This lemonade cleanse is my take on the original Master Cleanse recipe. It’s the perfect way to kickstart my New Year’s resolution to get healthier. This warm lemon detox water tastes great, is super simple. I use it to get you ready for Summer any time of year!

lemon detox water in clear mugs with lemon slices.

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What’s in This Lemonade Cleanse Recipe?

My lemonade cleanse is inspired by the Master Cleanse recipe but with a few adjustments. This homemade lemon detox water is just as healthy but tastes even better!

  • Lemon Juice: High in vitamin C, antioxidants, and citric acid, which can help stimulate digestion, support liver function, and aid in the elimination of toxins from the body.
  • Honey: A natural sweetener that provides the body with the necessary energy during the fast. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Contains capsaicin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It also helps to boost metabolism and improve circulation.
  • Ground Ginger: High in antioxidants and helps settle the stomach from the acidic lemon juice.
  • Hot Water: Essential for hydration and helps to flush out toxins from the body.

It is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or fasting regimen.

The Original Master Cleanse Recipe

This lemon detox water is a fun take on the Master Cleanse. I made a few tweaks to the others I saw out there, and I think this one tastes a lot better. I can actually enjoy drinking it instead of just forcing it down!

If you’re looking to make the true Master Cleanse recipe, for each serving, you’ll need 10 ounces of water, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

pouring lemonade cleanse from a pitcher into a glass mug.
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How to Store and Reheat 

Store leftover detox lemonade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave to warm before enjoying.

drizzling honey over master cleanse lemon detox water in a clear mug with a lemon slice.

Reintroducing Solid Foods

This lemonade cleanse is designed to be consumed during a period of fasting; however, I also enjoy it as part of a balanced diet. If you do choose to fast, you’ll want to add solid foods back in slowly so as not to upset your stomach too much.

As you begin to reintroduce solid foods to your diet at the end of the cleanse, start by adding liquids like orange juice or vegetable broth. After a day or two, you can resume eating fruits, vegetables, and salads.

I like to start with a simple grilled peach salad or Mandarin orange salad. Finally, you can begin to reintroduce healthy solid foods. I recommend cabbage soup, Mexican zucchini boats, or vegetable stir fry.

5-Star Review

“Great advice and I like the change from syrup to using honey. Honey is a more healthy substitute.” -Sharon Greene

Recipe Card

Lemonade Cleanse (Master Cleanse Recipe)

4.50 from 511 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Servings: 4 drinks
Author: Becky Hardin
detox lemonade featured image
Try out my tastier take on the Master Cleanse to kick off your New Year right!
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
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Ingredients 

  • 1 cup lemon juice (from about 8 lemons)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 4 cups hot water

Instructions 

  • In a mug, combine the lemon juice, honey, and spices. Stir well to combine as much as possible.
    1 cup lemon juice, 2 tablespoons honey, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
    lemon juice, honey, and spices in a glass bowl.
  • Pour hot water into four separate glasses, about 1 cup each.
    4 cups hot water
    boiled water poured into white mugs.
  • Top each with ¼ of the lemon mixture, making 4 drinks total.
    lemon juice poured over boiling water in white mugs.

Video

Becky’s Tips

  • To make 1 mug: Use ¼ cup lemon juice, ½ tablespoon honey, a pinch each of cayenne and ground ginger, and 1 cup hot water.
  • Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice. Please consult your doctor before beginning a new diet or fasting regimen.
Serving: 1drinkCalories: 46kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 0.3gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.02gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 13mgPotassium: 72mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 56IUVitamin C: 24mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

How to Make A Detox Drink Step by Step

Mix the Lemon, Honey, and Spices: In a mug, combine 1 cup of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of honey, ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger. Stir well to combine as much as possible.

master cleanse lemon mixture in a glass bowl.

Boil the Water: Pour hot water into four separate glasses, about 1 cup each.

boiled water poured into white mugs.

Mix the Water and Lemon: Top each with ¼ of the lemon mixture, making 4 drinks total.

master cleanse mixture poured over boiling water in white mugs.
Is this the same as the Master Cleanse?

Not quite! The Master Cleanse is very specific about each ingredient and its purpose. I personally was not so much a fan of the taste, though, so I created my own recipe inspired by the Master Cleanse. I swapped the maple syrup for honey and added in some spicy ground ginger.

How long do you do this cleanse?

It’s recommended to do the Master Cleanse over a period of 7-10 days. This lemonade is perfect for a full cleanse or just as a detox from a heavy day of eating. It’s really up to you how you make this work as part of your diet.

How many glasses should I drink in a day?

If you’re doing a full cleanse, you can have 6-12 glasses of this lemonade per day. If you’re more like me, feel free to enjoy this as a refreshing drink throughout the day.

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Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

4.50 from 511 votes (495 ratings without comment)
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96 Comments
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Anna
Anna
February 11, 2017 12:27 pm

Is it very spicy?

Cristy
Cristy
February 11, 2017 12:24 pm

Do you use real lemons for the lemon juice or do you think it would be same benefit with lemon juice in bottle?

Vicky Lindsay
Vicky Lindsay
January 2, 2020 3:20 am
Reply to  Cristy

This isn’t just a recipe for a drink. It’s a fast and can be very cleansing and restorative. Use only fresh lemons. You need the enzymes that are in the fresh juice.

Alyson
Alyson
February 7, 2017 4:39 pm

How long do you do this for?

annette pena
annette pena
January 17, 2017 12:32 pm

Could I add 1 tsp of organic apple cider vinegar to the detox drink? if, so what benefit would i get?

Rebecca
Rebecca
January 17, 2017 8:31 am

Can powdered ginger work as well? Not sure what you mean about ground ginger.

Denisse | Le Petit Eats
Denisse | Le Petit Eats
January 14, 2017 10:58 am

We drink these nonstop when we’re feeling under the weather and it helps us kick whatever bug we have to the curb! You make them look so sunny and pretty enough to drink every day!

Ana Vílchez
Ana Vílchez
January 14, 2017 10:43 am

For how long do we need to drink it? What do you recommend?

Beth
Beth
January 13, 2017 5:22 pm

Your first sentence, college is misspelled. ????????

Louise
Louise
January 13, 2017 3:48 pm

What does this do for you exactly?

Suzanne sanches
Suzanne sanches
January 13, 2017 2:23 pm

Does the lemon water have to be warm or hot. What about room temperature

Suzanne Sanchez
Suzanne Sanchez
January 13, 2017 3:08 pm

Ok will I still get the same benefits drinking lemon water room temperature versus hot or warm lemon water. Health wise. Just saying. Thank you

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