When the sun is out and it’s hot, there’s nothing better than a cold glass of pink lemonade. The kids love making lemonade in the Thermomix, and they’ve gotten pretty good at doing most of it themselves.

This weekend, they decided to set up their own lemonade stand, which ended up being the perfect activity for a hot, sunny day. What started as something fun to do turned into a little kitchen lesson without anyone really thinking of it that way. Their friends joined in too, and before long, I had a whole group of kids in the kitchen making lemonade.

They’ve really gotten the hang of using the Thermomix, and I love watching them figure things out and take more ownership in the kitchen. There’s something nice about learning these skills without it feeling like a lesson. And then they got to pour the lemonade they made themselves and share it with everyone. You could see how proud they were. That part never gets old.

For this recipe, we use whole lemons, including the rind, and the Thermomix makes quick work of them. I’ll show you how we make our pink lemonade and what gives it that pretty pink colour.

The Easiest Lemonade You Will Ever Make

One thing that genuinely surprised me when I first made lemonade in the Thermomix was that you use the whole lemon…rind and all. I wasn’t expecting that at all, but once I tried it, it made sense. The rind gives the lemonade a stronger citrus flavour and adds to that bright colour.

The process is pretty simple. You put the whole lemons in, let the Thermomix do the work, and a few minutes later you have fresh lemonade ready to pour. No squeezing lemons one by one, which is probably my favourite part. We’ve been making it this way ever since.

Some of the benefits of using the whole lemons:

1. Nutrient-Rich: The lemon peel is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, contributing to a healthier and more nutritious beverage by adding more fibre and vitamin C to your drink.
2. Natural Aroma: The oils in the lemon peel provide a natural fragrance that enhances the overall sensory experience of your lemonade.
3. Natural Colour: Using the lemon peel can even impart a subtle colour to your lemonade, giving it a more appealing and natural hue without the need for artificial additives.
4. Intense Flavour: The lemon peel contains essential oils that add a more robust citrus flavour, making your lemonade more flavourful and aromatic.
5. Less Waste: Using the whole lemon, including the peel, reduces waste and maximizes the lemon’s flavour and nutrients. As well, you can actually save the lemon remnants and make lemon cake with it.

The Secret to Naturally Pink Lemonade

Making pink lemonade is actually pretty simple, and you don’t need artificial food colouring to get the colour. You can use raspberries or even a little purple cabbage along with the lemons to give the lemonade its pink colour.

I love that you can get the colour from real food instead of adding a few drops of colouring. Raspberries also add a little extra flavour, while the cabbage is a good option if you want the colour without changing the taste too much.

Ingredients:

• 2 whole lemons, washed and halved (including peel)
• 1/2 cup or 100g granulated sugar
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries or a small piece of purple cabbage (for the pink hue)
• Ice cubes (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves or lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions for the Thermomix:

1. Place the sugar into the mixing bowl and grind for 10 seconds at speed 10.
2. Add the lemons and raspberries/purple cabbage (if you want the pink hue) and hit Turbo to chop everything up. Takes only 2 seconds.  
3. Add 4 cups of water to the lemon mixture in the Thermomix.
4. Blend all the ingredients together on speed 4 for about 10 seconds until well combined and the mixture turns a vibrant pink colour.
5. Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar or lemon juice as needed.
6. Using the simmering basket, strain the lemonade into a pitcher or some glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves or lemon slices if desired, and serve immediately. If you’d like your lemonade chilled, you can add ice cubes. Enjoy your refreshing homemade Thermomix Pink Lemonade!