Salted Plum Lemonade

Prep Time: 15 min
Wait Time: 60 min
Yield: 2 glasses

As late-summer afternoon heat begins to cool into golden evenings, we find ourselves reaching for drinks that do more than just quench thirst—they revive us. Inspired by my grandma’s secret salted plum recipe, this Salted Plum Lemonade pairs a bright, small-batch oleo-saccharum (a quick syrup made by letting fresh lemon rind draw out sugar’s rich citrus oils) with the crisp, effervescent umami of our signature 12.8 Original Plum Soda.

It’s sweet, tart, subtly savory, and unbelievably refreshing. Sip it slow, serve it alongside a rich family dinner, or use it as your daily post-afternoon reset.

WHY IT WORKS

Salted plum and fresh lemon share a natural, mouth-watering acidity, but the subtle salt and umami of our plum soda smooths out the sharp edge of the lemon. The result isn't just sweet lemonade—it's a rounded, digestive tonic.

INGREDIENTS

Fresh Lemon, 1 whole, rind and juice
Water, 170 mL
White Sugar, 12g
Ice, fill 2 glasses
12.8 Original Plum Soda, 250 mL

STEPS

1. Grate rind from entire lemon. Add sugar to rind, and let sit for 1 hour.
2. Juice entire lemon. Add juice and water to mixture of rind and sugar.
3. Fill 2 tall glasses with ice. 
4. Pour half of lemon mixture in each glass. 
5. Top off with Plum Soda.
6. Enjoy!

Adding fresh lemon juice to the oleo-saccharum.

Pouring Plum Soda over the lemonade mixture creates a subtle, pleasing color gradient in the glass.

Effervescent, salty-sweet, and served over ice for late afternoon resets.

PRO-TIPS

The Garnish: Garnish with a thin slice of fresh lemon in the glass, or salted plum dust over top.

The Pairing: Pairs exceptionally well with rich, savory dishes like braised pork belly, grilled skewers, or a classic cheeseburger.