When life gives you lemons, make Beyoncé … I mean lemonade! But thanks to her recent album cover, when you think of this drink, the pop star comes to mind. She’s actually made it sexy again, which is why I am listing the ten best lemonade recipes for you to enjoy this summer.
Lemons were first found in Persia, Arab countries, Iraq, North India, and China in around 700 CE. According to Buzzle, the Egyptians discovered how to make them into a drink and began exporting the fruit during the thirteenth century.
Lemonade has evolved to incorporate a variety of refreshing flavours. There are also variations using soda or just flat-water.
I don’t mean to be a bore, but I’m going to start off with the basic lemonade recipe. Don’t worry, I promise you that you’ll be impressed by variation of this refreshing drink. Enjoy this simple recipe from SheKnows.com.
Lemonade 101
| Ingredients:
1 cup sugar |
Directions
Add the sugar and a cup of water to a pan and bring to a boil, stirring to help dissolve the sugar. Cool. 15 minutes.
Add the sugar water, lemon juice, 6 cups water, and ice to a pitcher.
Mix to combine, and serve.
Pink Lemonade
I used to love Pink Lemonade when I was younger. I’ll admit that I would buy frozen Minute Maid concentration mix. Shh, don’t tell anyone. I’m a little embarrassed to admit it but I never knew what made it turn pink. But it was cool and the only variation on regular lemonade that I was aware of at the time. I recently discovered that it’s the cranberry juice mixed with sugar and lemon juice to deliver this vibrant hue (Try this version from Martha Stewart). Now, I feel like an idiot!
Lemonade with Berries, Fruit & Herbs – Oh my!
Raspberry Peach Lemonade
I love raspberries; I could eat a large bowl all to myself. Combined with local peaches they make the best fruit fusion for lemonade, non? I think so. I found this recipe from Paleo Leap that follows more of a paleo diet. Instead of sugar they use raw honey (which is optional). That being said, peaches have such natural juices that would make any tart drink sweeter. Enjoy this recipe from Paleo Leap.
Strawberry Basil Italian Lemonade
I just bought a basket of Ontario strawberries and it was so delicious. Try throwing fresh strawberries and some basil into a drink. That’s flavorful. In this recipe from Healthful Pursuit, they use a potato masher to crush the strawberries. That fruit juice helps to sweeten the lemonade—but this recipe asks for alcohol-free stevia. If you don’t mind adding regular sugar, then do so based on your desire.
Ingredients:
|
Directions
Place strawberries in a large bowl and crush with a potato masher. You don’t need to go to town on them, just enough to break them up so that they can fit through a straw. Add lemon juice, stir and set aside. If you’ve decided to sweeten it up, add the stevia at this step.
Place 24 basil leaves into the mineral water and allow to soak for 6-8 hours. If you’re skipping this step, that’s fine. You’ll need half the basil leaves.
When ready to assemble, add 2 spoonfuls of strawberry puree to the bottom of 8 glasses. Add 2 fresh basil leaves (not the ones that were used to soak), and a couple of ice cubes. Pour mineral water over top and serve with pink paper straws.
Cherry Lemonade
Tis the season to buy a lot of local cherries. I know it’s hard to put a bunch aside for other than eating. But this cherry lemonade recipe from Pizzazzerie is perfect for summer sipping.
Blueberry Lemonade
I think it’s fair to say that blueberries are the most popular among the berries family, non? If you disagree, please tell me in the comments below. I’m going to assume that I’m right, so who wouldn’t want a touch of blueberries in their lemonade. Check out this recipe from Julies Eats and Treats.
For the summer, it might be useful to make a large batch of lemonade and serve it in a beverage dispenser so that everyone can get another round at their leisure.
Lemonade with a Hint (or a lot) of Booze!
I can’t complete this post without adding a few boozy lemonade drinks. Pour this flavourful and beautiful looking drink in this vintage glass. Superb!
Rose Lemon Spritzer
This recipe from Half Baked Harvest is by far the prettiest. Perfect for a bridal shower or a tea party. Very vodka, very classy!
Pink Moscato Strawberry Lemonade
The title from The Woot just sums up the deliciousness. Enjoy.
Ingredients:
|
Directions
In a food processor, blitz up your strawberries with all ingredients less the one cup of Moscato
Pour your mixture into ice cube trays and freeze. They need to be solid.
When you’re ready to enjoy, blitz your ice cubes and the cup of Moscato until it has a slush texture. Serve in cocktail glasses and garnish with strawberries.
QUESTION: What’s your favorite lemonade recipe? Love to hear your comments below.
Photo Credit (Main): Gamacheseries
