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).
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About Charcoal Lemonade
Activated Charcoal Lemonade is a healthy detox drink with a fun twist on the classic lemonade.
Food-grade charcoal powder is used to make this drink, which gives this lemonade a black hue.
Not only the color, but edible charcoal is also said to have many health benefits.
If you are wondering how does this black-hued lemonade tastes? Do not worry; it doesn’t taste charcoaly, burnt, or even smoky.
It just tastes like your regular lemonade with some added health benefits.
It is a great beverage to serve on a hot summer day.
This lemonade recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb.
You can easily scale the recipe up or down as per your requirement.
You may like more variations of lemonade
- Strawberry Basil Lemonade
- Mulberry Lemonade
- Mango Ginger Lemonade
- Litchi Lemonade
- Brown Sugar Lemonade
- Sumac Lemonade
- Rosemary Gin Lemonade
What is Activated Charcoal
It is a fine black powder 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.
Please do not confuse it with 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, open the capsules and remove 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 also considered great for heart and kidney health.
It is also said to treat stomach infections or stomach flu.
This lemonade works magic if you have that morning hangover after a fun night.
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
Like any other ingredient, the excess charcoal is 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
Lemon Juice – Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice to make the lemonade. Bottled juice doesn’t taste nice at all.
You can use lime juice in place of lemon juice.
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 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.
Remember that Edible charcoal powder differs from your regular charcoal, so choose wisely.
How To Make Activated Charcoal Lemonade
Mix
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 cups of chilled water
- 4 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon charcoal powder
in a large pitcher or 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 freshly squeezed 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
- Mix chilled water, lemon juice, maple syrup, and activated charcoal powder in a large pitcher or 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!