Start to finish cook time: 21 (8 prep, 6 pressurize + 5 high pressure + 2 post prep) *prepare 2 hours ahead of serving so you can chill in fridge*
Effort Level: Low - Med
Servings: 1/2 pitcher
There is nothing more summer time than a glass of ice cold fresh lemonade. I personally prefer pink and strawberry lemonades. I will rely on just crystal light for a quick fix, but when you are having a gathering or bbq there is no substitute for the real deal. I recommend doubling the recipe for a full pitcher, depending on the size of your group.You can get as creative as you want with fruit to add- sliced lemons, strawberries, raspberries ect. Be sure to make a few hours ahead so you can really let it chill and serve with cups full of ice.
Do note you will need a lemon zester (looks like a small grater) and net strainer for this recipe. If you want to jump straight to the recipe, no need to keep scrolling it's right below. If you want step-by-step pictures though, I've included those below the recipe. And as my Chef husband says, "Food is love". Enjoy!
- 5 lemons
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup water (for syrup base)
- 4 cups water (for juice)
- 3/4 cup cranberry fruit juice cocktail
- 1/8 tsp Crystal Light Liquid Strawberry Lemonade
- Optional: sliced fruit
- Add 3/4 cup of water and 3/4 cup sugar to your Instant Pot.
- Using your lemon zester, grate off the outside layer from your lemons (just the shiny parts so the light yellow skin underneath shows). Put the shredded lemon zest in your pot (feel free to zest over your pot to make this easier).
- Once all lemons are zested, cut lemons in half and squeeze the juice out of each lemon side into your pot. IMPORTANT squeeze 4 1/2 lemons, the last 1/2 lemon is to slice up and put in your lemonade.
- Mix contents of your pot. Set to 5 minutes high pressure, allow 6 minutes to reach pressure and be sure the vent valve is sealed.
- Once done, quick release pressure.
- Using a strainer, strain liquid into a pitcher so that the seeds and zest are filtered out.
- Mix with your sugar lemon mix your water, cranberry juice, and crystal light. Add sliced fruits.
- Allow to sit for 1-2 hours in the fridge, until chilled. This will let the flavors bloom.
- Serve with lots of ice and enjoy!
 |
| Zest the outsides of your lemons into your pot. |
 |
| Once completed your lemons should look like this, the shiny part removed. |
 |
| Cut lemons in half. You will slice just one half of lemon into strips, to add to your pitcher for looks/flavor. The remaining halves you will want to squeeze into your pot. |
 |
| Once squeezed, your lemons should look like this. |
 |
| Add 3/4 cup of sugar and 3/4 cup of water. Stir. Set to High pressure for 5 minutes, allowing 6 minutes to reach pressure. Once completed, quick release steam. |
 |
| Strain liquid into your pitcher through mesh strainer, so seeds and zest don't make it into your pitcher. Add to your pitcher the 4 cups of water, 3/4 cup of cranberry juice, and 1/8 tsp Crystal Light Liquid Strawberry Lemonade mix. Add any sliced fruit into pitcher, store in fridge for 1-2 hours. |
 |
| Serve in chilled glasses with lots of ice and straw. Enjoy! |