Easy Homemade Cranberry Lemonade Refresher Recipe

This easy cranberry lemonade refresher is sweet, tart, and naturally pink, and it's one of the simplest homemade drinks you can put on a holiday table. Fresh squeezed lemon juice and a splash of cranberry juice make a cranberry lemonade that tastes brighter than anything from a carton, and it only takes four ingredients. It's a festive non alcoholic drink for Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas brunch, or any party where you want a pitcher that kids and grownups will both reach for. This cranberry refresher is simple enough for beginner cooks and little helpers, and it scales up easily when you need a big batch for a crowd.

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Why this is the best cranberry lemonade recipe

It's made with simple ingredients. This homemade cranberry lemonade uses just four ingredients: fresh lemons, cranberry juice, sugar, and water. Everything is easy to find at your local grocery store, and you may already have most of it in your kitchen.

It's quick and easy to make. You only need a few minutes to prepare the lemonade before putting it in the refrigerator to chill. There's no complicated preparation, and even beginner cooks can make this refreshing drink.

It has the best sweet and tart flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives this lemonade a bright citrus flavor, while cranberry juice adds a fruity twist and a beautiful pink color. The homemade sugar syrup balances the tartness without covering up the fresh fruit flavors.

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It's great for parties and family gatherings. This cranberry lemonade is a fun drink for summer cookouts, birthday parties, baby showers, and holiday celebrations. Make a big pitcher ahead of time, keep it cold in the refrigerator, and serve it over ice when your guests arrive.

It's easy to customize. You can make this lemonade sweeter, more tart, or even sparkling depending on your family's preferences. Kids can help squeeze the lemons, measure the ingredients, and stir everything together.

What you'll need to make the best Homemade Cranberry Lemonade

Equipment

• Small saucepan
• Citrus juicer
• 2 quart pitcher

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See the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page for all measurements and nutritional information.

Ingredients

• Water divided
• Sugar
• Lemons
• Cranberry juice

How to make easy Homemade Cranberry Lemonade

1. Put 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a small pot. Heat the mixture until the sugar has dissolved.
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2. Cut 6 lemons in half.
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   Squeeze the lemons until you get 1 cup of lemon juice.
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3. Pour the lemon juice,
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   3 cups of water,
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   and 1 cup of cranberry juice into a pitcher. Add the sugar mixture, stir, and chill.
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Making Tips

Make ahead: Make the simple syrup up to a week ahead and keep it chilled, or mix the whole pitcher the night before your gathering and keep it in the refrigerator.

Ice cubes: Freeze some of the lemonade in an ice cube tray so your drinks stay cold without watering down.

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Substitutions & variations

If you don't have fresh lemons, you can substitute bottled lemon juice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the best flavor, but bottled juice works when you need a quick shortcut. Use the same amount called for in the recipe.

You can use cranberry juice cocktail or 100% cranberry juice for this recipe. Cranberry juice cocktail is usually sweeter, while unsweetened cranberry juice has a stronger, more tart flavor. If you use unsweetened juice, you may need a little extra sugar to balance the tartness.

Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste. If you prefer a less sweet lemonade, start with a little less sugar in the syrup. You can always stir in more sweetener after tasting the finished drink.

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For a sparkling cranberry lemonade, replace some of the water with chilled club soda, sparkling water, or lemon-lime soda. Add the carbonated drink right before serving so the lemonade stays fizzy. Lemon-lime soda will also make the drink sweeter.

You can add a splash of lime juice for an extra citrus flavor or stir in a little orange juice for a sweeter, fruitier drink. Both options work well with the cranberry and lemon flavors.

For a pretty presentation, serve the cranberry lemonade in a large glass pitcher with fresh lemon slices, cranberries, or a few sprigs of mint. Add plenty of ice to individual glasses to keep the lemonade cold without watering down the entire pitcher.

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Storing leftover cranberry lemonade

Refrigerator: Keep cranberry lemonade in a covered pitcher in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before pouring, since it settles as it sits.

Check out more delicious Cranberry recipes

• Cranberry Crumble Bars
• Cranberry Fluff Salad
• Homemade Orange Cranberry Sauce
• Easy Homemade Cranberry Lemonade Refresher Recipe
• Cranberry Brie Appetizer Bites with Puff Pastry
• Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice
• Panera Copycat Cranberry and Orange Muffins Recipe

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