My 1-Ingredient Upgrade for Lemonade Turns It Into Something Truly Special

A couple of years ago, I moved my family to another state, which meant our pantry was completely wiped out. Replenishing a whole pantry means some serious grocery shopping needs to happen.

After a few days of living on delivery pizza, I decided it was time to get some home cooking underway, so I loaded up my trusty van and headed to Costco. While shopping for the much-needed pantry staples, I encountered the most glorious sample that has now become a staple in my home.

When I first saw the sample of lemonade and ginger beer mixed together, I was a little unsure. I do love me some lemonade, and I always love bubbles, but ginger beer? That’s just wild talk. As per usual, weird food combos always win me over, and I am so glad this one did.

Adding ginger beer to lemonade was a stroke of genius, and that little bubbly concoction is one my family now makes every summer. The subtle, earthy spice and effervescence from the ginger beer complement the tart and light flavors of the lemonade perfectly.

Choosing Your Ingredients

The ingredients for this summer sip are simple: lemonade, ginger beer, and ice. I like to use a 1:1 ratio with lots of ice, but that’s a personal preference—use whatever ratio your heart desires. When it comes to what types of lemonade and ginger beer to use, the organic lemonade and Bundaberg ginger beer from Costco can’t be beat. It’s the original combination I had that fateful day at Costco, and it still takes first place.

That said, not everyone has access to Costco, so I sampled a few other combinations from my local grocery store. I tried various types of lemonade—including a powdered packet and canned—and different brands of ginger beer. My family tested all the different combinations too, and there wasn’t a clear winner! We all had different preferences depending on our taste buds, so use whatever you prefer.

Fever Tree brand ginger beer was definitely the spiciest, so if that’s what you like, that’s what I recommend. If you’re not a fan of ginger beer's bite but still want the ginger flavor and bubbles, you could swap it out for ginger ale or even kombucha. 

How To Make My 2-Ingredient Ginger Beer Lemonade

For one serving, you’ll need:

• Ice cubes
• 1/2 cup lemonade
• 1/2 cup ginger beer

Fill a tall glass with ice and pour in the lemonade and ginger beer. Serve immediately.

I don’t recommend making this drink ahead of time because the ginger beer will lose its fizz, and that’s part of its charm. If you’d like to make it in a big batch and serve immediately, that would be perfectly fine!

More Refreshing Summer Sips

• Cucumber Lime Mint Agua Fresca
• Raspberry Lime Rickey
• Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen)
• Easy Limeade