Summer is here! And lemonade is definitely my fav summer drink. I’m a big fan of tart ‘n sweet in one glass.
But the sugar? Not so much a fan. Oh, the taste, for sure. But those carbs? It’s too hot to burn all those extra calories!
So I was excited to learn about lemonade made with sugar alternatives. I stock these for when I want to go low carb in order to help my jeans fit. The great thing about making your own lemonade is that you’re in control of the overall sweetness of the final beverage. Win!!
How to make sugar free lemonade
Only 3 ingredients are required: Lemon juice, sweetener and water (plus, ice, I guess, but ice is water so I’m going with three).
When shopping for an alternative to sugar for lemonade, look for a granulated sugar substitute. Then, note the equivalency to sugar measurement. Not all equivalencies are . . . equivalent.
For instance, some say ¼ cup sweetener equals one cup of sugar. I like to keep it simple, so I only buy sweeteners with a 1:1 sugar ratio; that is, one cup of sweetener equals one cup sugar. Most erythritol and blends are made this way, but if you’re not certain, check the package.
Lately I have been using monk fruit sweetener, which is actually a blend of erythritol and monk fruit. Monk fruit is a plant in the gourd family which is cultivated for its fruit. Monk fruit extract is nearly 300 times sweeter than sugar and has been used in China as a low-calorie sweetener for cooling drinks and in traditional Chinese medicine. (Wikipedia)
I think everyone has a different level of sweetness they prefer in their lemonade. By making your own, you can play with the amounts. I recommend an equal amount of sweetener to the amount of lemon juice. Therefore, for each cup of lemon juice, use one cup of sweetener. Then add the water, stir and taste.
This, to me, still tastes a bit tart. If you like sweeter, try adding another ¼ cup of sweetener.
My taste buds are puckering up just thinking about it. 😀
Sugar Free Lemonade
Ingredients
- ¾ cup lemon juice fresh squeezed preferred, about 4 lemons
- ¾ cup sugar-free sweetener
- 4-6 cups water start with 4, add more if the taste is too strong
- Optional: Ice for serving
Instructions
- Squeeze juice from lemons and place in half-gallon pitcher. Add sweetener and water and stir until all sweetener is dissolved. Taste and adjust as needed.
- To serve, pour over ice.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Additional information/FAQ
Erythritol differs from most other sugar alcohols in that most of it is absorbed into the bloodstream before reaching the colon. This avoids the bloating and digestive upset caused by many other sugar alcohols. Multiple studies on erythritol indicate that it is safe to eat. (Healthline)
According to Healthline, lemons are a rich source of vitamin C and plant compounds, which can enhance immune function, protect against various diseases, and increase absorption of iron. Lemonade should have similar benefits, except for the addition of sugar, which is unhealthy when eaten in excess.
If you favor au naturel and you’re okay with added carbs, try using other fruit. Oranges, for instance. Squeeze the juice from one or two oranges and add that to the lemonade; all natural, another source of vitamins, and delicious to boot!
Pineapple also makes a great addition. Start with some fresh pineapple for the best flavor. If you have a juicer, use it to squeeze the juice out of your pineapple (I use mine for the lemons as well). If you don’t have a juicer, use a blender for the lemons and pineapple with some of the water.
Once blended, strain the liquid to remove most of the solids. If you like it clearer, use a fine mesh strainer. Or, if you like a little pulp in your lemonade, use a colander. It’s more “authentic.”
Other lemon-flavored delights:
Maybe you could use some of this sugar free lemonade to make a low carb Pink Senorita!
This Lemonade Pie is definitely NOT low carb but ohhhh that lemonade taste!
And no lemon list is complete without a Lemon Martini. 😀
Big Trouble
Sula, you ROCK in including an explanation of what erythritol is. That was really helpful. Can't wait to try this delicious drink (with maybe a shot of vodka in it?)! 🙂
Sula
I love vodka and lemonade!!!
Alexandra
What a delicious and refreshing drink - perfect to enjoy on a sunny afternoon!
Sula
Yes, all summer long!
Sabrina
Yum! I’m going to add some of my fresh mint to this lemonade, healthy and delicious!
Sula
Perfect addition to lemonade!
Emily Flint
I love lemonade and this recipe was so good I didn't miss the real sugar at all! Next time I'm trying your idea of adding pineapple...
Sula
Pineapple lemonade is so good!!
Tayo
This is exactly what I needed this summer. Low carb, sugar free and refreshing, a definite winner in my books!
Sula
Yes, it's a winner in this house for sure!
Robyn
What a delicious and refreshing summer drink! I love the ideas of adding oranges or pineapple too!
Sula
Yes the additional fruit makes it extra refreshing!
Chef Dennis
Hmmm This Sugar-Free Lemonade looks really refreshing! I must have this!
Sula
Lemonade is my favorite!
Marina
Great refreshing summer lemonade recipe. Sugar free and low carb option is definitely for me
Sula
Me too! I love lemonade so much! But really need to watch my carbs!
Amy
So good! Perfect for summer days and so much better than store bought stuff.
Sula
Yes, you can't beat the taste of fresh squeezed lemon!
Sara
What a fun summertime treat!
Sula
Yes, I hope you enjoy it soon!
Jen Talley
Fresh lemonade is my favorite drink! Thanks for the recipe.
Sula
Mine too! Enjoy!
Emmeline
I love lemonade but agree - don't want all those carbs! I love sour drinks though so usually make it without sweetener as well - but a touch of sweetness is a delicious addition.
Sula
I'm impressed if you can handle lemonade without any sweetener! I might try this with a smaller amount and see how it goes, thanks for the idea. 🙂
Charla
What a refreshing, healthy drink that's perfect for the summer time.
Sula
Agreed, lemonade is my favorite!
Kait
I had just heard of erythritol before, but I love your explanation, since I was never really sure what it was. Lemonade is the essential summer drink, and this is such a great alternative to using sugar!
Sula
I'm glad I could help 🙂
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness
I am just starting a sugar free week, so this drink was perfect!! Thank you so much for the recipe 🙂
Sula
Oh yes, we all need to have a suger-free week once in a while!
Scarlet
Nothing says summer like lemonade. Thanks for this sugar free recipe!
Sula
I agree, I LOVE lemonade all summer long!