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    Home » Drinks

    Vanilla-Rosemary Lemonade

    Published: Apr 29, 2013 · Modified: Apr 3, 2024 by thekitchenprep · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Vanilla-Rosemary Lemonade! This fresh lemonade recipe gets a flavor upgrade with the addition of real vanilla bean and fragrant rosemary. A perfect sipper for showers, parties and summertime porch sittin'!

    Vanilla-Rosemary Lemonade! This fresh lemonade recipe gets a flavor upgrade with the addition of real vanilla bean and fragrant rosemary. A perfect sipper for showers, parties and summertime porch sittin'!

    This post may contain affiliate links, which means that, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click a link and purchase an item I’ve recommended. Thanks for your support in running this blog!

    There's no denying that a tall, cold glass of lemonade is pure heaven on a hot summer day!

    The good news is that fresh, homemade lemonade is extremely easy to make (especially if you have an electric citrus juicer or juicing attachment for your stand mixer!), and the even better news is that there are so many delicious variations that can be made with a few small tweaks!

    This Vanilla Rosemary Lemonade is a particularly delightful twist that will have company saying, "Mmm... what is in this?"

    Rosemary simple syrup and real vanilla bean combine beautifully with tart, fresh lemon juice and lend a sweet, herbal hint that makes it extra refreshing.

    Looking for more delicious drinks to cool down with? Check out my Coconut Key Lime Pie Coolers, Strawberry-Thyme Lemonade or Sparkling Mint Limeade.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Recipe FAQ's
    • Variations & Substitutions
    • Vanilla-Rosemary Lemonade

    Ingredients

    • Sugar
    • Vanilla bean (or vanilla extract)
    • Fresh rosemary
    • Water
    • Fresh lemon juice (or thawed frozen lemon juice)
    • Sparkling water (optional)
    Vanilla-Rosemary Lemonade! This fresh lemonade recipe gets a flavor upgrade with the addition of real vanilla bean and fragrant rosemary. A perfect sipper for showers, parties and summertime porch sittin'!

    Instructions

    Make Rosemary Simple Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, split vanilla bean, rosemary sprigs, and water.

    Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for approximately 1 minute.

    Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the vanilla bean and rosemary sprigs to steep in the simple syrup until it cools slightly, which usually takes about 10 minutes.

    Once the syrup has cooled a bit, pour it along with the lemon juice into a large pitcher, using a fine mesh sieve to strain out the solids. Discard the solids.

    Mix the lemon juice and syrup thoroughly in the pitcher.

    Cover the pitcher and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours until chilled. When ready to serve, stir the mixture and pour it over ice.

    For a bubbly touch, add a splash of sparkling water.

    If desired, garnish the drink with lemon slices and additional rosemary sprigs.

    Recipe FAQ's

    Can I substitute vanilla extract for the vanilla bean?

    Yes, you can substitute vanilla extract for the vanilla bean. Use about 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for every vanilla bean called for in the recipe.

    How long does the rosemary lemonade keep in the refrigerator?

    The rosemary lemonade can be kept refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in a sealed container to maintain freshness.

    Can I use a sugar substitute for this recipe?

    Honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup are all good substitutes for sugar, however, you will need to adjust to taste as they all vary in sweetness and will add a different flavor to the lemonade.

    Variations & Substitutions

    Try these variations!

    • Lavender Lemonade: Substitute the rosemary with dried culinary lavender buds for a floral twist. Steep the lavender along with the vanilla bean in the simple syrup, then strain before mixing with lemon juice.
    • Ginger-Lemon Sparkler: Infuse the simple syrup with fresh ginger slices along with the vanilla bean for a zesty kick. Strain the ginger before mixing the syrup with lemon juice. Serve over ice with a splash of sparkling water.
    • Orange-Rosemary Spritzer: Use orange juice instead of lemon juice and keep the rosemary for a citrusy blend with a hint of piney aroma. Steep the rosemary along with the vanilla bean in the simple syrup, then strain before mixing with orange juice. Serve over ice with a splash of sparkling water.
    Vanilla Rosemary Lemonade in a glass garnished with a sprig of rosemary & a lemon wheel.

    Vanilla-Rosemary Lemonade

    Dianna Muscari | The Kitchen Prep
    Vanilla-Rosemary Lemonade! This fresh lemonade recipe gets a flavor upgrade with the addition of real vanilla bean and fragrant rosemary. A perfect sipper for showers, parties and summertime porch sittin’!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 3 hours hrs
    Cook Time 27 minutes mins
    Total Time 3 hours hrs 27 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 3 cups

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cups sugar
    • 1 vanilla bean split
    • 2 springs sprigs fresh rosemary
    • 3 cups water
    • 1 cups fresh lemon juice or thawed frozen lemon juice
    • sparkling water optional

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, vanilla bean, rosemary and water. Bring to a boil. Boil for about 1 minute.
    • Remove from heat and steep the vanilla bean and rosemary sprigs in the simple syrup until slightly cooled, about 10 minutes.
    • In a large pitcher, pour lemon juice and syrup mixture, straining with a fine mesh sieve. Discard solids. Mix well.
    • Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours or until cold.
    • To serve, stir and pour over ice. For an effervescent touch, add a splash of sparkling water. Garnish with lemon and rosemary sprigs if desired.

    Notes

    This recipe was barely adapted from Southern Living.

    More Drinks

    • Mississippi State Tailgate
    • Texas A&M Tailgate
    • Mizzou Tailgate
    • Florida Tailgate

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Alissa Dragun says

      April 29, 2013 at 10:23 pm

      Wow! Hats and all? Beautiful lemonade! Can't wait to try it!

      Reply
    2. Jess @ On Sugar Mountain says

      April 29, 2013 at 11:13 pm

      Although I am SO SO sorry about your poor horse you rooted for, I am glad you gave into your Derby Desires because this lemonade is FANTASTIC! I could sip it every day heehee Derby or no Derby. 🙂

      Reply
    3. CookTheStory says

      April 30, 2013 at 3:47 pm

      I'll take one with bourbon, please! lol. Or how about a Mint Julep and one of these beautiful beverages to wake me up a bit afterwards. Really pretty and sound delicious. The derby party sounds fun! Never watched it before. Tempted now!

      Reply

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    Hi! I'm Dianna. I used to think cooking had to be complicated to be good, so I never considered it "my thing." Now I know that's far from true, and my mission is to create & share easy, mouthwatering recipes - from weeknight dinners to simple bites for entertaining - that anyone can make! Join me in my South Florida kitchen and let's get cooking!

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    I'm Dianna and I've been creating & sharing easy recipes with a fresh twist for 14 years!

    More about me

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    • A large skillet filled with Creamy Mushroom & Chicken Sausage Florentine Pasta with a yellow and white striped dish towel underneath.
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