Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Not only is this Blood Orange Lemonade visually stunning with its deep red-orange hue, but it also offers a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and spiced notes. The homemade spiced honey syrup adds a layer of warmth and complexity, balancing the citrusy sharpness of the blood orange and lemon juice. Plus, it’s naturally sweetened, making it a healthier alternative to sugary store-bought lemonades. With just 15 minutes of prep time, it’s a perfect drink for gatherings or a refreshing treat to enjoy on your own.
Ingredients
Spiced Honey Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 slices fresh ginger
- 4 green cardamom pods (crushed so that they’re slightly open)
Blood Orange Lemonade
- 3/4 cup blood orange juice
- 3/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 cups water
- Blood orange slices, lemon slices, and cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Make the Spiced Honey Syrup:
Add the water, honey, cinnamon stick, ginger slices, and cardamom pods to a small pot. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool for about 5 minutes. Strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the spices. - Prepare the Lemonade:
In a large pitcher, combine the spiced honey syrup, blood orange juice, lemon juice, and water. Stir well until fully mixed. - Serve:
When ready to serve, add ice cubes to the pitcher and garnish with slices of blood oranges and lemons. Add a cinnamon stick for extra flair. - Enjoy:
Pour the lemonade into tall glasses and enjoy this refreshing, spiced drink!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 servings
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Sweetener Swap: If you prefer a different sweetener, feel free to swap the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.
- Herb Infusion: Add a few sprigs of fresh mint to the syrup or lemonade for an extra refreshing twist.
- Spicy Kick: For a spicier version, add an extra slice of ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the syrup.
- Sparkling Version: Replace some of the water with sparkling water for a fizzy version of this lemonade.
Storage/Reheating
This Blood Orange Lemonade is best served fresh, but any leftover syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The lemonade itself can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To serve, just add more ice and garnish as desired.
FAQs
1. Can I make this lemonade without the spices?
Yes, you can omit the spices if you prefer a simpler, more traditional lemonade flavor. It will still taste delicious, though the warmth from the cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom adds a unique depth to the drink.
2. Can I use bottled blood orange juice?
Fresh blood orange juice will provide the best flavor, but you can use bottled juice if needed. Just make sure to select a high-quality, 100% juice with no added sugars.
3. Can I make the honey syrup in advance?
Yes, the spiced honey syrup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure it cools completely before storing.
4. Can I use other citrus fruits?
Yes, you can substitute the blood orange juice with other citrus fruits like orange, grapefruit, or tangerine juice. However, blood oranges give this drink its unique color and flavor, so they are highly recommended.
5. Is this lemonade too sweet?
This lemonade is naturally sweetened with honey, but you can adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding more or less honey to the syrup. Feel free to taste as you go to get the perfect balance of sweetness.
6. Can I make this drink ahead for a party?
Yes, you can make the lemonade ahead of time, but add the ice and garnishes just before serving to keep it fresh. It’s perfect for serving in pitchers at parties!
7. Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the recipe is vegan as long as you use a plant-based honey substitute like agave nectar or maple syrup.
8. How do I make the drink less tart?
If you find the lemonade too tart, you can add a little more honey to the syrup or reduce the amount of lemon juice to balance the flavors.
9. Can I make this a cocktail?
Yes! You can easily turn this Blood Orange Lemonade into a cocktail by adding a splash of rum, , or gin. It makes for a refreshing, spiced summer drink.
10. Can I use regular cardamom instead of green cardamom?
Green cardamom is the most common variety used for beverages, but you can substitute with black cardamom if that’s all you have on hand. Just note that black cardamom has a smokier, more intense flavor, so use less of it.
Conclusion
This Blood Orange Lemonade is the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and spiced flavors. The spiced honey syrup adds warmth and depth to the refreshing citrus blend, making it a standout drink for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or enjoying a quiet afternoon, this drink is sure to impress. Quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious, it’s a drink you’ll return to time and time again!
Blood Orange Lemonade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Drink
- Method: Simmered and Mixed
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Blood Orange Lemonade blends the tangy brightness of lemon with the sweet, slightly tart flavor of blood orange. Infused with a warm, spiced honey syrup made from cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, it’s a refreshing and unique twist on a classic lemonade.
Ingredients
Spiced Honey Syrup
1 cup water
1/2 cup honey
1 cinnamon stick
4 slices fresh ginger
4 green cardamom pods (crushed)
Blood Orange Lemonade
3/4 cup blood orange juice
3/4 cup lemon juice
4 cups water
Blood orange slices, lemon slices, and cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Spiced Honey Syrup: In a small pot, add water, honey, cinnamon stick, ginger slices, and cardamom pods. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve.
- Prepare the Lemonade: In a large pitcher, combine the spiced honey syrup, blood orange juice, lemon juice, and water. Stir until well mixed.
- Serve: Add ice cubes to the pitcher, then garnish with slices of blood orange, lemon, and a cinnamon stick.
- Enjoy: Pour into glasses and enjoy your refreshing, spiced drink!
Notes
For a less tart drink, adjust the honey syrup to your desired sweetness.
This drink can be made ahead of time, but add ice and garnishes just before serving for the freshest flavor.
If you want a fizzy version, replace some of the water with sparkling water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
