Is there anything more refreshing in the summer than an ice cold lemonade? Okay, maybe those frozen ones at Disneyland (ahhh Disneyland–WANT TO BE THERE NOW!), but even those can be so syrupy sweet that I end up thirstier than when I started.
I’m not usually into the artificial sweeteners. I used to use a lot of Splenda, then as I began to care about actually health, and not just caloric values, I began to steer myself away from fake sweeteners. Minus my coffee and sometimes a diet coke. Let’s just say it’s a work in progress. 😉
Anyway, they say that stevia won’t kill you, so I decided to give it a shot. I know, I’m totally late to the party. If you’ve decided that “they” are liars and have it all wrong, you could totally sub in some agave nectar for a nice natural sweetness.
When I first started thinking about creating a rosemary lemonade, I thought it was this new, unique idea that most people would find crazy, until they tried it and discovered my visionary genius qualities. Then they started popping up all over the internet. Womp womp. Still, it’s delicious, fresh, summery, and totally not as weird as it sounds. I make mine on the tart end because I want that more natural taste, but feel free to add a little extra sweetness if you prefer. Either way, you will love this lemonade!
Ingredients
- 6 cups filtered water
- 3-4 sprigs rosemary
- Juice from 6 large lemons (or about 1 cup fresh lemon juice)
- 20 drops stevia (or 2/3 cup agave nectar)
Instructions
- Bring one cup water to a boil Add rosemary, remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Add 5 cups cold water, lemon juice and stevia. You may discard rosemary sprigs or allow to stay in for some extra rosemary flavor.
- Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week. Serve over ice with extra rosemary and lemon slices if desired.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
I never would have thought to put rosemary with lemonade. I always think savory dishes. Looks refreshing!
Ari says
I love the combo or rosemary and lemon together so I decided to give it a try, and fell totally in love! Thanks Angela!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
That sounds delicious to me! And perfect for hot July.
Ari says
Yessss–I wish I had some right now! Thanks friend!
Jamie @ couchtoironwoman says
Sounds yummy! I love lemonade anyway.
Ari says
Right??? Best summer drink ever!
Heather @ Better With Veggies says
This looks simple & delicious – and perfect for summer!! 🙂
Ari says
Thanks Heather!!
Kierston @candyfit says
Simple. Delish. Refreshing. Love the addition of rosemary!
Ari says
Thanks Kierston–it definitely gives it that extra boost in flavor! 🙂
Heidi @ Food Doodles says
Yum! There is nothing more refreshing 🙂 Looks so cold and yummy!
Ari says
Thanks friend! 🙂
Katy @ KatysKitchen says
Lovely! I have never thought of adding herbs to lemonade. I used to use Stevia but have cut it out because I realized I didn’t actually like the taste. However, I think honey or agave would be perfect in this. So fresh!
Ari says
Totally understandable–I loved it, but I love it a tiiiny bit more with agave nectar. 😉
Kristi @ lifesprinkles says
Sounds delicious! Miss you friend!
Ari says
Miss you too!!!