Even though ice cold lemonade conjures up visions of clear summer days, lemon trees mainly fruit in our winter months (June – September). Ah the irony.
We’re so used to buying our drinks from the shops that home-made lemonade often gets overlooked. However, it’s quick to make, easy and cheap – especially if you have a lemon tree in your back yard! So crank your heater, grab a blanket and prep yourself for some chilled summery lemonade.
Yield: 1 jug
INGREDIENTS
2 lemons room temperature
1 Litre water chilled
4 Tablespoons sweetener (add slowly,taste as you go!)
Ice cubes
INSTRUCTIONS
Chop lemons into chunks. The pith (skin and rind) may be too bitter for some people. If you prefer a sweeter lemonade, halve the lemons and juice them instead. Then remove seeds from juicer tray and add pulp to juice unless you want your lemonade pulp-free.
Combine lemons or lemon juice, sugar and water in a blender.
Taste test to make sure it’s sweet enough – everyone has different preferences. Add more sugar if too bitter, water if too strong, or lemon if too weak.
Refrigerate lemonade. Before serving, stir well and add ice. Garnish if you’re feeling a bit posh (mint leaves and lemon slices make a good combination).
TIP: If you would rather have fizzy lemonade, use chilled soda water instead of tap water (ensure sugar free if you’re watching the calories).
Image / Flickr – Rachel Titiriga