This lemonade gets its pink color from real cranberry juice.

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Why is pink lemonade so much more appealing than regular lemonade?

What makes pink lemonade pink?

Pouring a glass of pink lemonade from a pitcher into a glass garnished with lemon

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Doesn’t the canned stuff just have food dye in it to make it pink?

I haven’t bought canned pink lemonade in decades so don’t really know.

(But just in case you’re curious too, Joe Sevier atEpicurious has some theories.)

Two glasses of pink lemonade garnished with lemon rounds. A wooden spoon and pitcher are next to the glasses.

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

But we don’t need to do that.

You know the easiest way to make lemonade pink?

Add some cranberry juice!

Sugar diluting in a pot of water to make a pink lemonade recipe.

Ciara Kehoe

Unsweetened cranberry juice is tart, just like unsweetened lemon juice.

Add a few ice cubes and we’re done!

Isn’t it pretty?

Stirring a pitcher to show how to make pink lemonade.

Ciara Kehoe

It’s the perfect refreshing cooler for a hot summer day.

More Fruity Drinks to Try!

Remove the simple syrup from the heat and let it cool.

Overhead view of two glasses of pink lemonade garnished with lemon.

Ciara Kehoe

Combine the remaining water, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher.

Make adjustments to taste.

Chill in the refrigerator for about an hour, or add in ice to cool the lemonade.