There’s nothing quite like a tall, cold glass of iced coffee to help you beat the heat in summer.

But sometimes, the same old cup of black or flavored iced coffee can get a bit boring. That’s where coffee lemonade comes in!

This unique drink is an amazing twist on traditional iced coffee that tastes great and looks impressive.

Trust me – 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, caffeine-infused beverage that combines the acidic tartness of freshly squeezed lemons with the deep, earthy flavor of the coffee.

The combination creates an energizing and unique flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional lemonade.

Homemade coffee lemonade.

This drink is beloved among those who enjoy coffee and citrus flavors and anyone looking for an energizing yet refreshing pick-me-up during the day or late evening hours when they feel sluggish or just need some extra fuel!

Plus, since so many 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?

If you ask me, combining coffee and lemonade is a delicious and refreshing way to drink coffee.

The two flavors complement each other well and create a unique taste that is different from drinking either beverage alone.

Plus, the combination provides a boost of energy from the caffeine in the coffee while also giving you a dose of Vitamin C from the lemons.

A lemon cut in half.

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:

Homemade orange juice and espresso coffee.

Check out the article here for an in-depth look and the different ratios you can use.

What does coffee lemonade taste like?

The flavor profile of coffee lemonade is complex, featuring notes of sweet caramel and smooth vanilla alongside the tartness from freshly squeezed lemons. You can change the flavor of the drink when using a different coffee.

The result is a refreshing and energizing drink that can be enjoyed anytime, preferably when sitting outside in the summer!

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 that can transform the taste of your favorite beverage into something entirely new.

A side-by-side comparison of cold brew and espresso.
Cold brew on the left. Espresso on the right

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 has a complex range of flavors, ranging from bitter chocolate and dark fruit notes to subtle hints of nuttiness and sweetness at the end.

Doppio espresso.

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 (generally 12-24 hours). I like to steep my cold brew for 15 hours for the best flavor:

Adding a lid to the mason jar cold brew to let it steep.

This results in much smoother yet intense, rich flavoring with sweet notes like caramel and chocolate, along with citrusy acids for balance.

If you want to use cold brew for this coffee lemonade, you can check out an easy recipe for it here.

Which coffee beans work well for this recipe?

You can choose your favorite coffee beans depending on the coffee you will 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 since they will provide a smooth yet full-flavored extraction when added to cold water overnight.

Medium roasted and dark roasted coffee beans next to each other.
Medium roast on the left. Dark roast on the right

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 works especially great if you’re looking to consume less caffeine and works 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 can 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 do you make lemonade at home?

Making lemonade at home is a great way to enjoy a delicious and refreshing drink all summer long.

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!

A pitcher of homemade lemonade.
Homemade lemonade

Collect the following ingredients to get started:

  • 1 cup (240 grams) of freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3/4 cup (180 grams) of white granulated sugar
  • 6 cups (1450 grams) of water
Ingredients needed to make lemonade at home.

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.

  1. Start by squeezing your lemons into a bowl. You can roll the lemons on your countertop the extract as much juice as possible. I used 7 medium-large lemons to get 1 cup of juice.
  2. Combine 1 cup (240 grams) of water in a saucepan with the white granulated sugar.
  3. Heat slowly until the sugar has fully dissolved to make the simple syrup.
  4. Allow the simple syrup to cool completely.
  5. Then, combine the simple syrup with lemon juice in a big pitcher.
  6. Add the remaining water to the pitcher. Make sure the water is as cold as possible for that perfect refreshment.
  7. 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:

Yield: 1 Serving

Easy Coffee Lemonade

Coffee lemonade, ready to drink.

With this delicious and easy-to-follow recipe, you'll enjoy a refreshing coffee lemonade in just a few minutes!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Additional Time 3 minutes
Total Time 8 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

  1. Begin by making your homemade lemonade. You can follow the steps listed above or use a store-bought version instead.
  2. Brew the espresso shots and let them cool. You can also use cold brew coffee.
  3. Fill a glass about halfway with ice cubes.
  4. Pour the homemade lemonade into the glass and give it a quick stir.
  5. Slowly pour your coffee of choice onto the lemonade to create a separation for the best-looking coffee lemonade!
  6. 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:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 60Sugar: 15g

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 – so you can tailor your drink to suit your individual taste!

If you’re feeling adventurous, make sure to check out even more delicious iced coffee recipes below:

More iced coffee recipes

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