Go Back
–+ servings
A tall glass of sparkling lemonade filled with ice, garnished with lemon slices and a mint sprig, against a light matte background.

Zest-Bright Sparkling Lemonade

A refreshingly tart and lightly fizzy lemonade enhanced with lemon zest syrup and a pinch of salt for balance. Perfect for summer sipping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 6 glasses
Calories 109 kcal

Equipment

  • Citrus zester or peeler
  • Citrus Juicer
  • Medium bowl
  • Fine strainer
  • 2-quart pitcher
  • Measuring Cups
  • Stirring Spoon

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 6 large lemons scrubbed clean
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar for oleo-saccharum
  • ⅛ tsp fine sea salt
  • 4 cups cold still water
  • 2 cups chilled sparkling water added just before serving
  • 1 cup ice cubes

Optional Garnish

  • lemon slices
  • fresh mint sprigs

Instructions
 

  • Peel wide strips of zest from 3 lemons, avoiding the white pith. Rub the zest into the granulated sugar in a bowl until it’s fragrant and damp. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
  • Juice all 6 lemons to yield about 1 cup of lemon juice. Strain to remove seeds.
  • Add 1/2 cup of warm water and the sea salt to the sugar-zest mixture. Stir to dissolve the sugar completely. Remove zest.
  • In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice, prepared syrup, remaining still water, and ice cubes. Stir well.
  • Just before serving, gently stir in the chilled sparkling water for fizz.
  • Serve over ice with optional lemon slices and mint sprigs as garnish.

Notes

Make the zest syrup ahead and store refrigerated for up to 5 days. Sparkling water adds a festive fizz—add only when ready to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 109kcalCarbohydrates: 28gSodium: 43mgPotassium: 124mgSugar: 27gVitamin C: 34mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 0.1mg
Keyword Lemonade, Non-Alcoholic, Sparkling, Summer Drink
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!