Recipe || Summertime Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

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Glass half full…

When it comes to summer refreshment, nothing says chilling out like a glass of ice cold lemonade! Perhaps it’s the American in me, but I love making a pitcher once the sun comes out! It’s so easy – and yes, before anyone asks, I did make lemonade and sell it on corner as a kid. Just like in the movies! The second I see twenty something in the forecast,  I whip up a batch It’s best made in advance so it has time to chill! Spending the day in the park? Lemonade is the perfect tag-a-long! The best part? It takes no time at all to make!

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I remember the first time I ordered some lemonade here in the UK. I was definitely expecting the fresh squeezed variety, not the carbonated mixer I got! Nothing against it, but I’m something of a purist when it comes to lemonade! I’ve converted Mr. Actually too… he regularly asks if I’m planning on making any when the temperatures soar! Just the other week, we spent several hours lounging in the park; you’d better believe we brought along a pitcher of lemonade that I’d made a few days before!

And now on to the recipe![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”10″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”10″][vc_column_text]

Summertime Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

Easy peasy, lemon squeezy! A nice cool glass of lemonade is the perfect way to stay hydrated in the heat! Plus, if you’re feeling fancy, add a few mint leaves for an extra kick of coolness!

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Ingredients

for the simple syrup:

250ml water

200g sugar

 

for the lemonade:

10 ripe lemons, plus 1 for garnish

1 litre cool water (+ 250ml extra)

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Directions:

1. In a saucepan, warm the 250ml of water and sugar on medium heat. Stir occasionally, until all the sugar has dissolved and the liquid is completely clear. It will have a slightly thicker, syrupy consistency. Take off the heat and let cool.

2. Cut one lemon into slices and add to your pitcher.

3. In a bowl, squeeze the juice from your remaining lemons. Scoop out the seeds, and add to the pitcher.

4. Pour in your 1 litre of cool water, and about half the simple syrup. Give the mixture a stir, then taste.

5. With the remaining 250ml of water and simple syrup, add a little of each, stir and taste. I use a small glass and pour out a little sip after adding more of each. Continue until you get the taste you like, somewhere lemony with a hint of sweetness, but not too sour. You can also add more lemon juice if you’d like an even stronger lemon flavor.

6. Once you’ve got the combination you’d like, put your pitcher in the fridge and allow to chill for at least 8 hours.

Optional Variations:

Mint Lemonade – Add mint leaves to the pitcher when you add the lemon slices and mix in with the lemon juice and water!

Raspberry Lemonade: Blitz a bunch of raspberries in a blender or food processor. Pass through a sieve to remove seeds, and add to your lemonade to taste! 

 

Don’t forget to check out some more of my recipes![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]