I first tried beet lemonade at a roadside stand during a summer road trip. I was curious but unsure if I would like it. One sip changed my mind. It was cold, slightly sweet, and full of fresh lemon flavor. Now I make it at home all the time. This recipe is simple, refreshing, and easy to adjust. You can make it with basic tools and a few fresh ingredients. I’ll guide you step by step, share flavor ideas, and explain why it’s a smart choice for your health.
Table of Contents
You’ll Love This
- So good. Sweet beets and tangy lemon are a winning combo.
- Super easy. Only a few ingredients and 15 minutes to make.
- Healthy and nourishing. Beets and lemons are packed with nutrients and lower in sugar than most drinks.
- Pretty. The pink color is gorgeous in any glass and makes it feel special.
- Customizable. Change up the sweetness or add in mint, ginger or sparkling water.
Perfect for summer, family gatherings or anytime you want something new.
How to Make Fresh Beet Lemonade (The Easy Way)
PrintBeet Lemonade
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Fresh, colorful, and full of flavor. This beet lemonade is easy to make, tastes great, and works well for warm days or post-workout hydration.
Ingredients
For the Core Lemonade:
- 2 medium fresh beets, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 4 to 6 cups cold filtered water
Choose one sweetener:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup honey or agave nectar
- 2 cups white grape juice
- 1 cup raw cane sugar
Optional garnish and flavor:
- Fresh mint sprigs
- Thin lemon slices
- 1 inch piece of fresh ginger
- Splash of club soda
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Juices
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Prep the Beets: Wash, peel, and chop the beets into small, 1-inch pieces.
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Make the Beet Juice: Add the chopped beets and one cup of water to a blender. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth.
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Strain the Juice: Strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or a cheesecloth into a bowl or pitcher. Press down on the pulp to extract all the juice.
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Juice the Lemons: Juice enough lemons to make one cup of fresh juice. Be sure to remove any seeds.
Step 2: Assemble the Lemonade
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Mix Everything: In a large pitcher, combine the fresh beet juice, lemon juice, your chosen sweetener, and the remaining water.
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Taste and Adjust: Stir everything well. Taste the lemonade and add more sweetener for sweetness or more lemon juice for tartness, if needed.
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Serve: Pour the finished lemonade over ice. Garnish with fresh lemon slices or mint sprigs, if desired.
Notes
Use gloves while handling beets to avoid stains
Combine lemons and limes for a deeper citrus flavor
Save leftover beet pulp for smoothies or baking
Chill the lemonade before serving for a better taste
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
You do not need a fancy juicer to make fresh beet juice. A simple blender works just as well and is easier to clean.
Using a Blender
Step 1: Chop two medium beets into small pieces so they blend smoothly.
Step 2: Add the chopped beets to a blender with one cup of cold water.
Step 3: Blend until the mixture looks smooth and thick.
Step 4: Place a fine mesh strainer or a piece of cheesecloth over a bowl or pitcher.
Step 5: Pour the blended mixture slowly and press down with a spoon to extract all the juice.
Step 6: Discard or save the leftover pulp for another use, like smoothies or baking.
Using a Juicer
If you own a juicer, feed the peeled and chopped beets through it. Collect the juice in a container and continue with the recipe. This method is faster and gives a very smooth result.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
Wear gloves when handling beets
Beets can stain your hands bright pink. Use kitchen gloves to avoid the mess and keep your hands clean.
Use both lemons and limes.
For a more layered citrus flavor, mix three parts lemon juice with one part lime juice. It adds depth and freshness.
Save the beet pulp
Please don’t throw it out. You can freeze it and add it to smoothies, muffins, or veggie patties. It’s packed with fiber and nutrients.
Chill the lemonade in advance.
Let the lemonade sit in the fridge for a few hours. The flavors blend better over time, and it tastes even more refreshing.
No juicer needed
If you do not have a juicer, a blender with a fine strainer works perfectly. Just make sure to press the pulp well to get all the juice.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve it cold
Pour the beet lemonade over a tall glass of ice. Add a slice of lemon or a few mint leaves on top to make it look and taste even better.
Make it a party drink.
Serve it in a clear pitcher or drink dispenser so the bright color stands out. Add a few lemon slices and fresh herbs for extra appeal.
Chill before serving
Let the lemonade sit in the fridge for at least one hour. This helps the flavors blend and gives you a colder, more refreshing drink.
Store it properly
Keep leftovers in a sealed jar or pitcher in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to three days.
Shake before pouring
If any beet pulp settles at the bottom, give it a good shake or stir before serving again.
Fun Flavor Variations
Spicy Ginger-Beet Lemonade
Add one tablespoon of fresh ginger juice or a few slices of fresh ginger while blending the beets.
Cooling Mint-Beet Lemonade
Muddle a handful of fresh mint leaves in the pitcher before adding the lemonade. This adds a cool layer to every sip.
Golden Beet Lemonade
Use golden beets instead of red beets for a yellow drink. Flavor is milder and less earthy. Perfect for beet newbies.
Arnold Palmer with a Twist
Mix equal parts beet lemonade and iced tea. Sweet, tart and tea all in one drink.
Is Beet Lemonade Good For You
A natural energy boost
Beets have dietary nitrates that open up blood vessels. This increases blood flow and oxygen delivery during exercise, which can help with endurance and recovery for athletes.
Packed with antioxidants
Lemons are full of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and helps protect cells from damage. Beets have betalains, an antioxidant that may reduce inflammation and support overall health.
A healthier option
Homemade beet lemonade has less sugar and fewer calories than store-bought lemonade or soda. Using natural sweeteners or fresh juice makes it lighter and more nourishing while still tasting refreshing.
Done
Beet lemonade is one of those drinks that makes you stop and smile. It’s fresh, bright and easy to make. You get the natural sweetness of beets mixed with the tartness of lemon, and the color alone is worth making. You don’t need fancy tools, and you can play around with the flavor until it’s just right.
Try it and comment, and rate. Share on Pinterest or Facebook so more people can try it. Which one will you make first?
More Refreshing Drinks, You Will Love
If you liked this beet lemonade, you should try The Ultimate Guide to Pomegranate and Beet Juice (Juicer and Smoothie). It is full of fresh flavor, easy to make at home, and looks just as good as it tastes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is beet lemonade good for you
Yes, it is. Beets provide nitrates that can improve blood flow, and lemons are rich in vitamin C. Together they make a drink that is both tasty and nutritious.
What do beet juice and lemon do for the body
Beet juice can help support healthy blood pressure and boost stamina. Lemon adds antioxidants and helps the body absorb nutrients more effectively.
Why do I feel dizzy after drinking beet juice
Some people are sensitive to the nitrates in beets. If you feel dizzy, drink a smaller amount and see how your body responds.
When to not drink beet juice
Avoid drinking beet juice if you have kidney stones or certain medical conditions that require you to limit oxalates. It is best to check with your doctor if you are unsure.
Love it! I’ve got some extra beets, so I’m definitely trying this next.
Extra beets always come in handy for this recipe!