Introduction
I made this edible glitter sparkling lemonade for a backyard party last summer and it was genuinely the most talked-about thing on the table — people could not stop taking photos of it before taking a sip. The lemonade itself is bright, tart, and perfectly sweet, and when the edible glitter hits the sparkling water it swirls into the most magical shimmer that looks almost too pretty to drink. The best part is it takes about 10 minutes to put together with just a handful of ingredients. This is perfect for 4th of July parties, birthday celebrations, bridal showers, or any time you want a drink that makes people stop and stare. If you love fun summer drinks, you’ll also want to try this creamy iced jasmine green tea latte for something a little more everyday.
How to Make Edible Glitter Sparkling Lemonade (Quick Overview)
To make this edible glitter sparkling lemonade, stir fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a pinch of edible glitter together, then top with sparkling water and stir gently to activate the shimmer. Pour into glasses over ice and add a little extra glitter to each glass for maximum sparkle. The whole drink is ready in 10 minutes.
About the Ingredients
Fresh Lemons
Fresh lemon juice gives this edible glitter sparkling lemonade its bright, bold citrus flavor that no bottled juice can replicate. You’ll need about 4-5 large lemons for a full pitcher — roll them on the counter before juicing to get more juice out of each one. Lemon juice is also a good source of vitamin C — you can read more about lemon nutrition facts at USDA FoodData Central.
Edible Glitter
Food-grade edible glitter is the magic ingredient that makes this easy edible glitter drink recipe look so spectacular. Make sure you use glitter specifically labeled “edible” or “food-grade” — not craft glitter, which is not safe to consume. Gold, silver, and holographic glitter all look stunning in this drink.
Simple Syrup
Simple syrup sweetens this DIY sparkling lemonade with edible glitter without leaving any undissolved sugar gritty at the bottom of the glass. Make it ahead by dissolving equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and storing in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Sparkling Water
Cold sparkling water adds the fizz that makes this edible glitter sparkling lemonade feel festive and special. Pour it in gently and don’t stir too aggressively — you want to keep the carbonation for maximum sparkle and bubble.
Ice
Plenty of ice keeps this drink cold and the glitter suspended and swirling beautifully in each glass. Use clear ice if you want the most visually striking presentation for this easy edible glitter drink recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the simple syrup by combining equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Juice the lemons until you have about ¾ cup of fresh lemon juice. Strain out any seeds.
- In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lemon juice and cooled simple syrup. Stir to combine.
- Add cold sparkling water to the pitcher and stir very gently to preserve the carbonation.
- Fill glasses all the way with ice.
- Pour the sparkling lemonade over the ice in each glass, filling about ¾ of the way.
- Add a small pinch of edible glitter directly to each glass.
- Use a long cocktail spoon to stir gently so the glitter swirls and shimmers throughout the drink.
- Garnish with a lemon slice on the rim and a sprig of fresh mint if desired.
- Serve immediately while the glitter is actively swirling.
Variations
For a strawberry edible glitter sparkling lemonade, blend a handful of fresh strawberries into the lemon-syrup base before adding the sparkling water for a pink, berry-flavored version that looks stunning with gold glitter.
If you want a lavender version of this edible glitter sparkling lemonade, steep dried lavender in the simple syrup for 10 minutes before straining and using it in the recipe — it adds a beautiful floral flavor and pairs perfectly with purple edible glitter.
For a mocktail party punch, triple the recipe and serve in a large punch bowl with a ladle, adding the glitter to the whole punch bowl right before guests arrive.
Swap the sparkling water for ginger beer for a glittery lemonade shandy version with a spicy ginger kick that’s incredibly refreshing on a hot day.
For a frozen version, blend the lemonade base with ice in a blender until slushy and add the edible glitter right before serving for a glittery lemonade slushie.
How to Store
This edible glitter sparkling lemonade is best assembled and served immediately since the carbonation flattens and the glitter settles after about 20-30 minutes.
The lemon-syrup base (without sparkling water or glitter) can be stored in the fridge in a sealed jar for up to 5 days. Add sparkling water and glitter fresh each time for the best result.
Simple syrup can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, making this easy edible glitter drink recipe even faster to assemble on the day of a party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is edible glitter safe to eat?
Yes, food-grade edible glitter is completely safe to consume and is made from FDA-approved ingredients such as sugar, starch, or mica. Always check that the label says “edible” or “food-grade” — not just “non-toxic” — for this edible glitter sparkling lemonade.
Where can I buy edible glitter?
Food-grade edible glitter is available at baking supply stores, craft stores with baking sections, and online. Look for reputable baking brands for this DIY sparkling lemonade with edible glitter.
How much glitter do I use?
Start with a small pinch per glass — about ¼ teaspoon — for a subtle shimmer. Add more if you want a more dramatic effect in this edible glitter sparkling lemonade. A little goes a very long way.
Can I make this non-sparkling?
Yes, swap the sparkling water for still cold water for a classic still lemonade with glitter in this easy edible glitter drink recipe — the shimmer effect is slightly less dramatic but still beautiful.
What color glitter looks best?
Gold and silver are the most versatile and photogenic in this edible glitter sparkling lemonade. For themed parties, match the glitter color to your color scheme — blue and red look stunning for 4th of July.
Can I use this recipe for a large party?
Yes, multiply the base recipe by however many servings you need and store the lemon-syrup concentrate in the fridge. Add sparkling water and glitter per glass at serving time for this DIY sparkling lemonade with edible glitter.
What can I serve with this drink?
This edible glitter sparkling lemonade pairs beautifully alongside our rainbow fruit kabobs with marshmallow dip or our chocolate drizzled fruit kabobs party dessert for a stunning party spread.
DIY Edible Glitter Sparkling Lemonade
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make the simple syrup by combining equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Juice the lemons until you have about ¾ cup of fresh lemon juice. Strain out any seeds.
- In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lemon juice and cooled simple syrup. Stir to combine.
- Add cold sparkling water to the pitcher and stir very gently to preserve the carbonation.
- Fill glasses all the way with ice.
- Pour the sparkling lemonade over the ice in each glass, filling about ¾ of the way.
- Add a small pinch of edible glitter directly to each glass.
- Use a long cocktail spoon to stir gently so the glitter swirls and shimmers throughout the drink.
- Garnish with a lemon slice on the rim and a sprig of fresh mint if desired.
- Serve immediately while the glitter is actively swirling.