By now, you've seen the summer gem all of us Halloween lovers dream of: black lemonade.
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But do you know how to make it?
It’s super simple, but you have to know the tricks to make it just right. Lucky for us, The Spooky Vegan shared her recipe last summer and today, with her permission, I’m making it for you and adding a few ideas for how to take this spooky summer sippable to the next level.
Here’s how to make black lemonade:

What you’ll need:
- Your favorite lemonade, homemade or bottled (Simply Lemonade is my fave)
- Food grade activated charcoal
- Glass pitcher or drinking glass

How to make it:
Per The Spooky Vegan’s recipe, mix 1/2 teaspoon of food grade activated charcoal powder with 8 ounces of lemonade. Serve your black lemonade over ice in a spooky glass with a paper Halloween straw!

Tips and Tricks:
- Activated charcoal can react adversely to medications you’re taking, so be sure you read all label instructions and consult your doctor before consuming. (But I am not a medical professional. Please see my disclaimer for more.)
- Activated charcoal powder can be messy and stain things easily. Using glass containers is best, as is working in a space where it’s okay to get a little dirty.
- A little goes a long way! I actually cut my use of activated charcoal to 1/8 teaspoon for my glass and was happy with the color. You want to add enough to color the liquid, but not so much that you can taste the charcoal.

Fancy Black Lemonade:
Want to make your drink a little fancier? Here are 5 quick ideas for doing that:
- Add a flavored syrup. I like adding Monin syrups to drinks from time to time to add a flavor. Raspberry or lavender would be a fun addition to your lemonade. You could also purchase or make a flavored lemonade. (I’m obsessed with Simply Lemonade’s blueberry blend.)
- Make it a slush. There’s no better way to cool down in the summer than with a slushie. After mixing, throw your black lemonade in a blender with ice to make an at-home slush. Sip, slurp and enjoy!
- Booze it up. You guys know I love a good cocktail. Vodka and rum are perfect additions to lemonade in the summer. Plus, who doesn’t love a good cocktail as black as your heart?
- Top it off. Add a garnish or two, like fresh berries or lemon slices, to make it the perfect summer drink.
- Black ice. Instead of coloring your drink with activated charcoal, make your ice black! Using the same ratios above (1/2 teaspoon to 8 ounces of liquid), mix your liquid and pour into an ice cube tray. Freeze, then use black ice in your summer drinks. (Keep in mind the charcoal will likely discolor plastic trays or silicone molds.) Bonus points for using Halloween ice cube molds!
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Where would you enjoy black lemonade?
Esp. now that you know how easy it is to make!
Happy Summerween,

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E
Where did you get the amazing jackolantern pineapple dish towel??? Total swoon!
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
I found it at TJ Maxx in 2018.
Chelsea
I feel like I could enjoy this anywhere. I could see me pull it out by the pool or the beach, just to get some gawks. XD
Does the charcoal change the flavor at all? I feel really apprehensive about the idea, but the results are really amazing! Does this have any black-light possibilities?
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
I added such a small amount that I didn’t notice a flavor change, but Sarah did note in her original post that adding too much can do that.