Sparkling Rosemary Ginger Lemonade gives classic lemonade an upgrade in this recipe. Bursting with zesty lemon flavour, sweetness, and with a ginger punch that is sure to quench the heat. Made from an easy syrup base, just add sparkling water to serve.
Maybe you’ve made lemonade before: added copious amounts of sugar, lemon juice and ice into a jug of water, and it was great, but somehow it didn’t satisfy your craving. Well I’m here to tell you that THIS IS IT – the ultimate lemonade of your dreams.
All the details in this Sparkling Rosemary Ginger Lemonade
It’s undeniable that lemonade is an easy summer essential, but because it’s so easy it can be made a dozen different ways – and ( I hate to break it to you) not all ways are the best.
YIELD: This Sparkling Rosemary Ginger Lemonade recipe makes 1/2 pint ( 8oz) of lemonade syrup.
METHOD: The sugar syrup method is, in my opinion, the best method for making lemonade. It’s the perfect amount of sweet, and yields multiple cups of lemonade. More details below on how to make the syrup!
TEXTURE: Sugar syrup is a concentrated syrup with additional flavoring. It’s commonly used in cocktails for flavor. The finished texture should be sticky, and viscous (a.k.a thickened).
FLAVOR: Ginger and lemon on it’s own is amazing, but with a boost of rosemary, it’s not only sweet, slightly peppery, but fresh and herbaceous.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Easy. Don’t let the name “sugar syrup” intimidate you! This recipe is so easy to make.
Why the Sugar Syrup method for lemonade is the best
This recipe is lemonade, but on a whole other level. Here’s why: Instead of dissolving the sugar with all the other ingredients, this recipe makes a concentrated syrup of granulated sugar, lemon juice, ginger, and rosemary. When you want a pitcher of lemonade ( trust me a cup won’t be enough 😉), simply combine a scoop of the syrup with sparkling water. Best of all, you can make one or multiple batches and freeze them for lemonade when you want and however much you want.
Ingredients for Sparkling Rosemary Ginger Lemonade
Granulated Sugar: The syrup contains two parts sugar and one part water; this gives an intense sweetness level – a must have in any lemonade.
Water: Crucial to making the sugar syrup, this water will dissolve and thicken the mix.
Lemon Juice: What is lemonade without lemons? Make sure your lemons are fresh to avoid sour juice.
Lemon Zest: Don’t skip this addition, the fragrant oils in lemon pack the most punch!
Grated Ginger: I love this ingredient, it adds a slight peppery kick to balance out all the sweet.
Rosemary: Rosemary has a wonderful woodsy roasted flavour, and subtle herbaceous flavor. It also makes for a cute decoration when serving.
Sparkling Water: Not a must, but especially in the hot summer months, it’s makes this drink extra fresh and fancy.
How to make Lemonade Syrup
It takes less than 10 minutes to create a lemonade sugar syrup that will last you weeks! Here’s how to make it.
STEP #1: Boil the sugar, water, lemon juice, grated ginger & zest in a small sauce pot. Continue stirring so all the sugar can melt.
STEP #2: Strain into a clean glass jar and add in the rosemary. Over time the rosemary flavor will fully steep into the syrup.
STEP #3: Chill in the fridge for a minimum of 30 mins so the hot syrup can cool and the flavors have time to come out.
STEP #4: ENJOY or store! The beauty of this syrup is that you can make a glass of lemonade any time you want. All you have to do is add water and add as much syrup you want according to your desired sweetness.
How to store lemonade syrup concentrate
Make sure you store the syrup in an airtight jar so it keeps fresh. I find a mason jar or glass jar with a rubber seal and clip lock works best. In the fridge, the syrup can last 1 month, and in the freezer it lasts 2-3 months.
To freeze the syrup, you can spoon them into an ice cube tray, and when ready to serve you can dissolve the cubes with sparkling water.
That’s how easy it is to make this Sparkling Rosemary Ginger Lemonade! I hope this classic summer drink becomes a staple in your fridge!
Till next time, Sharon
Make sure to tag me on Instagram @whiskfullyso and leave a review below if you made this recipe. I hope you loved it! For more delicious ideas follow me on Pinterest.
Sparkling Rosemary Ginger Lemonade
Ingredients
- 2½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup lemon juice , freshly squeezed
- zest from medium-large 1 lemon
- 1 branch rosemary large
- 3 tbsp grated ginger add more or less depending on desired "spicy" level
- 3 large slices of ginger , outer skin peeled
- 1 bottle sparkling water , as needed to serve
Instructions
- In a sauce pot, combine all the ingredients (except the rosemary brand and sparkling water) and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Lower to a simmer and continue stirring, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Cook for another 3 minutes until it reaches a thickened syrup consistency.
- Let cool for 5 minutes then strain into a clean glass jar, then add in the rosemary, and 3 large slices of ginger. Seal and chill in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- When ready to serve, spoon at least 3 tbsp of the lemonade sugar syrup (add ice if desired) and pour in sparkling water into your desired drinking glass. Decorate with rosemary branches and lemon wedges.
Gorgeous shots, Sharon. Love the lighting.
Thank you so much Samara!