Olive Garden Raspberry Lemonade
Olive Garden's Raspberry Lemonade is a refreshing, fruity beverage that combines the tang of fresh lemons with the sweetness of ripe raspberries. This copycat recipe is easy to make at home with just a few ingredients, creating a drink that's perfect for hot summer days, parties, or a special treat. With a homemade raspberry syrup and fresh lemon juice, you'll enjoy the vibrant and sweet-tart flavors of this popular restaurant drink right from the comfort of your kitchen.
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan (medium-sized)
- 1 Fine-Mesh Strainer
- 1 Citrus juicer or reamer
- 1 Pitcher (large)
- 1 Spoon (for stirring)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup Fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1/2 cup Water for raspberry syrup
- 6-8 Lemons about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice
- 3-4 cups Cold water or sparkling water for a fizzy version
- Ice cubes for serving
- Fresh mint lemon slices, or extra raspberries (optional garnishes)
Instructions
Prepare the Raspberry Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of fresh raspberries, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until the raspberries break down and the sugar dissolves. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove seeds and pulp. Set the syrup aside to cool.
Squeeze Fresh Lemons:
- While the raspberry syrup is cooling, roll the lemons on the countertop to release more juice. Cut the lemons in half and use a citrus juicer to extract about 1 cup of lemon juice. Discard the seeds and pulp.
Combine Syrup and Lemon Juice:
- In a large pitcher, pour the cooled raspberry syrup and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir to combine.
Add Water and Ice:
- Add 3 to 4 cups of cold water to the pitcher (or sparkling water for a fizzy version). Stir to combine, then add ice cubes to chill the lemonade.
Garnish and Serve:
- Pour the lemonade into glasses filled with ice. Garnish with fresh raspberries, lemon slices, or mint leaves, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Sweetness Level: If you prefer a sweeter lemonade, feel free to add extra sugar to the raspberry syrup. You can also use honey or agave syrup as alternatives to granulated sugar.
- Fizzy Version: Swap the cold water for sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy twist.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the raspberry syrup and lemon juice ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, mix with water and ice.
- Storage: Store any leftover lemonade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For long-term storage, freeze the lemonade in ice cube trays for up to a month.