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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Sharon Greene
Sharon Greene
May 25, 2022 11:47 am

Great advice and I like the change from syrup to using honey. Honey is a more healthy substitute.5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
May 25, 2022 1:00 pm
Reply to  Sharon Greene

Thanks for letting us know, Sharon!

Sharla
Sharla
February 8, 2022 12:37 pm

Easy and yummy 🙌5 stars

28CD437E-EAC2-42B5-B1B3-63F48C684338.jpeg
Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
February 11, 2022 1:35 pm
Reply to  Sharla

Looks great!

Ashley
Ashley
January 19, 2022 11:49 am

How fast can you see results?

Tameka Allmon
Tameka Allmon
January 1, 2022 6:01 pm

Is this effective for weight loss too?

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
January 5, 2022 11:06 am
Reply to  Tameka Allmon

You will want a doctor or dietician to determine that!

Kay
Kay
December 16, 2021 2:57 am

Can you skip the cayenne pepper or is that very important?5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
December 17, 2021 1:13 pm
Reply to  Kay

Modify if you need to!

Melissa
Melissa
December 9, 2021 9:58 am

What is considered the Master Cleanse? How many days do you do it? And if not eating, how much do you drink a day? I need some clarification please! 😊

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
December 10, 2021 1:39 pm
Reply to  Melissa

I am no dietician, just a food blogger, so it’s best to ask a professional!

kc collins
kc collins
December 2, 2021 9:57 pm

This recipe certainly will taste better than the true Master Cleanse with Maple Syrup or Black Strap Molasses as I’ve seen it called for; however, that dreaded ingredient is a very important one. Each is packed many minerals & a host of other health benefits to support energy levels and other nutritional needs to get your body through the fast. While I love honey and despise maple syrup & molasses I find that I feel better at the end of the cleanse when I have used the syrup/molasses. Less fatigued, less temptation to eat. I’ll use this recipe as something yummy to drink, but not as a cleanse.3 stars

Josh
Josh
November 28, 2021 7:19 am

How many days would you suggest doing this detox?

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
December 1, 2021 12:20 pm
Reply to  Josh

That is personally up to you! I am by no means a dietician or nutritionist!

Taylor Brazeau
Taylor Brazeau
November 21, 2021 1:36 pm

hi Becky!! can you confirm how long this can sit in my fridge mixed before it would be considered gone bad? hoping to confirm how big of a batch i can pre-make!

have a great day!5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
November 24, 2021 10:49 am
Reply to  Taylor Brazeau

Sadly not long enough for a big batch! About 2-3 days!

Krystal
Krystal
November 8, 2021 5:44 pm

I want a detox cleanse just bc ive been eating so crappy lately and i feel just blah…i found this and i have to say the flavor is amazing! Now just to wait and see how it works and i will update my review3 stars

Last edited 3 years ago by Krystal
Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
November 11, 2021 12:58 pm
Reply to  Krystal

Hope you’re feeling better, Krystal!