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pickled lemonade recipe served in mason jars with lemon slices and whole pickles

Pickled Lemonade Recipe


  • Author: Callie Brooks
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A bold, refreshing drink that blends tangy lemon juice with briny pickle juice, balanced by a touch of sweetness. Perfect for summer gatherings or adventurous sippers.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup granulated sugar

White sugar keeps the flavor clean and bright.

  • 1 cup hot water

Use hot water to help dissolve the sugar fully.

  • ¾ cup fresh lemon juice

Freshly squeezed lemons give the best taste, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch.

  • ½ cup dill pickle juice

Go for cold, strained pickle juice from a jar of classic dill pickles.

  • 3 cups cold water

Balances the strong flavors and chills the drink.

  • Ice

For serving. Crushed or cubed both work.

  • Lemon slices and pickle spears

Optional but fun garnishes that boost presentation and taste.


Instructions

1. Dissolve the sugar

2. Pour the hot water into a large pitcher. Add the sugar and stir until it fully dissolves. This step ensures your lemonade has a smooth sweetness without any gritty texture.

3. Add the lemon juice

4. Pour in the fresh lemon juice. This adds the tart and citrusy backbone of the drink. Stir to blend it well with the syrup.

5. Mix in the pickle juice

6. Add the dill pickle juice to the pitcher. Stir gently. You’ll notice the briny aroma mixing with the citrus—this is where the magic begins.

7. Add cold water

8. Pour in the cold water to mellow out the strong flavors and bring everything into balance. Stir again to combine.

9. Chill the lemonade

10. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least one hour. This helps the flavors meld together and ensures the drink is cold and refreshing.

11. Serve over ice

12. Fill glasses with ice, pour in the lemonade, and garnish with a lemon slice and a pickle spear. Serve immediately for the best experience.

Notes

Taste your pickle juice first different brands vary in saltiness. Adjust sweetness or brine to your liking.

Always chill before serving for the best flavor.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 glass
  • Calories: 82
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg