week in the fridge. Because it’s sugar free there is no preservative factor to it.
- The level of sweetness is totally adjustable. Use more or less simple syrup per your preferences or a bit more lemon juice for some added tartness.
- Swap out xanthan gum with glucomannan for some additional health benefits! In addition to being a great thickening agent, glucomannan can promote weight loss and a healthy microbiome. Also find this at your local health food store.
- Chill with frozen lemon slices. Freeze slices of lemon ahead of time to use as ice cubes that won’t water down the drink. Other frozen fruits are great for adding flavor and color!
- Serve with herbs for added freshness. Peppermint leaves , rosemary or basil would add a refreshing note to your drink, plus it makes a lovely garnish.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your average grocery store lemonade likely is not good for your low-carb diet. Store-bought is generally full of sugar and carbs.
This recipe, however, uses sugar-free sweetener, so you’re good to go!
You have several sweetener options to choose from that are keto-friendly. Some popular choices include Swerve, Stevia, allulose, and monk fruit.
These sweeteners are all low-carb and can work right into your diet.
STORING AND FREEZING
Keep your pitcher refrigerated when not being used to serve. This low-carb lemonade will keep in the fridge for up to 7 days. Then stir it well before serving.
Pour the lemonade into popsicle molds for a guilt-free popsicle! You can also use Zipzicle bags, which are a disposable ziptop bag for DIY gogurts or homemade ice pops.
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Keto Lemonade Recipe
Equipment
- citrus press optional, makes it easy to juice lemons.
- Pitcher
- wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup Swerve granulated sweetener or granulated sweetener of choice
- 7 cups Water divided
- 1/8 tsp Xanthan gum or glucomannan (optional- makes the syrup a tiny bit thicker, can be left out.)
- 1 1/2 cups Fresh squeezed lemon juice about 8-10 lemons
Instructions
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetener and water. Heat, stirring occasionally until the sweetener is dissolved.
- If using xanthan gum, sprinkle it while whisking at the same time to avoid any clumps. Once it’s all stirred in, remove from heat, cool completely.
- Juice the lemons making sure to strain out the seeds. A citrus press works perfectly.
- Add the fresh squeezed lemon juice to a pitcher along with the simple syrup if using) and 6 cups of cold water. Chill and serve over ice.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of sweetness based on your preference; for tarter lemonade, try less simple syrup. Experiment and make it your own.
- Use really cold water if you want to serve this immediately, otherwise chill until it’s nice and cold. Alternatively, serve it over ice.
- You can make the syrup ahead of time to save on time. Allow it to cool to at least room temperature, even better if it’s chilled.
- Make extra syrup and use it in cocktails or Mocktails. It will keep for about a week in the fridge. Because it’s sugar free there is no preservative factor to it.
- The xanthan gum is optional; this is a natural thickener. If you don’t have this ingredient it’s totally fine to leave it out.
Nutrition
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