Lemonade Recipes for Hot Summer Days

Lemonade Recipes for Hot Summer Days

With temperatures rising, its the time of year to break out the cool drinks and nothing says summer like fresh squeezed lemonade. Just the idea of a sweet, tart, cold, lemonade served over ice in a pretty glass or frosted mason jar is a refreshing thought. Another benefit? Lemon has natural calming properties that will keep you relaxed all the way through summer.

While nobody can deny that plain fresh squeezed lemonade is delicious, we thought we would bring you a few variations to this quintessential summertime beverage to get your creative juices flowing. (no pun intended)

Here, in no particular order, are some new twists on an old favorite:

JOLLY RANCHER Lemonade

Inspired by the good recipe makers at Kroger, comes this colorful twist that will make any party festive. Kids will love the color and the tangy candy adds a bit of fun flavor to your drink.

INGREDIENTS:

Lemonade

JOLLY RANCHER Original Hard Candies

INSTRUCTIONS:

Unwrap the candies in the desired number and color that you want.

Each cup of flavored lemonade requires 2 JOLLY RANCHER Original Hard Candies.

Place the candies in a microwave-safe container.

Add enough of the lemonade to cover the candies.

Microwave on HIGH (100%) 1 1/2 minutes then stir.

If necessary, continue microwaving on HIGH an additional 30 seconds at a time until all of the candy is dissolved.

Add additional lemonade to make the amount that you would like.

Chill before serving or serve right away over ice.

Note: Lemonade can also be made by putting the candies in the lemonade and allowing the mixture to sit for a few hours or until all of the candy is dissolved.

Berry Basil Lemonade

This flavorful combination was created by Jenny Bullistron and first appeared on the blog Honey and Birch in 2014. This version can easily become a delicious cocktail for late summer afternoons by filling a tall glass with crushed ice from a commercial ice maker, pouring in the lemonade about ¾ of the way up and adding a splash of vodka or rum to make it special.

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/4 cups white sugar

9 cups water

1 1/2 cups lemon juice (about 6 lemons)

1/2 cup raspberries

1/2 cup strawberries

a handful of fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces

INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan.

Bring to a boil. Stir occasionally to create a syrup.

Put the strawberries and the raspberries in a blender and puree them.

Add the berries and basil to the boiling syrup.

Cook fruit/syrup for 5 minutes at a low boil. Stir occasionally.

Remove from heat and let cool.

Use a large pitcher and a strainer to strain and remove seeds.

Pour lemon juice through the strainer into the pitcher as well.

Add the last 8 cups of water and stir thoroughly. Serve after chilling.

Lastly, this wonderful recipe By Jennifer Segal at Once Upon a Chef brings two flavors of summer together with a mint garnish for a cooling drink that will satisfy everyone:

Raspberry Lemonade

INGREDIENTS:

1-3/4 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice, from 8-12 lemons, strained

1/2 pound (8 oz.) raspberries, plus more for serving

5 cups water

1 cup sugar

Lemon wedges, for serving

Fresh mint, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine the raspberries and ½ cup of the lemon juice in a blender and puree until they are smooth.

Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a large container to remove the seeds. Add the remaining lemon juice, water, and sugar to the bowl and stir until all of the sugar is dissolved.

Add more sugar to taste if desired, as well as the lemon juice or water if necessary. Pour into glasses with ice cubes and garnish with raspberries, lemon wedges, mint, if desired.

Store in the fridge up to 4 days.