Lemonade with a Twist

While whipping up yesterday's Coconut Cream Brownie Delight, I also decided to concoct a fancy schmancy lemonade to entertain guests. So here I am to share my secret recipe with you. Invite the girls over for a relaxing afternoon on the porch and you'll knock their socks off with this delicious combo!


1st mix up some Classic Lemonade:
1 1/2 c. freshly squeezed lemon juice (I use limes)
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. water
Stir in a pitcher until the sugar dissolves and add in about 5 more cups of water. Garnish we lemon slices and plenty of ice.

Now try this twist:
Lemon-Mint Cooler (add to the classic recipe)
1 c. torn fresh mint leaves
2 12 oz. cans club soda

But wait - you're not planning on having the girls over any time soon? It's ok, make some of these for a sweet treat around the house.

Lemon-Mint Ice Cubes
1 1/3 c. water 8 tbsp fresh lemon juice
4 tbsp. sugar
a handful of fresh mint leaves

Combine the water, lemon juice and sugar in a small pitcher and stir until the sugar dissolves. Pour the mixture into a standard ice cube tray and add 1 mint leaf to each slot. Freeze. Add to an glass of water, sip and enjoy.

Now if all this talk of summertime goodness has got to super exited, then don't fret. It's not over yet! Here are a few more variations on good 'ole classic lemonade that will be sure to schmancy up your summer days!

Tropical Lemonade
(add to the classic recipe)
2 6-oz. can of pineapple juice
1 12-oz. can of apricot nectar
2 12-oz. cans of ginger ale

Ginger Zinger
(add to the classic recipe)
1 3-inch piece of fresh ginger - peeled & grated
1/4 c. honey

Farmers' Lemonade
(add to the classic recipe)
16 oz. fresh strawberries (stemmed and pureed)
1 c. heavy cream