When life hands you lemons, just add some activated charcoal and make lemonade! Charcoal lemonade is the PERFECT way to stay hydrated, detox, and get a taste of Summer all in one sip. Activated charcoal, fresh lemons, and maple syrup make this charcoal lemonade deliciously good.
Charcoal lemonade might look weird (or super cool) depending on how you look at it, but it’s packed with some crazy detox powers.
Lemons and maple syrup are a metabolism boosting combo and when charcoal is added to the mix, it becomes a really healthy (and delicious) beverage! I swear this stuff tastes JUST LIKE regular lemonade.
What is activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal is NOT the charcoal you use for grills. It’s charcoal that has been heated at high temperates to make it more digestible. It’s gaining popularity for natural skincare, but it can have the same detoxing benefits for your body as your skin!
It can come in a capsule or powdered form. I like the powdered form, but make sure to measure it and not just “eyeball”!
Health Benefits of Charcoal Lemonade
There are many health benefits to drinking activated charcoal such as detoxing, improving digestion issues and kidney health.
I’ would like to point out that there is controversy around consuming activated charcoal powder. I’ve read many articles explaining there’s no direct evidence that it is unsafe or unhealthy to consumer charcoal.
My best advice is read up for yourself and decide what’s best for YOU and YOUR BODY!
How to make charcoal lemonade
Start by combining lemon juice, cold water, and maple syrup. Add black charcoal powder and mix well. Serve over ice cubes and that’s it!
Tip:Ā The charcoal powder will set at the bottom if left sitting. Stir or shake before consumption or there will be a grittiness to the charcoal lemonade.
Activated charcoal uses:
You bought this whole jar of activated charcoal powder and now what? Luckily, that black magic powder has multiple uses!
- Activated charcoal can be used as aĀ natural teeth whitener
- Make aĀ Ā detoxing face mask
- Can be used for treatment for different types ofĀ poison consumptionĀ (in both humans and dogs!)
Charcoal lemonade is starting to pop up in health food stores like Whole Foods or Pressed Juicery. However, this charcoal lemonade recipe isĀ so simple to make and you can make in big batches to keep in the fridge or share with your family or kids!
Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free (thanks to the maple syrup) this is definitelyĀ a healthier rendition of traditionalĀ lemonade.
If you tried this charcoal lemonade recipe, let me know in the comments below and share a photo using #mindfulavocado. I’d love to hear from you! Want to see more recipes? Let’s get social! CONNECT WITH ME on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest to see what I’m currently cooking up!
Want more activated charcoal recipes? If so, you’ll love this Activated Charcoal Latte!

Super Easy Charcoal Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup light maple syrup
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
- 1 Tablespoon food-grade activated charcoal
- 3 cups cold water
Instructions
- In a pitcher, stir together maple syrup, lemon juice, and water
- Stir in charcoal powder
- Pour into glasses over ice
Notes
Nutrition
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I’ve never heard of charcoal lemonade but the color is very striking! Interesting to read how to use activated charcoal as well.
Thanks, Caroline! I hope you enjoy
That really is the most insanely dramatic clour for a lemonade, love the way it looks!
Thanks, Brian!
Interesting, I love charcoal and have been using it time and again but I never would have thought of adding it to lemonade, thanks for the tip!
Yes! Great way to enjoy in the summertime š
Came across this while reading your charcoal latte article and became very intrigued. I actually bought my very first charcoal latte tonight and started to look for a recipe for home. I cant bring myself to spend 4.25 each time I want one. Onto the lemonade…on days I’m feeling lazy, can I add charcoal to the pre-made lemonade mix? I know, I know, its loaded with sugar and other stuff but on those days I dont feel like squeezing, would it work just the same?
Hey Cynthia! Yes it should!
Great recipe and love the nutrition info as well as tips!
Late to the party but I just tried the lemonade. It’s so yummy! I was looking at buying charcoal lemonade but thought I’d try making it 1st to save $. It was super easy. I put 3 whole lemons (skin and all) in my juicer, opened up a dozen of the charcoal capsules I bought and never used, added the syrup and water. So. Easy!
Sounds so good, Heather! I’m glad you enjoyed.