5 Ways with Lemonade

It’s National Lemonade Day! Here are some of our favorite ways to mix up this summer thirst-quencher at home. Start with the basic recipe below, then try adding a new spin. Or, try our lemonade concentrate — a percentage of proceeds benefits the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, which raises money for childhood cancer research.

 

Summertime Lemonade

 

For the simple syrup:

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

 

1 cup fresh lemon juice

4 cups cold water

Ice cubes

1 lemon, thinly sliced and seeded

 

To make the simple syrup, in a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar, stir to combine and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes. Pour into a heatproof container, let cool completely and refrigerate until thoroughly cold. You should have 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups. It will keep indefinitely in the refrigerator.

 

To make the lemonade, pour the lemon juice into a 2 1/2-quart pitcher and add simple syrup to taste. If you are using a sweet lemon, such as a Meyer, you will need less syrup. Add the cold water, stir to blend and then add ice. Pour into tall glasses, garnish with the lemon slices and serve. Serves 6.

 

Sparkling Mint Lemonade Adding sparkling water and fresh mint lightens up traditional lemonade — this recipes is reminiscent of a nonalcoholic mojito. a nonalcoholic punch similar to a mojito.

Old-Fashioned Pink Lemonade This sweet, tart, refreshing lemonade gets a hit of color from fresh strawberries. It’s easy for kids to make, too.

Lemon Verbena Lemonade Lemon verbena adds hints of floral and citrus to homemade lemonade in this simple twist on the classic.

Fresh Honey Lemonade Substitute honey for simple syrup, and you’ll be rewarded with the lovely complex flavors in this lemonade.