Macadamia Free Fresh Vanilla Berry Lemonade
This is the kind of drink that makes a plain glass of store-bought lemonade feel like a missed opportunity. Fresh strawberries and blueberries get muddled right in the pitcher, releasing their juice and color into every sip, while real lemon juice keeps things bright and tart. A homemade vanilla simple syrup — made with maple syrup and a whole vanilla bean steeped low and slow — adds a warmth and depth that you simply cannot get from a packet mix. The whole thing comes together with nothing more than fruit, citrus, water, and a little patience, so there are zero hidden additives or nut-derived ingredients to worry about. You can strain it smooth for a clean, jewel-toned pour or leave the berry pulp in for something a little more rustic and textured — both are genuinely gorgeous over ice. A few sprigs of fresh mint on top and you have a pitcher that looks like it belongs at a summer party, even if it's just a Tuesday afternoon.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the vanilla simple syrup
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup water
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped
For the lemonade
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- ½ cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 6–7 lemons)
- 3 cups cold water
For serving
- ice, for serving
- fresh mint sprigs, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the maple syrup, 1/2 cup water, vanilla bean seeds, and the scraped pod in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the maple syrup is fully dissolved, about 2 minutes, then remove from the heat and let the syrup steep for 20 minutes.
- 2
Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a small bowl or measuring cup, discarding the vanilla pod. Let the syrup cool to room temperature, about 10 minutes.
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