Nightshade Free Fresh Vanilla Berry Lemonade
Cutting out nightshades doesn't mean giving up vibrant, exciting drinks — and this lemonade is proof that a glass can be both stunning and completely worry-free. Fresh strawberries and blueberries get muddled right in the pitcher, releasing deep, jewel-toned juice that makes the whole thing look like something from a fancy brunch spread. A homemade vanilla simple syrup made with maple syrup and a real vanilla bean adds a warm, floral sweetness that no store-bought mix can touch. Bright lemon juice ties everything together with just the right amount of tartness, and you can dial it up or down to suit your taste. Every single ingredient here is naturally free from the nightshade family — no peppers, no tomatoes, no hidden spice blends to second-guess. Serve it over ice with a sprig of fresh mint and it's the kind of drink that disappears fast, so you may want to make a double batch.
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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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