Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Unicorn Lemonade is more than just a drink – it’s an experience! The rainbow of colors from the pink, purple, and teal food coloring will captivate anyone who sees it. The refreshing taste of lemonade, paired with the smooth sweetness of corn syrup, creates the perfect balance. Plus, the sprinkle of unicorn-themed sprinkles adds that extra magical touch. Whether you’re hosting a themed party, looking for a fun activity with the kids, or simply want to brighten up your day, this lemonade is sure to impress.

Ingredients
Unicorn Lemonade Ingredients:
- 3 cups water
- Pink food coloring
- Purple food coloring
- Teal food coloring
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- Unicorn sprinkles or pink, purple, and gold sprinkles
Lemonade Recipe Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups granulated white sugar
- 9 cups of water
- 1.5 cups fresh squeezed lemon juice (20-24 lemons)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Make the Lemonade: In a large pot, combine 9 cups of water and 1.5 cups of sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, add the fresh squeezed lemon juice and stir to combine.
- Prepare the Colored Water: In separate small bowls, mix 3 cups of water with each of the food colors: pink, purple, and teal. Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl to achieve the desired color.
- Combine the Layers: Start by pouring a small amount of one color into the bottom of your glass or pitcher. Follow with the other colors, creating a layered effect. You can layer in any order, but to make it extra fun, you can alternate between the colors.
- Add Corn Syrup: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of corn syrup into the drink mixture to add sweetness and create a beautiful swirl effect in the glass.
- Serve and Garnish: Fill glasses with ice, pour the layered lemonade over it, and garnish with unicorn sprinkles or a mix of pink, purple, and gold sprinkles for that magical finish.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 6-8 servings, depending on the size of your glasses.
Total Time: 15 minutes (excluding cooling time for the lemonade)
Variations
- Make it Sparkling: Swap regular water for sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy twist.
- Add Fruit: Incorporate fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for an added burst of flavor.
- Non-Alcoholic: This recipe is already kid-friendly, but you can add a splash of lemon-lime soda for more sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover Unicorn Lemonade in an airtight container or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It’s best to store the lemonade separate from the colored water and corn syrup to maintain its vibrant look.
- Reheating: If you prefer to serve it warm, simply reheat the lemonade mixture gently on the stovetop until it reaches the desired temperature. Do not overheat to prevent the lemonade from becoming too sugary.
FAQs
How can I make this lemonade less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, simply decrease the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit.
Can I use store-bought lemonade instead of making my own?
Yes, you can substitute store-bought lemonade for the homemade version to save time. Just ensure it’s not too sweet, as the corn syrup adds extra sweetness.
How do I store leftover unicorn lemonade?
Store the leftover lemonade in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. However, if you’ve already mixed the colored water with the lemonade, the colors may fade over time.
Can I use other food coloring instead of pink, purple, and teal?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other colors, such as rainbow layers or your favorite pastel shades.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lemonade and the colored water ahead of time. Just wait to layer and garnish it until you’re ready to serve to maintain the vibrant colors.
Is this drink gluten-free?
Yes, Unicorn Lemonade is naturally gluten-free as it contains no gluten-based ingredients.
How do I make the colors more vibrant?
You can add more food coloring to intensify the shades, but be careful not to add too much, as it could affect the flavor.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh lemons?
If you don’t have fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice, though fresh-squeezed will provide a more authentic and vibrant flavor.
Can I freeze this lemonade?
Yes, you can freeze Unicorn Lemonade in ice cube trays to use as ice cubes in future glasses of lemonade!
Conclusion
Unicorn Lemonade is a perfect blend of magic, color, and refreshing flavors, making it an ideal drink for any celebration. The sweet, tart lemonade paired with whimsical food colors and sprinkles brings a unique touch to any party. It’s simple to make, and whether you’re serving it at a birthday party, summer gathering, or just as a fun treat, this lemonade will surely become a crowd favorite.
Print
Unicorn Lemonade
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Unicorn Lemonade is a fun and vibrant twist on a classic summer drink, bringing a magical burst of color and flavor to your glass. Perfect for parties or any celebration.
Ingredients
3 cups water
Pink food coloring
Purple food coloring
Teal food coloring
2 tablespoons corn syrup
Unicorn sprinkles or pink, purple, and gold sprinkles
1.5 cups granulated white sugar
9 cups of water
1.5 cups fresh squeezed lemon juice (20–24 lemons)
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine 9 cups of water and 1.5 cups of sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, add the fresh squeezed lemon juice and stir to combine.
- In separate small bowls, mix 3 cups of water with each of the food colors: pink, purple, and teal. Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl to achieve the desired color.
- Start by pouring a small amount of one color into the bottom of your glass or pitcher. Follow with the other colors, creating a layered effect. Alternate between colors for extra fun.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of corn syrup into the drink mixture to add sweetness and create a beautiful swirl effect in the glass.
- Fill glasses with ice, pour the layered lemonade over it, and garnish with unicorn sprinkles or a mix of pink, purple, and gold sprinkles.
Notes
Store leftover lemonade in the fridge for 2-3 days.
For a fizzy twist, use sparkling water or club soda.
To reduce sweetness, use less sugar or a sugar substitute.
Store the lemonade and colored water separately to maintain vibrant colors.
Can be made ahead of time, just layer and garnish when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg