MSG Free Fresh Vanilla Berry Lemonade

Total time50 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time5 min

4.9

(6)

There is something genuinely special about a glass of lemonade made entirely from scratch, and this berry version takes it to another level. Fresh strawberries and blueberries are muddled right in the pitcher, releasing their natural juice and color into every sip. A homemade vanilla simple syrup — built from maple syrup, water, and a real vanilla bean — adds a warm, floral sweetness that no bottled mix could ever replicate. Because every single ingredient here is whole and unprocessed, you never have to second-guess what's actually in your glass. Store-bought lemonades and flavored drinks are notorious for sneaking in additives and flavor enhancers, so making your own is the cleanest, most satisfying workaround. You can strain it smooth for a polished, clear pour or leave the berry pulp in for something a little more rustic and textured — either way, it's stunning over ice with a sprig of fresh mint.

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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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