Panera Bread Lemonade is a refreshing, agave-sweetened beverage popular across North America for its clean, citrusy flavor. Ideally the lemons should be rolled firmly against the countertop before slicing to release the maximum amount of tart juice.
Jump to RecipePanera Bread Lemonade Recipe Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6 to 8 large lemons)
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- 1/2 cup warm water (for dissolving sugar)
- 1/4 cup agave nectar
- 1/4 cup cane sugar (or more to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh lemon slices, for garnish
How To Make Panera Bread Lemonade Recipe
- Prepare the Syrup: In a small heat-proof pitcher or measuring cup, combine the 1/2 cup of warm water and the cane sugar. Stir vigorously until the sugar is completely dissolved and the liquid is clear. Stir in the agave nectar until combined.
- Juice the Lemons: Cut the lemons in half and juice them until you have 1 cup of fresh liquid. Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve if you prefer a pulp-free lemonade, or leave it as-is for a more rustic texture.
- Combine: In a large pitcher, pour in the fresh lemon juice and the prepared sweetener syrup. Stir well to integrate the flavors.
- Dilute: Pour in the 4 cups of cold filtered water. Stir the mixture thoroughly.
- Taste Test: Taste the lemonade. If it is too tart, add a little more agave nectar, one teaspoon at a time. If it is too strong, add a splash more water.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pitcher for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve over a glass filled to the brim with ice and garnish with a fresh lemon wheel.
Recipe Tips
- The Agave Difference: Panera’s lemonade is distinct because of the agave. It provides a smoother mouthfeel and a slightly different sweetness profile than sugar alone. Don’t skip it if you want the authentic taste.
- Room Temp Lemons: Lemons yield more juice when they are at room temperature or slightly warm. If you keep yours in the fridge, microwave them for 10 seconds before rolling and juicing.
- Avoid “Watering Down”: If you are serving this at a party, freeze some of the lemonade into ice cube trays. Use these cubes in the pitcher so the drink stays cold without getting diluted as the ice melts.
- Zest Infusion: For an extra punch of citrus oil, you can add a strip of lemon peel to the warm water while dissolving the sugar, then discard it before mixing.
What To Serve With Panera Bread Lemonade
Lemonade accompaniments are bright, summery additions frequently served to cut through the sweetness of the drink with savory or salty notes. Ideally the sandwich should be served on a hearty baguette to provide a substantial, chewy texture that stands up to the refreshing beverage.
- Panera Bread Italian Sandwich
- A poppyseed salad with strawberries
- Salted kettle chips or pretzels
- Panera Bread Lemon Drop Cookie (for a double-lemon treat)
How To Store Panera Bread Lemonade
- Refrigerate: Store the lemonade in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 5 to 7 days.
- Separation: Homemade lemonade often settles. Give the pitcher a good stir with a long spoon before pouring each glass.
- Freeze: You can freeze the lemonade concentrate (juice + syrup) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Add the water when you are ready to serve.
Panera Bread Lemonade Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 110 kcal (per serving)
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 26g
Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on 4 servings.
FAQs
Fresh is always best for lemonade, as bottled juice contains preservatives that can give the drink a metallic or overly acidic aftertaste. In a pinch, look for “not from concentrate” bottled juice found in the refrigerated section.
Fresh is always best for lemonade, as bottled juice contains preservatives that can give the drink a metallic or overly acidic aftertaste. In a pinch, look for “not from concentrate” bottled juice found in the refrigerated section.
You can replace the cane sugar and agave with a liquid stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Add it slowly and taste as you go, as these sweeteners are much more potent than sugar.
Panera Bread Lemonade Recipe
Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes110
kcalA refreshing copycat of Panera’s signature Agave Lemonade, balancing tart fresh lemons with smooth natural sweeteners.
Ingredients
1 cup fresh lemon juice
4 cups cold water
1/4 cup agave nectar
1/4 cup cane sugar
1/2 cup warm water
Directions
- Dissolve sugar in warm water until clear.
- Stir in agave nectar to create the syrup.
- Juice lemons and strain pulp if desired.
- Combine juice, syrup, and cold water in a pitcher.
- Chill for 30 minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve over ice with lemon slices.
Notes
- Adjust the agave-to-sugar ratio to find your perfect sweetness level.
- Add a handful of crushed mint or basil for a herbal twist.
- For a pink lemonade, blend in 1/2 cup of fresh strawberries or raspberries.
