Amalfi Lemonade Recipe

Make simple syrup

Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar has fully dissolved. Bring just to a simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Let cool 5 minutes.

Add lemon elements

While the syrup is still warm but not hot, stir in 1 tablespoon lemon zest. Allow the zest to steep in the syrup for 10 minutes, then strain out the zest with a fine mesh sieve. Measure 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons) and add it to the cooled syrup. Stir in 6 tablespoons elderflower cordial until fully incorporated. Chill this lemon-elderflower mixture in the fridge while you make the mint infusion (or use immediately if serving right away).

Bruise and steep the mint

Rinse 1 cup packed fresh mint leaves and gently pat dry. Lightly bruise the leaves by clapping them between your hands or crushing gently with a spoon to release oils. Place the bruised mint in a heatproof bowl or jar and pour 1 cup hot (not boiling) water over them. Let steep for 10 minutes, then strain and press the leaves to extract the infused liquid. Cool the mint infusion to room temperature and refrigerate briefly if needed.

Combine with base

Once cooled, add the strained mint infusion to the chilled lemon-elderflower base and stir to combine. Taste and adjust: if you prefer it sweeter, add up to 1–2 tablespoons more elderflower cordial or simple syrup; if too sweet, add a splash more lemon juice.

Prepare your serving vessel: fill a large pitcher or individual glasses with ice (use about 4 cups ice for a pitcher serving 6–8). Add the lemon-elderflower-mint concentrate over the ice. For a pitcher-sized batch, use the entire concentrate made above (approximately 1 1/4 cups total). Slowly top with 1.5 liters cold soda water to preserve carbonation and gently stir once to combine.

Garnish and serve: Add lemon slices and mint sprigs to the pitcher or to each glass. Serve immediately so the soda remains fizzy. Provide extra elderflower cordial at the table for guests who want it sweeter.

Storage: Keep leftover concentrate (lemon-elderflower-mint mixture) refrigerated up to 3 days. Add soda just before serving.