Best Bites: Lemonade
By Donna Erickson
Make Lemonade During Heat Waves
I've just made a simple scientific observation. As the temperature rises, so does the number of lemonade stands in my neighborhood. I figure today will be a scorcher since I just counted a handful of stands bustling with customers on my morning bike ride to the store.
PHOTO CREDIT: Donna Erickson
With this upcoming summer heat wave, kids from coast to coast are concocting this classic cool-down drink with quick prep options such as powdered lemonade mixes or frozen concentrate from a can. After all, who has time to make it from scratch when you have a brisk "business" to run?
When serving lemonade for a special afternoon snack or with an evening barbecue meal, try my favorite lemonade recipes that use freshly squeezed lemons. Pour in tall glasses and add a sprig of fresh mint. Cheers!
Here's how to put lemons in your lemonade:
SLUSHY LEMONADE
Let your child squeeze 4 lemons by hand with a juicer. Pour the lemon juice in a blender with a 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 1/2 cups of water, and a handful of ice cubes. Blend until smooth and pour into glasses.
TRADITIONAL LEMONADE
In a medium saucepan, an adult should combine 2 cups of water and 1 cup of superfine sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and cool. Stir in an additional 2 cups of water and 1 cup of fresh lemon juice (from about 6 lemons). Adjust flavor according to taste by adding either more sugar or lemon juice. Pour over ice in a pitcher.
Lemonade Serving Tips:
Freeze lemon slices with water in ice cube trays. Pop them into a glass or pitcher when you are ready to serve the lemonade.
Keep insects out of the lemonade pitcher at a picnic. Cut out a colorful square of cotton fabric to cover and drape over the top opening. Sew beads or charms to each corner to weigh it down.
Donna Erickson creates relationships and community through food and fun. Find more to nourish and delight you at www.donnaerickson.com.
(c) 2025 Donna Erickson
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