This papaya lemonade is a bright, tropical variation on the classic - it's fresh and mildly fruity; absolutely perfect for the summer. And really easy to make as well.
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If you've read this blog for any length of time or looked at the About page, you'll know that I am originally Scottish currently living in the US, with an American other-half. I also worked with the US for years and spent a few months in NYC before meeting my husband. So, I have become aware of many of the language differences between the US and UK, but I have to say we do still find new ones.
Lemonade was an early one I came across. You see, lemonade in the US is a non-carbonated drink made typically with lemon juice, sugar and water, for those that don't know. Meanwhile in the UK, it would mean carbonated drinks such as sprite or seven up.
In case you are wondering, what would be called lemonade in the US would be either still lemonade or given the French name 'citron pressé' in the UK. It doesn't have the same nostalgic selling-on-your-doorstep association as it does in the US, nor is it as popular.
As for me, I do have memories of having citron pressé in France as a child and trying to add as little sugar as possible. Clearly my taste for not-too-sweet started young! I have to admit I hadn't really seen variations on your basic US-style lemonade until very recently, but those I saw made me want to try my own.
Today's Foodie Extravaganza theme of lemonade for national lemonade day seemed a perfect excuse. Given our recent warm weather I knew I wanted to make something refreshing and the mellow but fragrantly fresh flavor of papaya seemed a great match. A little cilantro/coriander in there as well gives an extra herby freshness that made this papaya lemonade an instant hit with all of us.
This papaya lemonade is really easy, as you just throw everything into the blender. It's also a little healthier than many versions as it's made with honey and not much either. It does mean it's relatively tart so if you prefer it a little sweeter then add a bit more. Personally I find it really refreshing as it is in the recipe below.
This papaya lemonade would also be great with some rum added for a refreshing summer cocktail, or add whatever your favorite spirit is - it's got the sort of flavors that would be a great with many spirits.
However you enjoy it, this papaya lemonade is easy, refreshing and so delicious it's a fantastic drink to cool you down and perk you up on a warm day. So grab the ingredients and enjoy.
Try these other refreshing drinks:
- Cantaloupe agua fresca
- Watermelon lemonade
- Agua de jamaica (hibiscus tea)
- Mango lassi (like a mango-yogurt smoothie)
- Mint lemonade (limonana)
- Plus get more drinks recipes in the archives.
Papaya lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 cup ripe papaya (quantity with skin and seeds removed, in chunks)
- ⅓ cup lemon juice (⅓ cup is 1-2 lemons)
- 1 cup water or more to taste
- 2 stems cilantro/coriander leaves only, optional
- 2 tablespoon honey (or more to taste, can also use sugar)
Instructions
- Make sure your papaya is ripe before using - it should be mainly orange/yellow on the outside and give slightly when pressed. Remove seeds and skin then dice the flesh.
- Put everything in the blender and blend until combined - you may need to stir a little after by hand to ensure the honey is mixed through rather than sinking to the bottom. If you like, add a little extra water to be slightly thinner or sweeten a little more to taste.
- Serve chilled - either as it is or over ice.
Nutrition
See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store.
Try these other lemonade-themed ideas:
- Dairy-Free Frosted Lemonade by Cookaholic Wife
- Honey Mint Lemonade by Sew You Think You Can Cook
- Lemony White Sangria by Hardly A Goddess
- Sparkling Milk Lemonade by Our Good Life
- Peachy Lemonade by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Pineapple Pink Lemonade Shaved Ice by Food Lust People Love
- Sparkling Blue Basil Lemonade by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Shikanji (Indian Lemonade) by Tara's Multicultural Table
Remember to pin for later!
sneha datar says
This glass of papaya lemonade has lovely color and looks so refreshing.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Sneha, it is indeed a lovely color and so tasty too!
Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook says
Wow, I never knew lemonade could have a different meaning abroad. Shows how much more I have to learn! Thanks for sharing. I'm glad I got you to play around with the US version of lemonade. Your glass is simply beautiful.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Lauren, there are a surprisingly large number of differences, especially when it comes to food! Thanks for hosting this fun theme.
Kathleen says
Oh, interesting to add some papaya to your lemonade. I didn't know about calling lemonade citron pressé in French, but since I recently moved to Martinique, a French owned country, it will be great knowledge. Thank you.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Kathleen - Martinique must be an interesting place to live. And I'd imagine you get good papayas so can give this a try - it's delicious 🙂
Laura says
Lovely post Caroline - and I didn't realise that lemonade in the US wasn't a carbonated drink. Interesting. Thanks too for joining Fiesta Friday - as co-host for this week I thought worth reminding you that if you follow the guidelines then your posts can also be eligible for weekly features selection!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Laura, and thanks for the reminder- I normally manage to remember to add links on my Friday post but often forget others; updated. Thanks for hosting this week!
Frugal Hausfrau says
I love your papaya-aide! lol! It looks so refreshing.
Mollie
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Mollie, it really is - in fact I wish I had made some more today!
Tara says
Such a beautiful lemonade! Love the addition of papaya and cilantro.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Tara - both are really good in there.
Rebekah @ Making Miracles says
What a fantastic and unique lemonade!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Rebekah! It's a little different but so good!
Noelle says
Sounds so refreshing! I love papaya!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Noelle, I agree papaya is really tasty and works so well here.
Barrie says
I don't ever use papaya- this is a great way to try it for me- great idea!
Caroline's Cooking says
Papaya has a lovely mellow flavor and I agree, this would be a great way to get back in to it, it's so refreshingly tasty.
Nichole says
I had no idea lemonade in the UK was different than in the US. Papaya is a great addition!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Nichole - it's one of many language differences. It's sometimes funny how many there are! Papaya is indeed really tasty in there.
Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm says
Well I learned a lot from your post today Caroline. If ever I am lucky enough to get to the other side of the pond I will definitely not order lemonade and the next time I think lemonade I will think papaya as well.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Wendy, it's a tasty combination.