Refreshing Lemonade

RECIPE

This recipe makes approximately ½ gallon or 2 litres if you are making to store in the fridge or making for a group. But if you only want a glass or 2 of lemonade, a simple hack is to make ahead a batch of simple syrup and keep it in the fridge. When you want a single glass of lemonade, squeeze a lemon into a tall glass with ice and pour in your simple syrup to taste and water to your desired strength. Sparkling water also adds a nice refreshing twist to a classic drink.

Ingredients

2 cups sugar

2 cups of water

2 cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice (8 to 10 lemons)

4 to 6 cups cold water

Lemon slices, fresh berries, mint sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1.       Begin by making a simple syrup. Stir together sugar and 2 cups of water in a saucepan.

2.       Heat to a simmer and continue stirring until sugar is completely dissolved.

3.       Remove from heat and allow to cool.

4.       Squeeze the juice from lemons to get 2 cups of juice.

5.       Stir simple syrup and lemon juice together in a serving pitcher. Add 4 to 6 cups of cold water, to taste. Serve chilled.

6.       Garnish with lemon slices. Or add your own flavorful touch with freshly cut slices of strawberries, raspberries, mint springs or lavender syrup.

From Seasons, Cozy White Cottage: 100 Ways to be Cozy all Year Long, Liz Marie Galvan