A simple variation on a classic theme can be a welcome refresher on a hot, thirsty day. Lemonade and other fruit flavors mix and match pleasantly. Trying out different combinations can be as easy as filling a glass or pitcher with your basic cool drinks and adding a splash or two of fruit syrup. Don’t forget to add a berry or two, or mint leaves, for garnish.
Here are some suggestions, starting with the most simple, classic homemade lemonade (which you can also vary by adjusting ingredients to taste):
Basic Lemonade
6 lemons
6 cups cold water
1 cup sugar
Juice the lemons, creating about 1 cup of juice. In a large pitcher, mix juice, water and sugar. Stir lemonade well to thoroughly dissolve sugar, and serve over ice.
Makes 7 to 8 cups.
Raspberry Lemonade
2 tablespoons raspberry syrup
1 cup lemonade
Ice
Optional: 3 or 4 fresh or frozen raspberries
Fill a tall glass with ice. Add lemonade and syrup, and stir.
Garnish, if desired, with floating raspberries.
Makes 1 serving.
Peach Melba Lemonade
1 tablespoon peach syrup
1 tablespoon raspberry syrup
1 cup lemonade
Ice
Fill a tall glass with ice. Add lemonade, then syrups. Stir well.
Makes 1 serving.
Sparkling Raspberry Punch
24.5-fluid ounce bottle sparkling apple cider
1 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup raspberry syrup
Combine all ingredients in a punch bowl filled with ice.
Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Peach Sangria
1 cup peach syrup
4 firm-ripe peaches cut into wedges
2/3 cup superfine sugar
6 cups chilled rose wine
4 cups chilled sparkling water
Ice
Fresh mint for garnish
Stir together peach syrup, peaches and sugar and let sit 1 hour.
Add peach mixture to a large pitcher or punch bowl, stir in wine, sparkling water and ice. Garnish with mint.
Makes 8 to 10 servings.
Watermelon Agua Fresca
6 cups water
1 1/2 cups watermelon syrup
2 cups sliced strawberries
Juice of 2 limes
20 melon balls (from cantaloupe or honeydew)
14 mint leaves, torn by hand
Combine ingredients and stir well.
Makes 6 12-ounce servings or 12 6-ounce servings, and the recipe may be doubled.
