Activated Charcoal Lemonade is a refreshing and super healthy lemonade that is a delicious & healthy twist on this classic drink. It has a perfect black hue from the charcoal and comes together in just 5 minutes using 4 ingredients (vegan, gluten-free, low carb)
Here are some more variations of lemonade that you may like – Strawberry Lemonade, Mulberry Lemonade, Mango Ginger Lemonade, and Litchi Lemonade.
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About This Recipe
Activated Charcoal Lemonade is a healthy detox drink that is a fun twist on the classic lemonade.
To make this drink, food-grade charcoal powder is used which gives this lemonade a black hue.
This charcoal lemonade just makes everything better when served chilled on a hot summer day.
Not only the color but edible charcoal is also said to be loaded with health benefits, such as it is great for digestion, detoxification and even to treat stomach infections. So many reasons to enjoy this black-hued lemonade, right?
If you are wondering how does it taste?
Do not worry, it doesn’t taste charcoal – y, burnt, or even smoky.
It just tastes like your regular lemonade with some added health benefits. Interesting, isn’t it?
This lemonade is vegan, gluten-free, and low carb.
You can easily scale the recipe up or down as per your requirement.
What is Activated Charcoal
It is a fine black powder that is prepared with different ingredients such as – bone char, coconut shells, peat, petroleum coke, coal, olive pits or sawdust, etc.
The charcoal is activated by processing it at a very high temperature. The high temperature changes its internal structure giving it many health benefits.
Do not confuse it with the regular charcoal. While regular charcoal or char is carcinogenic, activated charcoal is a superfood.
This ingredient is available in two forms – Bulk powder or in the form of capsules.
You can use the powder directly to make this drink and if using capsules, just open the capsules and take out the powder. Discard the cover and use the powder.
Health Benefits
Charcoal powder doesn’t only give a nice black hue to the drink, but also provides numerous health benefits
It aids digestion and is considered great for detoxification.
It has some amazing anti-aging properties.
This food-grade charcoal is considered to be great for heart and kidney health too.
It is also said to treat stomach infections or stomach flu.
If you have that morning hangover after a fun night, this lemonade works magic.
This will also help you decrease your cholesterol levels.
You can also include it in your keto diet, with stevia as a sweetener.
Side Effects
Just like any other ingredient, the excess charcoal is also not good for you.
Excess intake of charcoal powder can lead to constipation, black stools, and even blockage of the intestinal tract in some serious cases.
Ingredients Of Charcoal Lemonade
Lemon Juice – Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice to make the lemonade. Bottled juice doesn’t taste nice at all.
You can use lime in place of lemon.
Chilled Water – Chilled water makes the base of the lemonade. You can replace it with club soda or sparkling water if you wish to.
Maple Syrup – Maple syrup gives a nice earthy sweetness to this drink. You can replace it with granulated sugar, honey, or agave nectar.
Activated Charcoal Powder – There are many food-grade charcoal powders available these days. Some of them are made using bone char and some use coconut or olive pits.
Check the ingredients label carefully and choose the one you are fine with.
I used a vegan charcoal powder made using coconut husk to make this drink.
Keep in mind that Edible charcoal powder is different from your regular charcoal, so choose wisely.
How To Make Activated Charcoal Lemonade
Stir together ½ cup lemon juice, 4 cups of chilled water, 4 tablespoon maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon charcoal powder in a jug.
Add 3-4 ice cubes, a few slices of lemon and a few mint leaves to 4 serving glasses.
Pour the lemonade over ice and serve immediately.
Storage Suggestions
Charcoal lemonade tastes best when served fresh but you can store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Stir well before serving.
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Recipe Card
Activated Charcoal Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups chilled water
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon activated charcoal powder (or 5 capsules)
- 12-15 ice cubes (for serving)
- 6-8 lemon slices (for serving)
- 10-12 mint leaves (for serving)
Instructions
- Stir together chilled water, lemon juice, maple syrup, and charcoal powder in a jug.
- Add 3-4 ice cubes, a few slices of lemon and a few mint leaves to 4 serving glasses.
- Pour the lemonade over ice and serve immediately.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!