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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D J
D J
April 12, 2021 11:36 am

This one is just right; not too spicy! I had to use Stevia b/c I can’t have honey, so my proportions were two packets :: one serving, no honey. I also added a 1/4 tsp turmeric (for inflammation; I don’t perceive it changes the flavor).
If someone is able to have a little honey, I’d recommend cutting the honey in half & doing 1/2 stevia. Hope to try that when my blood sugar is not an issue.5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
April 16, 2021 2:28 pm
Reply to  D J

Thanks for stopping by, DJ!

Shelby
Shelby
March 18, 2021 8:55 am

I agree. Soooo many people have healed using the real master cleanse recipe. It is made with maple syrup for a reason. That’s why it works. But only if done correctly.
I don’t think it is rude at all to tell the real truth. What is rude is monopolizing on something that works, naming your own stuff with that same name, and not explaining to your following, that the reason for the strict ingredients and strict ratios of the real original master cleanse is to ensure health benefits ! Also to ensure you get the proper nutrients Why else would you do a cleanse? If it has honey it is not a cleanse. Just saying. To each his own. But you shouldn’t speak negatively about something that works, if you don’t want negativity to come back to you.

Joel Skipper
Joel Skipper
May 6, 2021 2:11 pm
Reply to  Shelby

How do you know it doesn’t work? Plus, just because someone says something works, for a certain reason doesn’t mean they are right. Just the fact that you would be limiting calories and adding lemon, ginger and cayenne pepper together, is more then enough to get people amazing results. The maple syrup is not as important as you think. I can actually heal myself and other people and can feel the real effects of food in my body. I suggest doing your own experiments and testing your beliefs. I know for a fact this recipe is amazing, because I am using it as I type these words. Experience trumps, what everyone thinks to be true….5 stars

Cindy Taylor
Cindy Taylor
January 10, 2021 11:48 am

WOW!! How rude….it doesn’t sound like she is trying to change it… she said she wasn’t making it to get results.. just wanted to share her version. SMH!!!

Heather Brooks
Heather Brooks
December 22, 2020 8:39 am

I’ve tried the master cleanse before. I can still remember that taste. Yuck! I just tried this one & it’s not bad. It’s a little strong but results mean more to me than taste.4 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
December 31, 2020 12:31 pm
Reply to  Heather Brooks

I am sorry it wasn’t quite to your taste!

Sara
Sara
December 8, 2020 2:18 am

Because this is a drink, not a diet.🤦‍♀️

MarYvonne
MarYvonne
October 3, 2020 9:31 am

Does it have to be spicy to have it full effect? I made this before and the spice was too much.

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
November 3, 2020 11:07 am
Reply to  MarYvonne

You can modify it to your taste!

Debbie
Debbie
June 24, 2020 4:35 pm

I’m getting ready to try this.. I’ve never done any cleanse before in my life but I love lemons and ginger so I thought I might give it a try. How many days in a row do you do it, if you’re going for the master cleanses? If you just drank it everyday once a day, what’s the difference in results/feeling?

Jackie
Jackie
January 2, 2020 6:49 pm

What causes this to have 53g of carbs?

Sara
Sara
December 8, 2020 2:16 am
Reply to  Jackie

The ingredients…

Natalie
Natalie
December 12, 2019 2:47 pm

Can I use black pepper instead?

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
December 13, 2019 8:44 pm
Reply to  Natalie

It may alter the taste slightly but my recipes can always be modified!

Marsha
Marsha
November 25, 2019 10:35 am

Is the nutrition info for the whole recipe?

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
November 26, 2019 6:33 pm
Reply to  Marsha

Yes, it is! :)