If you’re craving a drink that’s as cool and refreshing as it is vibrant, Kiwi Lemonade is about to become your new obsession. Imagine the tangy sunshine flavor of classic lemonade, but with a sweet tropical twist from perfectly ripe kiwis. The result is a dazzling, emerald-green pitcher full of summer energy that’s as gorgeous as it is thirst-quenching. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just want to treat yourself to a glass of something special, this Kiwi Lemonade is guaranteed to brighten any day with its citrusy zing and irresistible sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Kiwi Lemonade:
- 4 ripe kiwis (peeled and chopped)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- 1/3 cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 cups cold water
- 1 cup ice
- Kiwi slices and lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
How to Make Kiwi Lemonade
Step 1: Blend the Fruit and Sweetener
Add your chopped kiwis, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and honey or sugar to a blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and you have a gorgeous, green puree. Blending thoroughly releases the kiwi’s natural juiciness and ensures the sweetener is fully integrated, so every sip pops with flavor.
Step 2: Strain for Smoothness
Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher. Press down gently with a spoon to extract every last drop of juice, leaving kiwi seeds and extra pulp behind. This step is optional, but it creates that classic, silky lemonade texture while still preserving all the bold flavor.
Step 3: Add Water and Ice
Stir cold water into your strained kiwi-lemon mixture until everything is well combined. Toss in the ice and give it another gentle stir. The water mellows the acidity and ties all the flavors together, while the ice chills the drink to a perfectly refreshing temperature.
Step 4: Let It Chill
Pop your pitcher in the refrigerator and wait at least 30 minutes before serving. This little pause lets all the flavors mingle and deepens the color, so each glass of Kiwi Lemonade tastes even better and more cohesive than the last.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Pour your Kiwi Lemonade over fresh ice, and for a showstopping finish, drop in a few slices of kiwi or lemon wedges. Each glass looks incredibly cheerful and inviting—absolutely perfect for impressing guests or simply pampering yourself.
How to Serve Kiwi Lemonade
Garnishes
Take your glass of Kiwi Lemonade from simple to sensational by adding some pretty, edible garnishes. A few slices of fresh kiwi and a wedge of lemon perched on the rim invite everyone to dive right in, while a sprig of mint or even a couple of raspberries add color and a hint of extra aroma.
Side Dishes
This zesty lemonade is a match made in heaven for summer salads, grilled veggies, or light picnic foods. Pair it alongside a quinoa salad, watermelon cubes, or a platter of crunchy cucumber sandwiches for a perfectly balanced meal that lets the Kiwi Lemonade shine.
Creative Ways to Present
For extra fun, turn your Kiwi Lemonade into popsicles for a chilly treat, or serve it in mason jars with striped paper straws for a festive party vibe. You can even freeze edible flowers or berries into your ice cubes, creating a beautiful, whimsical look that’s sure to wow a crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Kiwi Lemonade (a rare occurrence!), simply cover your pitcher tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 2 days, though the freshest taste shines brightest within the first 24 hours. Just give it a quick stir before pouring, as natural settling may occur.
Freezing
For longer storage or a creative cooling option, pour any extra lemonade into ice cube trays and freeze. The Kiwi Lemonade cubes are fantastic for keeping your next batch cold without watering it down, or you can blend them for an impromptu slushie on a hot afternoon.
Reheating
While Kiwi Lemonade is best served cold, if you want to experiment with a warm, cozy version (think of a twist on hot lemon water), gently heat it on the stove over low heat—don’t let it boil, as that can alter the fresh flavors. Just remember, warm kiwi and lemon are lovely, but the drink was truly born to be chilled.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice really makes a difference in bringing out the vibrant, natural flavor of this Kiwi Lemonade. If you’re in a pinch, bottled juice works, but for the brightest, most delicious results, always reach for fresh lemons.
What’s the best way to sweeten this if I want it vegan?
If you’d like to keep your Kiwi Lemonade vegan, simply use organic cane sugar or another plant-based sweetener instead of honey. Agave syrup is another great option that stirs in easily and brings a gentle, mellow sweetness.
How can I make it sparkling?
For a fizzy Kiwi Lemonade, just substitute one cup of the regular water with sparkling water or club soda right before serving. This little adjustment adds lively bubbles without altering the fresh, fruity flavor.
Do I have to strain the kiwi puree?
Straining is optional, but highly recommended for a smooth, classic lemonade feel. If you’re a fan of pulpy drinks or want extra fiber, you can skip this step and enjoy a thicker, bolder texture.
Can I double or triple the recipe for a party?
Absolutely! Simply multiply all the ingredients appropriately, blend in batches as needed, and chill in a large pitcher or beverage dispenser. This Kiwi Lemonade is a crowd-pleaser that scales up beautifully for gatherings.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve seen just how easy and delightful Kiwi Lemonade is to whip up, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying it all season long—or any time you’re in need of a little pick-me-up. Give this vibrant, sweet-tangy drink a try and watch it become your go-to refresher for sunny days and cheerful celebrations!
Print
Kiwi Lemonade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Cool off with this refreshing Kiwi Lemonade, a perfect blend of tangy lemons and sweet kiwis. This easy-to-make drink is ideal for hot summer days or as a delightful party beverage.
Ingredients
Kiwi Lemonade:
- 4 ripe kiwis (peeled and chopped)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- 1/3 cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 cups cold water
- 1 cup ice
- Kiwi slices and lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the chopped kiwis, lemon juice, and honey or sugar. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher to remove seeds and pulp, if desired.
- Add cold water and stir well to combine.
- Add ice and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve over ice and garnish with kiwi slices or lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- For a fizzy twist, replace 1 cup of water with sparkling water just before serving.
- Adjust sweetness based on the ripeness of your kiwis and your personal preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
