How to Make Refreshing Dandelion Lemonade

This dandelion lemonade is the perfect drink to keep you hydrated and refreshed all summer long. Both tasty and beautiful this lemonade is full of fresh ingredients including dandelions fresh picked from your own yard!

Spring has arrived and so have the beautiful little dandelions! From the time the first dandelion pops up out of the cold hard ground, my two boys race to pick them and ask if we can make dandelion tea! But we have to be patient and not pick them as they pop up – otherwise we have dandelions laying around wilting before we have enough to actually make tea.

This year I decided to try something brand new! It was too warm outside for hot tea and we were in the mood for something refreshing. A dandelion lemonade sure sounded like it would hit the spot – and why not add mint and berries while we’re at it!

Are dandelions edible?

Yes, dandelions and their leaves are safe and nutritious to eat for most people! I always examine the location I’m picking from to make sure there are no dangerous chemicals near by such as pesticides, insect killer, or runoff from sewer, roads, etc. Of course there is always the possibility of allergic reactions or interactions with certain drugs when it comes to herbs so be sure to do your own research!

Nutritional Benefits of Dandelions

I always hear complaints about dandelions. Many people consider them to be a nuisance – just a weed, or a fun flower to pick and blow away once it has gone to seed. However, after taking a quick look at history I have found that dandelions have been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes and were thought to help maintain your overall health.

Dandelions were used medicinally by Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Chinese. Amazingly, every part of the dandelion plant can be used. You can find so many great recipes for all parts of the dandelion AND the roots can even be used to make dandelion ‘coffee’. SO cool! Apparently when the roots are roasted and brewed it looks and tastes like coffee. Something I definitely want to try for myself – especially when I’m pregnant and coffee is a no-go!

The dandelion herb is thought to have detoxifying properties, help reduce inflammation, contain prebiotic properties promoting a healthy gut and much, much more! They are chock-full of vitamins and minerals. It’s actually really fascinating to research the little dandelion – much more than ‘just a weed’! You can learn more about the herbal benefits of dandelions here.

I suppose another benefit to making dandelion lemonade is removing weeds from your yard – if that’s your thing. If you’re like me though, make sure to leave a few behind so they will reseed for next year’s batch of lemonade!

How to Harvest and Prepare Dandelions for Dandelion Lemonade

1. Pick the Flowers – Gently pop the dandelion flowers off the stem, avoiding the bitter green parts (even though they are edible too).
2. Clean the Flowers – Soak them in cool water with a little vinegar for a few minutes, then gently rinse to remove insects and debris.
3. Use or Store – Add them fresh to lemonade or fruit water, brew into dandelion tea, or store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

How to Keep Dandelions Fresh

After soaking and rinsing your dandelions, lay them out to dry on a towel. Once they have air dried a bit, you can loosely wrap them in a paper towel and put in an airtight container or Ziplock bag in the fridge. They will last this way for a few days.

Kitchen Tools that Might Be Helpful

• Basket for foraging
• Colander
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Mason Jar
• Citrus Juicer

Ingredients You’ll Need for Dandelion Lemonade

This recipe is super customizable so just use what you have and what sounds refreshing to you!

• Filtered or Spring Water
• Lemons
• Organic Sugar (or your favorite sugar alternative – honey would be wonderful too)
• Mint Leaves
• Fresh Dandelions
• Fresh or Frozen Raspberries (or berry of your choice)
• Ice

How to Make Dandelion Lemonade

1. Fill pint sized mason jar 3/4 full with water.
2. Add 1 tbs sugar
3. Add juice from 1 lemon (more or less to taste and depending on size of lemon)
4. Stir until sugar dissolves.
5. Add desired amount of ice and stir.
6. Add mint leaves, dandelions, and raspberries to taste.
7. Enjoy this simple and refreshing summer drink!

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Straws

Colander

Basket

If you try this recipe and love it, I would love it if you could come back and give it 5 stars! Tag me on Instagram @thehonestapronblog.

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