| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 95 | 0.3g | 0.0g | 25g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 24g | 1.5g | 0.7g | 0.02g |
Living in the Rocky Mountains has its perks: clean air, serene landscapes, and a boundless connection to nature. But sometimes, amidst all the hearty game meats and rustic dishes that define mountain cuisine, I crave something light, refreshing, and utterly invigorating. Enter Lychee Lemonade. This recipe is one of my personal favorites, not just because of its taste, but because of the sentimental value it holds for me. Gordon and I first discovered this delightful drink on a trip to a tropical island, and every sip since then has been a nostalgic journey back to that sun-soaked paradise.
Health Benefits
While indulging in a refreshing beverage, it’s always a bonus if it’s packed with health benefits. Lychees are a powerhouse of nutrients, rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and flavonoids which are great for boosting immunity and maintaining skin health. Combined with lemon, which is renowned for its digestive and detoxifying properties, you get a wellness drink that’s both delicious and beneficial. Plus, the optional fresh mint leaves add not only a burst of flavor but also aid in digestion.
Perfect Pairings
If you’re wondering what dishes to serve with this invigorating Lychee Lemonade, think light and fresh. It pairs beautifully with summer salads, seafood dishes, or even a light pasta. If you’re a trout enthusiast like me, try pairing it with grilled trout or a zesty summer salad for a meal that’s both satisfying and balanced. Alternatively, this lemonade is also similar to other fruit-based refreshers like watermelon agua fresca or cucumber mint lemonade, holding its own unique place in the spectrum of thirst-quenching delights.
Next time you crave a sip of something extraordinary, try this Lychee Lemonade recipe. It’s a trip down memory lane for me and a refreshing escape for anyone who takes a sip.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups fresh lychees, peeled and pitted
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 6-8 lemons)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 6 cups cold water
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (optional)
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced for garnish
Method
Step One
In a blender, combine the fresh lychees and 1 cup of cold water. Blend until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher, pressing down to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
Step Two
Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and granulated sugar to the pitcher. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step Three
Pour the remaining 5 cups of cold water into the pitcher and stir to combine. Adjust the sweetness to taste, adding more sugar if needed.
Step Four
Add the ice cubes and stir again to chill the lemonade.
Step Five
If using, add the fresh mint leaves to the pitcher. Allow the flavors to meld for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Step Six
Serve the lychee lemonade over ice in glasses, garnished with thin slices of lemon and additional mint leaves if desired.
