Lemonade, Lightened Up

There's nothing better than than an icy glass of lemonade on a hot day, but who needs all those extra calories from added sweeteners? Instead of turning to sugary, packaged mixes, make your own light and fresh versions. Here are our tricks.
Lemonade

House Number 0065737F3

Elixir G Minty Lemonade. Guy Fieri Guy's Big Bite GI-0513

There's nothing better than than an icy glass of lemonade on a hot day, but who needs all those extra calories from added sweeteners? Instead of turning to sugary, packaged mixes, make your own light and fresh versions. Here are our tricks.

Citrus Squeeze

A glass of sweetened lemonade (typically 8 ounces) that comes from a mix or carton has about 120 calories and about 7 teaspoons of sugar. When I checked out the options at my local grocery store, I found most are sweetened with tons of sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, while the low-calorie version are drowning in artificial sweeteners.

Go for the real deal -- lemons, a small amount of sugar and water are all you need. Not only do you skip the preservatives and processed ingredients, but fresh lemon juice has a hefty dose of vitamin C and some potassium. Stick with fresh lemon (pass on the bottled stuff) -- it's a little more time consuming to do the squeezing, but you'll taste the difference. An average lemon yields about 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) depending on the size. Use a juicer or a handy reamer to get every last drop.

A Sprinkle of Sweetness

When you make your own, you can control the amount of sweetener -- and sugar’s not your only option. If sugar is your top choice, opt for the superfine variety, which dissolves into drinks better, or make a simple syrup. This way the sweetness distributes evenly in every glass -- no watery lemonade at the top of your pitcher and inches of sugar sinking to the bottom. You can also infuse your simple syrup with herbs like mint, basil, or orange peel for some extra (calorie-free) flavor.

Honey and agave nectar are some other sugar alternatives to try. Some of these sweeteners are actually sweeter than sugar, so you'll most likely need to use less. Start by swapping half the recommended amount of sugar (for example, if the recipes calls for 1 cup of sugar, then use no more than 1/2 cup of agave nectar). Then let your taste buds decide -- you can always add it a bit more. Since most of the calories in lemonade come from sweeteners, keep portions to a few teaspoons per person max.

Adding a splash of fresh fruit juice is my favorite way to add sweetness -- not to mention it boosts vitamins and antioxidants and gives your drink a dash of color and a bit more zing. I found this Food Network Magazine recipe that mixes mashed fresh strawberries, guava juice and lemon juice to make an interesting combo.

And then, of course, there's always the “ Arnold Palmer,” which is when you mix your lemonade with some iced tea.

    Lemonade recipes to try:
TELL US: Do you like your lemonade straight or pepped up with other flavors?

Next Up

7 Delicious Pastas, Lightened Up!

Make these Healthy Pastas Without the Guilt. Find more healthy recipes like this at Food Network.

Don't Break Up with Basil, But Blend Up These Non-Basil Pestos, Too

Pesto isn't just exclusive to basil anymore (or pricey pine nuts either); the summer staple can be made with really any green, and you can get even more creative by using sun-dried tomatoes and more unconventional picks.

9 Ways to Have Your Lemonade and Eat It Too

Cool off with these lemonade-inspired treats.

’90s Kid-Drink SunnyD Is Growing Up

Say hello to SunnyD Vodka Seltzer.

Mr. Pringles Gets a Glow Up

The Pringles mascot is getting a makeover for the first time in 20 years.

What’s Up With Those Exploding Watermelons?

Is that humble melon on your countertop a ticking time bomb? An expert weighs in.

7-Eleven Switches Up Its Iconic Slurpee

It’s happening under the direction of 'The Brainfreeze Collective.'

Next Up in Flavortown Cafeteria: Tostada Tuesday

Kick off Taco Tuesday with tostadas inspired by the new episode of Guy’s Grocery Games.