Name: Panera Bread Charged Lemonade Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen); ½ cup sugar; ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; 10 mL liquid caffeine; 2 cups cold water; Ice (as needed)

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Panera Bread’s Charged Lemonade was one of my go-to drinks whenever I needed a refreshing energy boost.

But then, it disappeared from their menu! This drink packed a punch with its strong caffeine kick, but luckily, I figured out a way to recreate it at home.

My version has all the same delicious flavors, but you can control how much caffeine goes in.

You can make it safely at home using simple ingredients, and it’s perfect for hot days or when you need a little pick-me-up.

In this guide, I’ll share my easy copycat Panera Bread Charged Lemonade Recipe, tips to nail the flavor, and even swaps if you’re missing something. Let’s get started!

Panera Charged Lemonade Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this vibrant and energizing Panera Bread Charged Lemonade Recipe:

1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen): These give the lemonade its signature fruity flavor and natural sweetness.
½ cup sugar: Sweetens the concentrate and balances the tartness of the lemon juice.
½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds that classic tangy lemonade taste.
10 mL liquid caffeine: Provides an energy boost. You can find this online or at specialty stores.
2 cups cold water: Dilutes the concentrate for a perfectly balanced drink.
Ice: Keeps your lemonade chilled and refreshing.

Helpful Swaps

If you can’t find all the ingredients or want to change things up, here are some swaps that work great:

Sugar Alternatives: Instead of regular sugar, you can use honey, maple syrup, or even stevia if you’re watching your sugar intake. Just start with less and add more to taste since these are sweeter than regular sugar.

Frozen Strawberries: No fresh berries? Frozen work almost as well! The recipe actually works with either.

Caffeine Options: If you can’t find liquid caffeine, you could use strongly brewed green tea or matcha powder. It won’t be as strong, but still gives a nice energy boost.

Berry Variations: Try using raspberries or mixed berries instead of just strawberries for a different flavor.

Sparkling Water: For a fizzy version, replace half the water with sparkling water. Add it at the end after everything else is mixed.

Lemon Alternatives: In a pinch, lime juice works too! It gives a different but still yummy flavor.

Helpful Equipment

Before you start, make sure you have these tools ready:

Small Saucepan: For simmering the strawberry concentrate.
Blender: To puree the strawberry mixture into a smooth concentrate.
Fine Mesh Sieve: To strain out seeds and pulp for a silky texture.
Tall Glass: For assembling and serving your drink.
Measuring Cups/Spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient proportions.

How to Make Panera Charged Lemonade Recipe

Follow these easy steps to recreate this iconic drink at home:

Step 1 | Make the Strawberry Concentrate

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of strawberries (fresh or frozen), ½ cup of sugar, and ½ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Stir occasionally as the mixture simmers. The strawberries will soften and release their juices after about 10 minutes.

Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a blender. Blend until smooth.

Strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 2 | Assemble the Drink

In a tall glass, add 2 tablespoons of the cooled strawberry concentrate.

Pour in 10 mL of liquid caffeine (adjust based on your preference).

Fill the glass with 2 cups of cold water and plenty of ice cubes.

Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.

Your homemade Panera Charged Lemonade is ready!

Recipe Tips for Success

Concentrate Storage: The strawberry concentrate will keep in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed container.
Sweetness Level: Always taste as you go. You can add more sugar if needed, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!
Caffeine Control: Start with less caffeine than you think you need. You can always add more, but too much might make you jittery.
Cold is Key: This drink tastes best when it’s really cold, so use lots of ice.
Straining Matters: Don’t skip straining the strawberry concentrate. Those little seeds can make the drink feel gritty.
Lemon Juicing Tip: Roll your lemons on the counter with firm pressure before cutting and juicing. This helps get more juice out.
Concentrate First: Always add the concentrate before the water, so it doesn’t all sink to the bottom.

What Can Serve With Panera Charged Lemonade

This energizing drink pairs wonderfully with so many foods! Here are some great options to serve alongside your homemade charged lemonade:

Panera-style sandwiches like turkey and cheese or chicken paninis make the perfect lunch combo
Fresh salads with berries and nuts complement the fruity flavors in the drink
Breakfast pastries like muffins or scones are great for a morning boost with your charged lemonade
Light desserts such as shortbread cookies or lemon bars match the citrus notes
Brunch foods like quiche or avocado toast pair nicely for a weekend treat

I find this drink works best with lighter fare rather than heavy meals.

The refreshing qualities of the charged lemonade cut through rich foods and cleanse your palate.