Great Day for Lemonade...

One of my favorite things about summer is kicking back with a cool glass of thirst quenching lemonade. Recently I have been experimenting and here are some of my favorite twists on an old classic...

~Try adding fresh berries like sliced strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, even blueberries...

~Also, fresh picked mint in small sprigs is quiet refreshing and light...

~Sweet Basil is one of my favorites! It is different and can be an acquired taste...but I LOVE basil on just about anything! Lavender leaves can be popular as well, when boiling your water add the leaves to draw out the flavor, then strain the leaves and discard. Adding these fresh herbs gives it an unexpected but pleasing flavor...

~Chunks of watermelon are a great addition as well. It may sound strange but is really good. Brady works with a chef that is famous for this yummy watermelon lemonade with mint!

~And never forget to slice up good tart lemons or limes fresh from the market...While your at it, display a colorful bowl of lemons in your kitchen...There is nothing like bringing in summer with fresh lemons around!

~ Simple Goodness on a Hot Summer day~

In this months issue of Country Living my heart went pitter patter when I saw these fun GLASS JARS filled with the summertime favorite. I am obsessed with glass jars so naturally I fell in love with theses darling beauties. I am on a search for the perfect one to display the yummy refreshment....

Really with lemonade the sky is the limit... Nothing beats an ice cold glass of lemonade on a warm summer evening. Especially one that has your own personal twist...

Below is a basic lemonade recipe...give it your personal touch

~Perfect Lemonade Recipe ~

Ingredients
1 cup sugar (can reduce to 3/4 cup)
1 cup water (for the simple syrup)
1 cup lemon juice
3 to 4 cups cold water (to dilute)

~Method ~
1 Make simple syrup by heating the sugar and water in a small saucepan until the sugar is dissolved completely.

2 While the sugar is dissolving, use a juicer to extract the juice from 4 to 6 lemons, enough for one cup of juice.

3 Add the juice and the sugar water to a pitcher. Add 3 to 4 cups of cold water, more or less to the desired strength. Refrigerate 30 to 40 minutes. If the lemonade is a little sweet for your taste, add a little more straight lemon juice to it.

Serve with ice, sliced lemons.
Serves 6.

Ahhhhh....Enjoy!!