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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Theresa
Theresa
September 10, 2023 1:30 pm

It may do nothing for you but as the author states repeatedly this is her preferred ‘detox’ drink which just happens to be inspired from the master cleanse. . No one forcing you to vary from your original and no one promising weight loss from this one. It’s just a healthy detox drink many of us enjoy.

Ann W
Ann W
August 8, 2023 7:26 pm

I like this drink the cayenne pepper is a bit spicy but loving it.
Is there a best time to drink it or anytime is ok.4 stars

Amie Metzger
Amie Metzger
July 5, 2023 9:12 pm

Has anyone added ground cinnamon to this? Good? Bad? 🤷‍♀️

Samantha Marceau
July 6, 2023 4:29 pm
Reply to  Amie Metzger

We haven’t tried that, but you could start by adding a dash to a single glass and see how you like it!

Tammie
Tammie
April 4, 2023 1:08 pm

Calling this master cleanse anything is confusing as I know the original recipe is meant to be followed strictly for intended results.

Samantha Marceau
April 4, 2023 4:37 pm
Reply to  Tammie

Hi, this is just my take on a detox lemonade!

Samantha Marceau
March 20, 2023 9:09 am

We’re sorry you didn’t enjoy this recipe!

Raelena
Raelena
February 24, 2023 10:03 am

Thank you. I always come back to this recipe5 stars

Melissa H
Melissa H
September 19, 2022 9:44 am

Thank you! I can’t stand maple syrup. 😀5 stars

Stasy
Stasy
July 12, 2022 6:20 am

Homemade Detox Lemonade Cleanse is the best one. I like to combine Wellabs Turcmeric drops with ginger for better absorption5 stars

Samantha Marceau
July 12, 2022 9:06 am
Reply to  Stasy

Sounds delicious!

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