Black Lemonade sounds like an oxymoron.
Liquid sunshine as black as coal rolled into one.
That, in essence, is what Black Lemonade is.
Lemonade made black by adding charcoal.
The best version of lemonade has to be small batches of the original recipe of freshly squeezed lemons mixed with sugar and water.
By adding activated charcoal into the mix, it turns into what looks like the dark side of lemonade.
Once you add activated charcoal, you have crafted Black Lemonade – lemonade dyed black from the activated charcoal, with the taste of lemons, still intact thankfully (activated charcoal is tasteless).
Also known as Charcoal Lemonade, it is a drink with Lemon Concentrate that promoted well-being, which was captured on Instagram as a cool, current, and very comely prop on camera.
It became an overnight star.
Trending within the last decade and still buzzing as an in-fashion accessory for the health-conscious, or by those looking to be seen with the current craze in their hand.
Labeled as a niche health drink that detoxifies and aids digestion, as well as a string of other beneficial health features.
Along with charcoal-infused foods such as ice cream, macarons, pancakes, burger buns, and drinks including water, cocktails, and lattes.
These not-so-healthy but in-demand specialties all fell into the category of being very goth.
With its scary, sultry shade of black, it’s no surprise Black Lemonade has been a choice drink at adult Halloween parties.
Like magic: instant witches’ brew, just adds spirits.
Charcoal was also a very popular color in 2020 and so continued to also be the in-thing to drink, especially with those who were still on the trendy beverage bandwagon.
Amusingly, a version of Black Lemonade was even sold on a SpongeBob SquarePants episode “Ink Lemonade”, made by Squidward and sold by Patrick – according to Fandom!
Is Black Lemonade Good for You?
A debatable topic. Which will be unpacked here so that you can make up your own mind.
Black Lemonade, which could be called a faddish version of classic lemonade, contains the superfood elements of lemons. Packed with vitamins C, the Bs, and minerals such as potassium, calcium, folate, and flavonoids/antioxidants.
There alone is a bounty of benefits.
Once the additive-activated charcoal or charcoal powder is combined, the goodness stakes are raised (so it seems).
The activated charcoal in Black Lemonade is known to help relieve diarrhea, intestinal gas, and bloating, as it absorbs bacteria.
However, when ingested, the activated charcoal in Black Lemonade, with its pores like a sponge, sucks up in its wake, toxins (yay!) AND all the goodness that it laid its foundation on, from the humble but mighty lemon (boo!).
Bulk charcoal powder eradicates the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in the lemonade, which basically cancels out the good and practically robs your beverage of its nutritional value.
More about that further on.
In the 1960s the FDA (Food and Drug Administration of America) prohibited the use of activated charcoal, but it was more of a precautionary ban due to a lack of safety data.
Fast forward to 2018, NYC banned the use of activated charcoal as an additive and coloring agent in food and drinks, in the midst of the hype and social trends of crowd-pleasing ‘black food’.
Watch Inside Edition’s report “Is the Newest Charcoal Food Fad Safe?”
How To Make Black Lemonade?
Black lemonade, also known as activated charcoal lemonade, is a refreshing and healthy drink that is easy to make at home.
Activated charcoal is a natural substance that can help detoxify your body and remove impurities from your digestive system.
Here’s how to make black lemonade:
Ingredients:
- 2 lemons
- 1 tablespoon activated charcoal powder
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup agave syrup or honey (optional)
step-by-step Instructions:
- Cut the lemons in half and squeeze the juice into a pitcher.
- Add the activated charcoal powder to the pitcher and stir well until it’s evenly distributed.
- Add the water to the pitcher and stir again.
- If you prefer a sweeter taste, add agave syrup or honey to taste and stir until it’s dissolved.
- Chill the black lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
When Should You Drink Charcoal Lemonade?
Medically, activated charcoal is used as a treatment in emergency situations, typically to absorb the poison.
In this instance, activated charcoal is used in its purest form as a powder mixed with a liquid (usually water) and administered by professionals.
Taking activated charcoal requires care and consideration, and a little goes a long way, so use it cautiously.
