There's nothing we crave more on a steamin' hot summer day than a tall glass of lemonade. Ahh, sweet and tart--how can you go wrong? Here's our tried 'n' true recipe for making your own glass of fresh lemonade. Try it with honey or sugar and experiment with the sweetness. Or, follow our spritzer how-to for a refreshing take on a party favorite.
1 1/2 cups cold water, plus 1 extra cup of water
1/3-1/2 cup sugar (or honey)
1/2 cup lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
Ice cubes
Note: If you’re using honey, taste it first to make sure that it tastes
mild. Some varieties of honey have a strong flavor that will overpower
the taste of the lemons. Use 1/3 cup honey to start.
Tools:
Large pitcher
Glass measuring cup, measuring cups
Small saucepan
Serrated knife
Cutting board
Juicer or lemon reamer
Classic lemonade how-to:
1. Pour the 1 1/2 cups water into a pitcher and set aside. Pour 1 cup water and the sugar into the saucepan. Heat for a few minutes over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Pour into the pitcher.
2. Using a juicer or lemon reamer, squeeze the juice from the lemons into the glass measuring cup. Pour into the pitcher and stir. Pour into ice-filled glasses.
Other Ideas: Use lemons and limes together, with sugar, for a lemon-lime drink.
Puttin' on the spritz:
We love lemonade for parties, but to dress it up (and add a li'l "wow" factor), try this easy way to transform your go-to summer sip into a signature spritzer. Grab a bottle of club soda and a few old-school ice trays--you know, the ones you fill with water and pop in the freezer for a few hours. Carefully fill the ice trays with club soda instead of water and freeze until solid. When you drop these cubes into the lemonade, they'll fizz as they melt!
Dress it up:
Add a glam touch by freezing raspberries or blackberries in your ice (or club soda) cubes. Have an extra lemon or lime on hand? Slice thin circles and toss them into your pitcher. You can garnish glasses with wedges, or rim them in colored sugar for a sweet surprise. For a vintage effect, serve in elegant but mis-matched glasses and goblets. Going for a more home-style feel? Opt for Mason jars instead.
BY ANNE VASSAL ON 7/11/2012 12:00:00 AM
POSTED IN drink, recipes, healthy recipes, summer sips, summer parties