Sparkling Lemonade

I love my canned carbonated drink, but sometimes I just want something bubbly and super refreshing. That’s when I make one of these Sparkling Lemonades. It gives you those great state fair lemonade flavors but with the added fun of sparkling water. It’s so easy to make, you won’t need to wait for your local state fair to come around.

This sparkling lemonade is the perfect base for a cool, refreshing drink. I’ve had so much fun trying different flavors, like the bright and fruity State Fair Strawberry Lemonade or a zesty Homemade Limeade. Each one brings its own charm, especially on hot summer days or at casual get-togethers. Try a few and see which one becomes your favorite. And if you're in the mood for something with a grown-up twist, be sure to check out the Bourbon Smash.

What do I serve with this?

• BBQ meats
• Hot dogs
• Corn dogs
• Chili Cheese Dogs
• Watermelon or other fresh fruits
• Funnel cake

Equipment

• Muddler
• Deli containers
• Soda Stream, optional

The equipment section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.

Lemonade Ingredients

• Lemon
• Sugar
• Sparkling water
• Ice

How to make State Fair Lemonade?

Add the lemon wedges and sugar to a 32-ounce container. Muddle the lemons and sugar together until the lemons soften.

Pour in the sparkling water and fill almost to the top with ice.

Stir the lemonade until well combined.

Cover and using a paring knife, cut an X into the top of the lid and insert a straw.

What are substitutions that I can make?

• Lemon—you can use limes instead of lemons to give you that twist like a sparkling limeade.
• Sparkling water – if you would like, you can use regular water in place of the sparkling water to give you classic state fair lemonade.

How should I store my Lemonade?

It's best to enjoy this lemonade right after making it, as storing it will lead to a flat beverage.

Sparkling Lemonade

Sparkling lemonade offers a fun variation of the traditional hand-squeezed lemonade. It is light, refreshing, and has a fun bubbly texture.

Servings: 1 person

Author: Stephanie

Print Recipe

Prep Time:5 minutes mins

Total Time:5 minutes mins

Equipment

• Knife and cutting board
• 32-ounce container with lid
• Muddler

Ingredients

• 1 lemon cut into wedges
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups sparkling water
• 1 to 2 cups ice

Instructions

• Add the lemon wedges and sugar to a 32-ounce container. Muddle the lemons and sugar together until the lemons soften.
• Pour in the sparkling water and fill almost to the top with ice.
• Stir the lemonade until well combined.
• Cover and using a paring knife, cut an X into the top of the lid and insert a straw.

Notes

Sparkling water can be made with a SodaStream or purchased a plain canned sparkling water like LaCroix, Bubly, Polar, or your favorite brand. 

Always rinse your lemons before using. A quick wash with warm water or a short vinegar soak removes wax and any residue from handling. No need for soap.

To adjust the tartness, try using less sugar or adding more lemon juice. If it gets too tart, balance it with a little extra sugar or more sparkling water. 

Rolling lemons before juicing isn’t required. Using a muddler or press extracts plenty of juice and oils. Rolling can actually cause some oils to be lost onto the countertop instead of in your drink.

Feel free to add fresh fruit for a subtle flavor or fruit syrup for something more intense. Combining both can create a nice balance and beautiful presentation. Pair with a matching sparkling water for an extra burst of flavor.