Charcoal Lemonade
This striking black charcoal lemonade combines fresh lemon juice, pure water, and activated charcoal with a touch of sweetness for a refreshing, detoxifying beverage that’s as visually dramatic as it is satisfyingly tangy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 6-8 lemons
- 4 cups filtered water
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup adjust to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons food-grade activated charcoal powder
- Ice cubes for serving
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish optional
Instructions
- Juice your lemons until you have 1 cup of fresh juice. Strain to remove pulp and seeds for a smoother final product.
- Warm 1 cup of the water in a small saucepan or microwave—just enough to help dissolve your sweetener easily, but not boiling.
- Add your sweetener to the warm water and stir until completely dissolved. Allow this simple syrup to cool slightly while preparing other components.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the activated charcoal with a few tablespoons of water to create a smooth paste without clumps before adding to your lemonade.
- Combine the lemon juice, sweetened water, and remaining 3 cups of water in a pitcher and stir well to integrate all flavors.
- Gradually whisk in the charcoal paste until fully incorporated and the mixture turns a uniform deep black color.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill thoroughly and allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve over ice with fresh lemon slices and optional mint garnish for a visual contrast against the dramatic black beverage.
Notes
- For maximum effectiveness, use food-grade activated charcoal that’s specifically labeled for internal consumption.
- The lemonade will stain temporarily, so be careful around light-colored clothing or surfaces.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
- For a sparkling version, substitute half the water with carbonated water, adding it just before serving.
- The charcoal tends to settle with time, so give your pitcher a quick stir before pouring each serving.
- Prepare the base mixture (without charcoal) up to two days ahead, then add charcoal just before serving for optimal visual impact.