And so, self-medicating ‘over-the-counter’ to alleviate intestinal gas and bloating, based on a pharmacist’s advice, is an acceptable measure.
It does do the trick, used in the right measure for the right reasons and for the right period of time.
Charcoal Lemonade (black lemonade soda) is a sweet and refreshing way to deal with your symptoms.
Take heed, if you are on any form of medication, including the contraceptive pill.
It is best to seek advice from your doctor if you plan to make it a regular entity in your day-to-day life.
It is advised, as a minimum precaution, to not drink Common Charcoal Lemonade at least 1-2 hours before and after taking your prescribed drugs.
What Happens When You Drink Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is technically activated carbon derived from charcoal.
A solution formed from matter like wood, peat, coconut shells, and sawdust, all carbon-rich, being heated at high-level temperatures.
This ‘activation’ process creates the ‘binding’ effect.
A binder is a substance that makes other substances stick to it or mix with it.
Really useful in the treatment of certain kinds of poisoning and drug overdose – getting rid of deadly harmful chemicals as it binds themselves to toxic substances in the stomach and digestive tract.
The same unfortunately goes for medications – vitamins, and minerals too – causing them to be ineffective.
Basically, when you swallow activated charcoal, your body is unable to distinguish good from bad and binds itself with whatever is in your system.
Side effects of consuming too much-activated charcoal and Citric Acid without good reason include gastrointestinal tract blockages and/or bringing your bowel movements to a halt.
It also causes, not surprisingly, black stool when you do eventually ‘go’.
Out of interest, the origins of activated charcoal date way back in civilization (BC). Throughout the ages, it has been used scientifically and medically.
The ancient Egyptians cottoned on early to its ‘medicinal’ benefits.
Other early societies discovered the antiseptic properties of activated charcoal to purify water.
Classic physician Hippocrates and natural philosopher Pliny also used it for medical purposes.
A historical account of the discovery of activated charcoal can be read here.
Where to Buy Charcoal Lemonade?
We know that if you are in NYC you will be out of luck officially finding the once ‘favored flavor’ of Charcoal Lemonade, commercially.
Charcoal Lemonade recipe:
Buy the food-grade powder form of activated charcoal.
Preferably, pure natural hardwood charcoal, such as ‘Zen Principle’s’ hardwood activated charcoal loose powder or pure, organic activated charcoal capsules by ‘Purest Vantage’.
Follow a tried-and-tested, ‘most-searched’ recipe to make yourself a batch of Common Charcoal Lemonade. Our tip – with anything – add a pinch of salt.
So, is the jury out when it comes to making up your mind about activated charcoal-infused lemonade?
Maybe pink lemonade would be better…
Black Lemonade Benefits
Following are some of the black lemonade benefits:
- Antioxidant properties: Black/Dark lemonade contains antioxidants like anthocyanins and catechins, which help protect the body against damage from free radicals.
- Boosts Immune System: Dark lemonade is rich in vitamin C, which is known to boost the immune system and protect against infections.
- Aids digestion: The high fiber content in black lemonade can help improve digestion, relieve constipation, and regulate bowel movements.
- Promotes weight loss: Dark lemonade is low in calories, which can help with weight loss, especially when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
- Lowers blood pressure: Black lemonade has been shown to have a beneficial effect on blood pressure levels, which is especially important for people with hypertension.
- Supports heart health: The high concentration of antioxidants in black lemonade can help prevent heart disease, reduce inflammation, and improve overall heart health.
- Improves skin health: Black lemonade has anti-inflammatory properties that can help improve skin health and prevent skin aging.
- Enhances mental clarity: Black lemonade is a natural energy booster that can help improve mental clarity, focus, and alertness.
- Helps detoxify the body: The detoxifying properties of black lemonade can help cleanse the liver, remove toxins, and promote overall health and wellness.
I’m the owner and blogger here at SodaPopCraft.Com. I’m a soft drinks enthusiast, bringing you all I know and research from the world of Beverages, Soda Pop, Soft Drinks, and many more.
I hope it inspires you to make Healthier, and Creative Drinks at Home.
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