Brown Sugar Lemonade
on Jan 05, 2023, Updated May 29, 2024
This three-ingredient Brown Sugar Lemonade is the refreshing beverage you need on a hot, sunny day. Try my easy recipe here.
Try my Brown Sugar Overnight Oats recipe if you like the earthy taste of brown sugar.
About Brown Sugar Lemonade
Brown Sugar Lemonade is a variation of the classic lemonade, in which granulated white sugar is replaced with dark brown sugar.
The use of brown sugar gives this lemonade a deeper and caramel-like flavor.
I created this recipe accidentally when I was out of regular sugar. I used dark brown sugar, which I have kept for my baking recipes, and made this lemonade. It tasted quite good. When I googled it, I found that it was actually a recipe that people have been making already.
So, although it’s technically not my invention, it is pretty good, and you must try it.
This easy and refreshing beverage comes together in under 30 minutes using three simple ingredients.
This lemonade with brown sugar is perfect for sipping on hot, sunny days. You can also make it for backyard parties, BBQs, brunches, or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Lemon Juice – Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a tasty and refreshing lemonade.
You can replace lemon juice with lime juice. Keep in consideration that limes are tangier than lemons.
Brown Sugar – Use organic dark brown sugar to make this recipe.
You will also need water and ice cubes.
For a refreshing twist, you can add fresh herbs like mint leaves or Italian basil.
How To Make Brown Sugar Lemonade
Make The Sugar Syrup
Add 1 cup of room temperature water and 1 cup of dark brown sugar (packed) to a pan and heat over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved, stirring frequently.
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and reduce the heat to low.
Cook the syrup for 15 minutes, stirring at regular intervals.
Remove the pan from the heat and let the syrup cool completely.
Tip: To speed up the cooling process, add 2-3 ice cubes to the syrup.
Make The Lemonade
Add 3 cups of chilled water to a large pitcher.
Stir in 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice and cooled syrup.
Add ice cubes to the serving glasses and pour the lemonade over the ice.
Garnish with mint sprigs and lemon wheels and serve chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
To extract the maximum juice from the lemons, roll them on the counter, pressing on them with the palm of your hand to soften them and break down the pulp. This will make it easier to squeeze the juice out.
Microwaving the lemons for 15 seconds also softens them up and makes them easier to squeeze.
Yes, you can, but remember that light brown sugar’s flavor is milder than dark brown sugar’s. You can also use raw cane sugar or coconut sugar to make brown lemonade.
The best lemonade is made using freshly squeezed lemon juice, but if you can’t access fresh lemons, use store-bought juice.
Serving Ideas
Mason Jar: For a refreshing touch, serve chilled lemonade in a mason jar with slices of lemon and sprigs of mint. You can add a stylish, eco-friendly straw for sipping.
Cocktails: Add a splash of your favorite liquor (vodka, whiter rum, bourbon, etc.) and serve it in a cocktail glass garnished with a twist of lemon peel.
Floats: Make floats by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the glasses filled with the lemonade.
Ice Pops: Pour the lemonade into popsicle molds and freeze them. Enjoy these refreshing ice pops on a hot, sunny day.
Slushie: Blend the lemonade with crushed ice until it becomes slushy. Serve it in a mason jar with a straw.
Lemonade Tea: Mix it with iced tea and serve it in a tall glass or pitcher for a refreshing twist on a classic Arnold Palmer.
Festive Holiday Serve: During the holidays, serve it in a large punch bowl with floating slices of lemon and cranberries.
Lemonade Sangria: Mix the lemonade with white wine, sliced fruit, and a splash of brandy. Serve this refreshing sangria in a large pitcher at your next barbecue or summer gathering.
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Brown Sugar Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups water (1 cup at room temperature for the simple syrup, 3 cups chilled for the lemonade)
- 1 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (or lime juice)
- ice cubes (as required)
Instructions
Make The Sugar Syrup
- Add 1 cup of room temperature water and dark brown sugar to a pan and heat over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved, stirring frequently.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and then reduce the heat to low.
- Cook the syrup for 15 minutes, stirring at regular intervals.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the syrup cool completely.
- Tip – To fasten the cooling process, you can add 2-3 ice cubes to the syrup.
Make The Lemonade
- Add 3 cups of chilled water to a large pitcher.
- Stir in lemon juice and cooled syrup.
- Add ice cubes to the serving glasses and pour the lemonade over the ice.
- Garnish with mint sprigs and lemon wheels and serve chilled.
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