Sparkling South African Lemonade
Experience a unique twist on a classic beverage with this Sparkling South African Lemonade. Inspired by Justin Bonello's 'Cooked in Africa,' this delightful drink combines fresh lemon juice, a hint of sweetness, and the surprising addition of raisins, which ferment overnight to create a light fizz. Perfect for hot summer days or casual gatherings, this refreshing lemonade offers a vibrant flavor profile that is both invigorating and satisfying. The infusion of raisins not only adds an interesting texture but also provides a touch of natural sweetness, making it a fun and memorable drink for friends and family.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
1 cup (granulated, reduce to 3/4 cup for less sweetness)
water
1 cup (for simple syrup)
lemon juice
1 cup (freshly squeezed)
raisins
1 handful (to aid fermentation)
cold water
to taste (for diluting)
ice
as needed (for serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by creating a simple syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of warm water. Heat gently while stirring continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved. This ensures the syrup mixes well with the lemonade later.
2
Next, extract the juice from fresh lemons. You can use a juicer or squeeze by hand, making sure to remove any seeds.
3
In a large jug, combine the lemon juice with the prepared sugar syrup. Stir well to combine.
4
Add the handful of raisins to the mixture. This is the secret ingredient—allowing the raisins to sit in the lemonade overnight helps develop a natural fizz from fermentation.
5
Cover the jug and leave it in the refrigerator overnight, or at least for 8 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and the raisins to begin fermenting.
6
When you're ready to serve, add approximately 2 cups of cold water to the jug, adjusting the amount according to your taste preference. Add a bag of ice to keep the lemonade chilled.
7
If desired, slice a lemon or two and add them to individual glasses for an extra touch of freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sparkling South African Lemonade?
It is a unique twist on a classic beverage inspired by Justin Bonello's 'Cooked in Africa' that uses raisins to create a natural, light fizz.
How does this lemonade become sparkling?
The addition of a handful of raisins allows the mixture to ferment overnight, which develops a natural fizz.
How long should the lemonade sit before it is ready?
The lemonade needs to sit in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least 8 hours, to allow the raisins to ferment and flavors to meld.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The six ingredients are granulated sugar, water (for syrup), freshly squeezed lemon juice, raisins, cold water (for dilution), and ice.
How do I make the simple syrup for this lemonade?
Combine 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of warm water in a small saucepan and heat gently while stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the drink?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet lemonade.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the purpose of adding raisins?
Raisins are the secret ingredient that aid in fermentation to create fizz and provide a touch of natural sweetness and texture.
When do I add the cold water?
Add approximately 2 cups of cold water when you are ready to serve, adjusting the amount to your taste preference.
Is there a specific book this recipe is based on?
Yes, this recipe is inspired by Justin Bonello's 'Cooked in Africa'.
How should the drink be chilled?
The mixture should be refrigerated overnight, and a bag of ice should be added just before serving to keep it cold.
Should I remove the lemon seeds?
Yes, when extracting the juice from the fresh lemons, make sure to remove any seeds.
Can I add extra fresh lemon to the glasses?
Yes, you can slice a lemon or two and add them to individual glasses for an extra touch of freshness.
What kind of occasions is this drink best for?
It is perfect for hot summer days, casual gatherings, and serving friends and family.
How many ingredients does this recipe have?
This recipe utilizes a total of 6 ingredients.
Is the lemon juice store-bought or fresh?
The recipe specifically recommends using freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
What happens if I don't leave it overnight?
The raisins need time to ferment to create the signature light fizz; skipping the overnight rest will result in a flat drink.
Does the recipe include instructions for dilution?
Yes, after the overnight rest, you add about 2 cups of cold water to dilute the concentrated mixture.
What type of sugar is best?
The recipe suggests granulated sugar for creating the simple syrup.
What is the texture like?
The lemonade has a light fizz from fermentation and an interesting texture provided by the infusion of raisins.
Can I use a juicer for the lemons?
Yes, you can use a juicer or squeeze the lemons by hand.
Is the fermentation alcoholic?
The recipe describes a light fermentation for fizz, resulting in a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage suitable for family gatherings.
How much water is used in the syrup?
One cup of warm water is combined with the sugar to create the base syrup.
Do I need to cover the jug?
Yes, the jug should be covered before placing it in the refrigerator to sit overnight.
What is the flavor profile of this drink?
It has a vibrant flavor profile that is described as both invigorating and satisfying.
How many raisins should I add?
One handful of raisins is sufficient to aid the fermentation process.
Should I stir the lemon juice and syrup together?
Yes, in a large jug, combine the lemon juice with the prepared syrup and stir well before adding raisins.
Is this a traditional South African recipe?
It is a South African inspired recipe specifically drawn from local culinary literature.
Can I use cold water for the syrup?
Warm water is recommended to ensure the sugar dissolves fully and efficiently.
Does the recipe provide nutritional information?
No, nutritional facts such as calories, fat, and protein are not specified in this recipe data.