There’s nothing quite like a tall, cold glass of iced coffee to help you beat the heat in summer.
However, sometimes the same old cup of black or flavored iced coffee can become a bit boring. That’s where coffee lemonade comes in!
This unique drink is a delightful twist on traditional iced coffee, offering a great taste and an impressive appearance.
After a sip, you won’t be able to go back to regular iced coffee again.
Learn how to make this delicious and refreshing drink below!
What is coffee lemonade?
Coffee lemonade is a refreshing iced drink made by combining lemonade with coffee, usually a shot of espresso or a splash of cold brew.
The combination creates an energizing and unique flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional lemonade.
Additionally, since numerous versions are available to choose from, such as adding espresso instead of cold brew, this drink truly has something for everyone’s taste buds, but more on this later.
Do coffee and lemonade go together?
In my opinion, combining coffee and lemonade is a delicious and refreshing way to enjoy coffee.
The two flavors complement each other well, creating a unique taste that is distinct from drinking either beverage alone.
Because both beverages are so popular on their own, many people simply prefer to drink them separately.
So, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to whether or not coffee and lemonade go together.
It’s simply a matter of personal preference. If you’re looking for something new to try, give it a shot and see if you like it.
And if you’re unsure of the lemon and coffee combination, you can always try orange juice and espresso together:
Related article: Check out the article here for an in-depth look and the different ratios you can use.
What does coffee lemonade taste like?
Coffee lemonade tastes bright and citrusy, with a refreshing tartness up front and a light coffee bitterness (or roasty finish) on the back end.
Depending on the beans and the sweetness of your lemonade, the coffee can lean more towards a chocolatey/nutty flavor, or a more fruity/citrusy one, so it's a fun drink to experiment with.
What is the best coffee to add?
When it comes to adding the best coffee to your lemonade, you really have two great choices: espresso or cold brew.
Each offers its own unique flavor and texture, transforming the taste of your favorite beverage into something entirely new.
For those who prefer richer, bolder flavors with a bit more kick, espresso will be the way to go.
When properly prepared, an espresso shot offers a complex range of flavors, from bitter chocolate and dark fruit notes to subtle hints of nuttiness and sweetness at the finish.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something a bit lighter but still full-bodied in flavor, then cold brew is definitely worth considering.
Cold brewing extracts flavors from coffee beans over an extended period (often 12-24 hours).
I like to steep my cold brew for 15 hours for the best flavor:
This results in a much smoother yet intense, rich flavor profile with sweet notes like caramel and chocolate, along with citrusy acids for balance.
Tip: If you’d like to use cold brew for this coffee lemonade, you can find an easy recipe for it here.
Which coffee beans are best suited for this recipe?
You can choose your favorite coffee beans based on the type of coffee you plan to make.
Dark roasts have deeper and more flavorful aromas and tend to be more intense than lighter roasts when brewed as espresso.
You can find some of the best beans for espresso-making in this article if you’re interested.
If you’re going to use cold brew coffee, then medium to dark roasts are best suited, as they provide a smooth yet full-flavored extraction when added to cold water overnight.
You could even steep the cold brew for up to 24 hours, depending on the desired strength of your finished cup.
Another great option would be decaf coffee beans. This is suitable for both espresso and cold brew making.
What lemonade is best used for this recipe?
You can try a few different versions of coffee lemonade if you’re feeling adventurous.
You can use store-bought lemonades, such as Minute Maid or Simply Lemonade, or even take it to the next level and make your own homemade version.
It’s really up to you how much time you want to spend on this delicious coffee lemonade.
You can check out the steps below to make a refreshing lemonade at home!
How to make homemade lemonade
Making lemonade at home is a great way to enjoy a delicious and refreshing drink throughout the summer.
Here’s how you can make a classic lemonade recipe in just a few simple steps. It’ll pair great with the coffees mentioned or as regular lemonade!
Collect the following ingredients to get started:
- 1 cup (240 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 cup (150 g) white granulated sugar
- 6 cups (about 1.4 L) cold water
You’ll use 1 cup (240 grams) of water to make the simple syrup and add the remaining water afterward to finish the lemonade.
You can use a full cup of white granulated sugar if you prefer a sweeter lemonade.
- Start by squeezing your lemons into a bowl. You can roll the lemons on your countertop to extract as much juice as possible. I used 7 medium to large lemons to obtain 1 cup of juice.
- Combine 1 cup (240 grams) of water in a saucepan with the white granulated sugar.
- Heat slowly until the sugar has fully dissolved to make the simple syrup.
- Allow the simple syrup to cool completely.
- Then, combine the simple syrup with lemon juice in a big pitcher.
- Add the remaining water to the pitcher. Ensure the water is as cold as possible for the perfect refreshment.
- Add ice to cool things down. You’re now ready to enjoy your homemade lemonade and use it for this coffee lemonade recipe!
Now that you know how to make your own lemonade, it’s time to put things to the test by following the recipe below:
Easy Coffee Lemonade
With this delicious and easy-to-follow recipe, you'll enjoy a refreshing coffee lemonade in just a few minutes!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) of homemade lemonade
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) of cold brew coffee or two espresso shots
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Begin by making your homemade lemonade. You can follow the steps listed above or use a store-bought version instead.
- Brew the espresso shots and let them cool. You can also use cold brew coffee.
- Fill a glass about halfway with ice cubes.
- Pour the homemade lemonade into the glass and give it a quick stir.
- Slowly pour your coffee of choice onto the lemonade to create a separation for the best-looking coffee lemonade!
- Serve with a straw and enjoy it as soon as possible!
Notes
You can adjust the ratio of lemonade to coffee depending on your taste. For a more robust coffee lemonade, you can use more coffee. And if you like a sweeter taste, add more lemonade.
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Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 60Sugar: 15g
Want more ideas? Use my Coffee Recipes Directory to find drinks that match your mood, brew style, and time.
- See hot, iced, cold brew, and Frappuccino recipes in one place.
- Browse latte, espresso, milk-based, and coffee add-in recipes.
- Get inspiration for what to make next at home.
Over 200 coffee recipes to explore.
Conclusion
Making coffee lemonade at home can be a great way to save money and enjoy a delicious summer drink.
Whether you use a pre-made lemonade or create your own with freshly squeezed lemons, this refreshing beverage will surely hit the spot.
You can also make it as sweet or tart as you like.
Your options for coffee are also diverse, from flavorful espresso to more subtle cold brew, allowing you to tailor your drink to suit your individual taste.
More iced coffee recipes
If you’re feeling adventurous, make sure to check out even more delicious iced coffee recipes below:
