Rodizio Diet Lemonade Recipe

Juice lemons

Roll lemons on the counter to soften, then cut and juice until you have 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and excess pulp.

Make simple syrup

Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Add 1 tsp fine sea salt. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves and the mixture is clear (about 3–4 minutes). Do not boil. Remove from heat.

Mix base

In a pitcher, combine the strained lemon juice, the warm simple syrup (allow to cool 5–10 minutes), 2 cups cold water (from the 4 cups divided), and optional 2 tbsp lime juice if using. Stir well and taste; adjust sweetness by adding up to 1/4 cup more simple syrup or a splash more water if too tart.

Prepare aromatics

Gently bruise the mint and basil leaves between your palms to release oils. Lightly bruise the lemongrass with the back of a knife, then cut into 1–2 inch pieces. Thinly slice the ginger.

Infuse

Place mint, basil, lemongrass, sliced ginger, and whole black peppercorns into a small heatproof bowl or jar. Pour 1 cup of just-boiled water (from the 4 cups divided) over the aromatics and cover. Let steep for 10 minutes for a bright infusion or up to 20 minutes for a stronger, spicier note.

Strain infusion

Strain the herb and spice infusion through a fine mesh sieve or chinois into the lemonade pitcher, pressing gently on solids to extract flavor. Discard solids. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust balance (a bit more sugar or water) if needed.

Chill and carbonate

Refrigerate the infused lemonade for at least 20 minutes to meld flavors. When ready to serve, gently stir in 2 cups chilled sparkling water to add effervescence. Do not vigorously stir to preserve bubbles.

Serve

Fill glasses with ice cubes (about 2/3 full). Pour lemonade over ice, leaving a little space at the top. Garnish each glass with a lemon wheel and a sprig of mint or basil. If desired, press a lemon wheel into the rim for extra aroma.

Storage

Store any leftover lemonade (without ice) in a sealed pitcher or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Stir gently before serving and add sparkling water just before serving again.