| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 250 | 0.1g | 0g | 65g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 52g | 0.6g | 1g | 0.01g |
There’s something hypnotic about the sound of citrus against a cutting board – the sweet tangy aroma it releases, the feel of the rind beneath my fingers, and the bright burst of juice that emerges with each squeeze. And there’s no better way to celebrate this joyful sensory experience than by concocting that southern delight, Miracle Fruit Lemonade. This is a recipe designed to champion the zingy, invigorating flavors of summer, while also resonating with echoes of my Louisiana roots and French ancestry.
The Colorful Heirloom of Flavours
The Miracle Fruit Lemonade combines elements of Creole richness and French elegance, much like the delicious pastries I typically pen – from beignets to éclairs. It begins with the foundation of a classic French limonade, bolstered by an exciting New World twist: the inclusion of the remarkable Miracle Fruit berries (Synsepalum dulcificum). These little jewels are quite the culinary sensation, famed for their ability to influence taste perception, transforming sour flavors into sweet delights.
The unmistakable tang of fresh lemon juice is mellowed and smoothed by the Miracle Fruit berries, creating an exciting fresh iteration of a well-loved classic. It’s not just about the taste either; the blend of vibrant yellows and reds makes this a visually stunning addition to any table.
Health Benefits and Pairings
The health benefits of this refreshing drink are numerous. The miracle fruit is packed with antioxidants and has been studied for its potential roles in health and diet management while lemons, as we know, are a great source of Vitamin C. From a dietary point of view, it’s also a joy to note that this lemonade isn’t simply a sweet treat, but also a form of sweet illusion, making it ideal for those seeking to reduce their sugar intake.
The Miracle Fruit Lemonade works beautifully with a variety of dishes. Think of it alongside a lush moules marinière, adding a citrusy counterpoint to the dish’s creamy, oceanic richness. Or imagine it served with a platter of assorted fromage, where its sweet-tangy nectar can dance delightfully with the variety of the cheeses.
When life gives you lemons, creating this Miracle Fruit Lemonade is a delightful option to consider. It’s more than a recipe – it’s an invitation to experience resounding flavors while enjoying a hint of what makes Southern and French cuisines feel so indulgent, yet deeply comforting.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup of Miracle Fruit berries
- 8 cups of water
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1 cup of ice cubes
- 6 slices of lemon for garnish
- Mint leaves for garnish
Method
Step One
Begin by squeezing fresh lemons to get 2 cups of lemon juice. Pour the juice into a large jug.
Step Two
Next, take 1 cup of Miracle Fruit berries and carefully crush them in a bowl, ideally using a pestle. You just want to break down the berries a little bit to release their unique sweetening properties.
Step Three
Once you’ve crushed the berries, add them to the jug with the lemon juice. This will start the process of naturally sweetening your lemonade.
Step Four
To the lemon juice and Miracle Fruit mix, pour in 8 cups of cold water. Mix everything together well. You’re now starting to get your base lemonade mix together.
Step Five
Take 2 cups of sugar and add it to your mix. Stir well until the sugar is thoroughly dissolved. Remember that the Miracle Fruit is providing additional natural sweetening, so you can adjust the sugar content according to your taste preferences.
Step Six
Add 1 cup of ice cubes to your lemonade. This will instantly cool it down and make it ready for serving.
Step Seven
To finish off your Miracle Fruit Lemonade, garnish your jug or individual glasses with slices of lemon and some fresh mint leaves. Not only do these look beautiful, they also add a touch of extra fresh flavour to your lemonade.
