Learn how to make this easy foraged red clover lemonade recipe! You will have fun, get some exercise and sunshine, and enjoy the health benefits of the red clover while enjoying a delightful treat!

red clover next to a glass of foraged red clover lemonade

Learning how to make this foraged red clover lemonade recipe will make you wonder why you ever bought store bought lemonade! It’s time to ditch the toxins and excess sugars found in powders and mixes.

Do you know what’s hiding in your store bought lemonade?

Take a look at these ingredients of a popular mix:

SUGAR, FRUCTOSE, CITRIC ACID, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF MALTODEXTRIN, SODIUM ACID PYROPHOSPHATE, MAGNESIUM OXIDE, SODIUM CITRATE, ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C), NATURAL FLAVOR, ARTIFICIAL COLOR, YELLOW 5 LAKE, SOY LECITHIN, TOCOPHEROL (PRESERVES FRESHNESS).

Not only are there no actual lemons in it, it is very high in processed sugar. Let’s take a closer look at some of the other ingredients.

citric acid: (often) synthesized from genetically modified black mold that can set off allergic responses in some individuals. Found to create benzene, a known human carcinogen.

maltodextrin: primarily made from corn (almost always GMO), rice (high in arsenic), or potatoes (high in pesticides). High on the glycemic index and may cause a a spike in blood sugar. Can change gut flora. May cause allergic reactions such as gas, bloating, or diarrhea.

sodium acid pyrophosphate: used as a preservative. Can lead to osteoporosis by throwing off your calcium/phosphorous levels. Can lead to immune problems when ingested in large amounts for an extended period.

natural flavors: “Natural flavors aren’t toxic. What they do is cause people to eat foods they wouldn’t normally eat. We all think we have the mental ability to control what we eat, but flavor technology makes us crave foods we wouldn’t normally go near. These foods (like unhealthy soda) can make you sick and even eventually kill you.”

“Natural flavor can legally contain natural occurring “glutamate” bi-products like MSG – which are known excitotoxins. These excitotoxins are some of the chemicals that cause your taste buds to experience irresistibility when it comes to food. Ever wonder why you can’t just eat one chip? Or one cookie? Or why you remember a taste of a product so distinctly and crave uncontrollably? Excitotoxins can be to blame. Excitotoxins overexcite your cells literally until they die or are damaged causing “injury” and “incapacitating” you with disease. When consumed over time, excitotoxins can cause nerve disorders resulting a myriad of diseases from stroke to Alzheimer’s to Parkinson’s.

And lots of other side effects too – like obesity, migraines, fatigue and depression.”

(Source, foodbabe.com)

artificial color: can cause allergic reactions, hyperactivity, and cancer.

yellow 5 lake: made from petroleum and contains ingredients known as cancer-causing. Has been shown to cause hives and asthma symptoms. Requires special warning labels when found in foods in Europe.

soy lecithin: extracted using hexane (a solvent used for glues and varnishes). The end product often contains residue of the solvent and is not regulated by the FDA. Unless it says organic, it is most likely made from genetically modified soybeans.

Compare the above ingredients to this DIY foraged red clover lemonade recipe!

clear mug filled with foraged red clover lemonade on a wooden table

Gather your tools and ingredients.

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Tools: (always use glass, stainless, and wood when possible)

Colander/strainer
Medium size saucepan
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk
Medium sized bowl
Citrus press
Thermometer (optional)
Half gallon jar for storage and pitcher spout

ingredients in bowls to made foraged red clover lemonade

Ingredients: (always use organic when possible)

2 cups freshly foraged red clover (always forage in areas that are not sprayed with toxins)
3 1/2 cups water
1/3 cup local, raw honey
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Optional recipe variations:

Leave out the red clover and just mix the lemon juice, water, and honey.
Substitute dried red clover for the fresh, but only use 5 tsp.
Try using your favorite sweetener, such as maple syrup, as an alternative to honey.
Brew a single serving of red clover tea, and add a splash of honey and a lemon wedge.

Recipe for Foraged Red Clover Lemonade:

Step One

Pour water into saucepan and bring to a boil.

Step 2

Rinse the clover under cool water to clean while waiting for the water to boil. Add the clover to the water once it begins to boil.

water running on red clover in a strainer

Step 3

Boil the clover for 5 minutes. You will notice the red color disappears from the clover.

Step four

Strain the red clover from the “tea,” and let cool to 95 degrees. This should take about 45 minutes. At this point, your liquid will look and smell tea-like.

Step 5

Add the honey to the “tea” and whisk to combine once it has cooled to preserve the beneficial and therapeutic properties of the honey.

bowl of honey next to a bowl of tea with a whisk

Step 6

Whisk the lemon juice into the tea and honey mixture. Notice how the color starts to turn pink!

bowl of lemon juice next to a bowl of tea with a whisk

Step 7

Pour your creation into a sealable jar and store in the fridge for at least an hour to chill. You should have about four cups of lemonade from this recipe.

Step 8

Pour your lemonade over plenty of ice in your favorite glass cup or mug to serve. Garnish with freshly picked mint and foraged berries to make this drink even more delightful!