Lemonade

Lemonade

“When life gives you lemons don't make lemonade, make pink lemonade. Be unique.”
-Wanda Sykes

Lemonade = the perfect summertime drink! Squeeze it, spike it, or buy it from a roadside stand, there’s just no denying the appeal of this tangy, refreshing treat.

The earliest record of lemonade comes from the Mediterranean coast of medieval Egypt, around the 10th-century. This drink, called Kashkab, was made from fermented barley combined with mint, black pepper, and citron leaf. Fast forward to 17th century Europe where the modern variation of lemonade debuted in Paris in 1630. Made of sparkling water, lemon juice, and honey, vendors sold it from tanks strapped to their backs and its popularity was undeniable. By the 18th century, lemonade made its way to America along with waves of European immigrants. It became especially popular during the Victorian era when the women's temperance movement pushed lemonade as an alternative to alcohol.

Do you know how lemonade always seems to hit the spot on a warm summer’s day? Well, apparently, there’s a scientific reason for that! Researchers have found that sour and tart flavors stimulate the salivary glands more than any other taste. Meaning, that even after just one sip, a traditional glass of lemonade, which boasts a sour + sweet profile, can provide immediate relief for dry mouth and leave you feeling refreshed.

Mix it up! We know classic lemonade is amazing, but we’ve also added a few twists to the traditional recipe. Read on for 6 fun variations on the classic.

Classic Lemonade Base
1-1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
7 cups cold water
1 cup sugar
Mix together all ingredients in a pitcher until sugar has dissolved.

Variations
Virgin Watermelon Mojito Lemonade: In a blender, puree 1 part lemonade with 1/2 part seedless watermelon chunks. For each serving, crush 2 lime slices with 1 tablespoon mint leaves at the bottom of each glass. Add ice, then watermelon lemonade. (Adapted from a recipe by So Fab Food)

Lemonade Sunset: In a tall ice-filled glass, combine equal parts lemonade and cranberry juice. Top off with a splash of orange juice.

Tropical Breeze Lemonade: In a tall ice-filled glass, combine equal parts lemonade, pineapple juice and passion fruit juice.

Blueberry Ginger Lemonade: In a blender, process 1 part lemonade and 1/4 part blueberries. Fill a tall ice-filled glass 3/4 full with the blueberry lemonade, then top off with ginger ale.

Herbal Iced Tea Lemonade: In a tall ice-filled glass, combine equal parts chilled, brewed lemon herbal tea and lemonade.

Strawberry Lemonade: In a tall glass, stir strawberry syrup, to taste, into lemonade, then add ice. Top with a scoop of strawberry sorbet.