All-Natural Sugar-Free Lemonade
Learn to make the best fresh-squeezed lemonade with Stevia, an unrefined and 100% natural sweetener. This Stevia Lemonade is the best sugar-free version of summertime’s signature drink!
I love lemonade, but I try not to drink too many calories (and when I do, I save those calories for wine). Fortunately, this lemonade is just as sweet and satisfying as regular lemonade without any empty calories and carbs from sugar.
Traditional lemonade recipes are made with refined white sugar and A LOT of it, but this lemonade uses all-natural Stevia to sweeten things up -and what is more refreshing than fresh-squeezed lemonade on a hot day?!
Stevia lemonade is a delicious sugar-free and nearly zero-calorie beverage to keep you hydrated in the summer heat.
Why Make Lemonade with Stevia
- This is the best sugar-free lemonade with no artificial sweeteners.
- A delightful way to sip on something sweet without any extra calories or carbs.
- Extra bright, fresh, and refreshing flavor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Lemons – Fresh lemons are essential. Depending on the size, you’ll need at least 5 lemons to make about 1 cup of juice. I like having a few extras, just in case I need extra juice and garnishes.
- Water – For the best results, use filtered or distilled water. The impurities and additives in tap water can leave a bad taste in your lemonade.
- Stevia – Stevia is made from the sweetest part of the Stevia leaf and tastes almost exactly like sugar without any weird artificial sweetener aftertaste. For the best results, use liquid or powdered Stevia. See below for my favorite Stevia brands.
- Fresh Stevia – Fresh stevia leaves are optional but recommended! Gently bruising the leaves wakes up the aromatic botanical flavors and is a great way to enhance your homemade lemonade.
As for equipment, you’ll need a citrus juicer and a 48-ounce lemonade pitcher.
How To Make Stevia Lemonade
Step 1: Juice & slice the lemons. This wouldn’t be homemade lemonade without freshly squeezed lemon juice. First, squeeze enough lemons to make about 1 cup of juice. Add the juice to your pitcher. Slice the remaining lemon into wheels and add them to the pitcher.
Step 2: Combine ingredients. Then, add the water, Stevia, and your fresh stevia leaves (if using), and stir well to combine.
Step 3: Chill lemonade. Place the pitcher in the fridge for at least an hour before serving for the best flavor.
Step 4. Serve. If you’re feeling fancy, serve your lemonade over ice in mason jars or tall glasses garnished with a lemon wheel and a fresh stevia leaf. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Pour the lemon juice through a fine-mesh strainer and into your pitcher to catch stray seeds and lemon pulp before mixing with the water and Stevia.
- Don’t skip refrigerating before serving. Homemade lemonade has the best flavor when the ingredients have time to mingle.
- Stevia typically dissolves instantly in hot or cold water, but this can vary by brand. If you aren’t sure, whisk the water and Stevia together before adding the lemon juice. If the granules do not easily dissolve, microwave the mixture for 15-30 seconds, and that should help the mixture blend together.
Variations and Sweetener Recommendations
Sparkling sugar-free lemonade – Make it bubbly! Substitute water for sparkling water, club soda, or lemon-lime soda.
Infuse with fresh flavor – Add any of these ingredients to the pitcher, and let chill for at least an hour to as long as overnight.
- Sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil
- Cucumber slices
- Fresh berries (raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, strawberry, etc.)
- Fresh fruit (diced peaches, watermelon, mango, pineapple, kiwi, etc.).
Best Stevia Brand – Stevia is processed into liquid, granules, and powder. As for 100% pure stevia options, I like NuNaturals Stevia Simple Syrup and the NuNaturals White Stevia Powder.
Best Erythritol & Stevia Blend – You also can use an erythritol and stevia blend. They tend to have a better
taste and texture. Whole Earth is a fantastic blend containing monk fruit. Stevia in the Raw and Truvia are also good options.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Keep extra in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-6 days. As it sits in the refrigerator, the flavors will intensify and eventually taste bitter, so it’s best enjoyed as soon as possible.
Freezing: The best way to freeze lemonade is in ice cube trays. You can then use the frozen cubes to chill your next batch of stevia lemonade.
Recipe FAQ
Yes, as long as you use pure liquid Stevia or pure Stevia powder without any additives or chemicals, this recipe makes a delicious paleo lemonade.
Stevia is a natural zero-carb sweetener, so yes -this is low carb and keto-friendly.
Sugar-Free Drinks You’ll Love
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All Natural Sugar-Free Lemonade (Stevia Sweetened)
Ingredients
- 6 large lemons
- 2 quarts of filtered water
- 1/4 cup Stevia in the Raw Or Whole Earth Sweetener
- *Optional: 1/8 cup fresh stevia leaves gently bruised
Instructions
- Slice 5 lemons in half and squeeze the juice into a glass pitcher (I use a hand juicer for this).
- Slice the remaining lemon in slices and place into the pitcher.
- Add water, fresh stevia and granulated Stevia In the Raw and stir until mixed.
- Allow flavors to blend about an hour or so before
- serving.
Notes
- Pour the lemon juice through a fine-mesh strainer and into your pitcher to catch stray seeds and lemon pulp before mixing with the water and Stevia.
- Don’t skip refrigerating before serving. Homemade lemonade has the best flavor when the ingredients have time to mingle.
- Stevia typically dissolves instantly in hot or cold water, but this can vary by brand. If you aren’t sure, whisk the water and Stevia together before adding the lemon juice. If the granules do not easily dissolve, microwave the mixture for 15-30 seconds, and that should help the mixture blend together.
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Thanks for all the pertinant information! Now I am going to do it and quit using all these artificial water enhancers!
You’re welcome Steve! So simple and tasty, right?!
Now this is a lemonade I can get behind!! Looks so refreshing and healthy. I used to make our lemonade with some organic sugar, but now I’ve replaced that with either maple syrup or stevia – feels much healthier that way 🙂
P.S Thank you for your encouraging comment on my post today xo