Fresh & sweet kiwi lemonade is a vibrant, fruity drink that blends the tropical taste of ripe kiwis with the tartness of fresh lemons for a refreshing twist on classic lemonade. It’s the kind of drink I love to whip up when I need something cool, bright, and a little bit different. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or just relaxing on the porch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s simple, naturally colorful, and packed with fresh flavor. The kiwi adds a subtle sweetness and a unique texture that complements the zing of the lemons. It’s a homemade lemonade that feels a little elevated without any fancy ingredients—and the green color makes it a showstopper on any drink table.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ripe kiwis (peeled and mashed or blended)
- Fresh lemons (juiced)
- Granulated sugar
- Cold water
- Ice (for serving)
- Optional: lemon slices or kiwi rounds for garnish, mint leaves
Directions
- I peel the kiwis and either mash them with a fork or blend them until smooth.
- I juice the lemons and remove any seeds.
- In a large pitcher, I combine the mashed kiwis, lemon juice, and sugar.
- I stir in cold water and mix until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- I adjust the flavor—adding more lemon juice if I want it tangier, or more sugar for sweetness.
- I chill the lemonade in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving over ice.
- I garnish with fresh mint, lemon slices, or kiwi rounds if I want to dress it up.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes 10–15 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to chill. From start to finish, I usually have it ready in under an hour.
Variations
- I blend the kiwi completely for a smoother drink or leave it slightly chunky for texture.
- I sometimes swap sugar for honey or agave for a more natural sweetener.
- A splash of sparkling water makes it fizzy and fun for parties.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover lemonade in the fridge for up to 2 days. I stir it before serving again since the kiwi pulp may settle. It’s best served chilled and fresh—I don’t recommend freezing this one.
FAQs
Can I strain the kiwi?
Yes, I strain it through a fine mesh sieve if I want a smoother lemonade without the seeds and pulp.
Do I have to use fresh lemons?
Fresh lemons give the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. I just adjust to taste.
How sweet is this?
It’s lightly sweet with a fruity balance. I always taste it before chilling and adjust the sugar to suit my preference.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, I often make it a few hours in advance and let it chill. Just give it a stir before serving.
What’s the best way to mash the kiwis?
I use a fork if I want a chunkier texture or a blender for a smooth, vibrant green juice.
Conclusion
Fresh & sweet kiwi lemonade is a refreshing twist on a warm-weather favorite that’s both beautiful and delicious. It’s sweet, tangy, and easy to make with just a few fresh ingredients. Whether I’m serving it at a summer cookout or sipping it solo on a sunny afternoon, this lemonade always brings a burst of bright, fruity flavor.
Fresh & Sweet Kiwi Lemonade
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stirred / No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Fresh & Sweet Kiwi Lemonade is a vibrant, homemade lemonade recipe that blends zesty lemons with juicy, ripe kiwis for a refreshing drink bursting with tropical flavor. It’s naturally colorful, fruity, and perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day.
Ingredients
- 4–5 ripe kiwis, peeled and mashed or blended
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- ½–¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice, for serving
- Optional garnishes: lemon slices, kiwi rounds, fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Peel the kiwis and mash them with a fork or blend until smooth.
- Juice the lemons, discarding any seeds.
- In a large pitcher, combine the kiwi puree, lemon juice, and sugar.
- Stir in cold water and mix well until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or tartness to your preference.
- Chill the lemonade for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Serve over ice with optional garnishes like lemon slices, kiwi rounds, or mint
Notes
- Strain the kiwi mixture through a fine mesh sieve for a smoother texture if preferred.
- Use honey or agave instead of sugar for a more natural sweetener.
- Make ahead and chill for a few hours to intensify the flavors.
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