How to make Grape Lemonade

How to make Grape Lemonade is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Charlie Andrews on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 1 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 46 min

Cost: $11.08 total, $1.39 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3.5 lb Black Seedless Grapes (fresh, washed and stemmed)
  • 8 Medium Lemons (about 2 lb total, washed)
  • 1.33 cup Granulated Sugar (white sugar)
  • 0.25 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 3 qt Spring Water (filtered or bottled)

Instructions

  1. Rinse Fruit

    Place the 3 ½ lb of black seedless grapes and the 2 lb of lemons in separate colanders and rinse under cold running water.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Stem and Inspect Grapes

    Remove the grapes from their stems, discard any that are soft or bruised, and set the good grapes aside.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Halve Lemons

    Cut each lemon in half crosswise.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Puree the Grapes

    Working in two batches, add half of the grapes to the food processor, blend for about 30 seconds, then add the remaining grapes and blend another 30 seconds until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Juice the Lemons

    Using the citrus juicer, extract the juice from all lemon halves, collecting both juice and pulp in a measuring cup.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Cook Grape‑Lemon Base

    Transfer the grape purée to a medium‑sized pot. Add the juice from half a lemon, 1 ⅓ cup sugar, and ¼ tsp salt. Stir briefly, then place over medium heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces and the color deepens, about 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  7. Cool the Base

    Remove the pot from heat and let the cooked grape‑lemon base cool completely at room temperature.

    Time: PT15M

  8. Pasteurize the Lemonade

    In a large pot, combine 3 qt spring water, the cooled grape‑lemon base, and the remaining lemon juice and pulp. Heat over medium‑high heat, stirring, until the liquid reaches about 185°F (85°C) and holds for 1‑2 minutes, roughly 12‑15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 185°F

  9. Cool the Pasteurized Lemonade

    Remove the pot from heat and allow the lemonade to cool completely at room temperature.

    Time: PT15M

  10. Strain the Lemonade

    Set a mesh strainer over a medium‑sized stainless steel bowl. Pour the cooled lemonade through, using a spatula to stir and press the pulp down, extracting as much liquid as possible.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Transfer to Pitcher

    Place a funnel inside a 4‑quart plastic pitcher. Slowly pour the strained lemonade through the funnel until the pitcher is full.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Chill Before Serving

    Cover the pitcher with a lid and refrigerate for 6‑8 hours or overnight until thoroughly chilled.

    Time: PT6H

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
0 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
0 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free

Last updated: April 14, 2026

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How to make Grape Lemonade

Recipe by Charlie Andrews

A refreshing, non‑alcoholic summer drink made from fresh black seedless grapes and lemons. The grapes are pureed, cooked with sugar and a pinch of salt, then combined with spring water and pasteurized before being strained and chilled. Perfect for hot days and easy to make at home.

EasyAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
6h 57m
Prep
30m
Cook
54m
Cleanup
8h 21m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.08
Total cost
$1.39
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cook the grape‑lemon base until it reduces and deepens in color (Step 6).
  • Heat the lemonade to pasteurization temperature of about 185°F (Step 8).
  • Strain the mixture thoroughly to remove pulp (Step 10).
  • Allow the final product to chill completely before serving (Step 12).

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot pots with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Use a food‑grade thermometer when checking pasteurization temperature.
  • Be careful when using the citrus juicer; the blade can be sharp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of grape lemonade in American Southern cuisine?

A

Grape lemonade is a regional twist on classic Southern lemonade, combining the abundant fresh grapes of the Gulf Coast with the traditional citrus refreshment. It reflects New Orleans' love for fruity, sweet‑tart beverages served at picnics and festivals.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of grape lemonade in the Southern United States?

A

In Louisiana, some versions add a splash of bourbon for an adult twist, while in Texas a hint of mint is common. Some families also use red grapes for a deeper color and flavor.

cultural
Q

How is grape lemonade traditionally served in New Orleans?

A

It is typically served over ice in a tall glass, garnished with a lemon wheel and a few whole grapes, often enjoyed alongside po’boys or as a refreshing palate‑cleanser at outdoor gatherings.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is grape lemonade traditionally associated with in Southern culture?

A

Grape lemonade is popular at summer barbecues, Mardi Mardi celebrations, and family picnics, especially when fresh grapes are in season.

cultural
Q

What makes grape lemonade special or unique in American beverage tradition?

A

The blend of sweet grape purée with tart lemon creates a balanced flavor profile that is both familiar and novel, offering a vibrant color and natural sweetness without added artificial flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making grape lemonade?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the grape base, which can turn bitter, not reaching the proper pasteurization temperature, and skipping the final straining step, which leaves unwanted pulp in the drink.

technical
Q

Why does this grape lemonade recipe use a pasteurization step instead of simply mixing the ingredients cold?

A

Pasteurizing the mixture heats it to a temperature that kills wild yeasts and bacteria, extending shelf life and ensuring a clear, stable beverage without off‑flavors developing over time.

technical
Q

Can I make grape lemonade ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the syrup and combine with water, then refrigerate the sealed pitcher for up to 5 days. Keep it cold and give it a gentle stir before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the grape‑lemon base is done cooking?

A

The mixture should have a deep, translucent purple‑red hue and a slightly thickened, syrup‑like consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Charlie Andrews specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Charlie Andrews focuses on simple, home‑cooked recipes that highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients, often with a Southern or comfort‑food twist.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Charlie Andrews' approach to Southern cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Charlie Andrews emphasizes quick, no‑fuss techniques, uses everyday kitchen tools, and often incorporates personal stories about New Orleans culture, making the recipes feel both authentic and accessible.

channel
Q

What other Southern fruit drink recipes is the YouTube channel Charlie Andrews known for?

A

Charlie Andrews is also known for his homemade peach iced tea, watermelon agua fresca, and classic Southern sweet tea with a twist of fresh herbs.

channel

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