Special to AOL Food from Kat Kinsman

When I was growing up in the 'burbs, lemonade had just about as much to do with actual lemons as garlic salt does to garlic. Powdered Wylers and frozen concentrate kept me quenched through camp, soccer games and neighborhood pool parties, but once I got a sip of the real stuff, there was just no substitute.

Treat yourself to the true taste of summer.


Tip – To get maximum juice and flavor from lemons, microwave them
on high for 10-15 seconds before squeezing.

Tip – If you don't want to fork out cash for an electric juicer,
use, well, a fork. Roll the lemon against a hard surface for a few
moments before slicing it open. Once it's halved, prick the open
side with the fork tines a few times, and then twist them against
the sides in a circular motion until you've squeezed out every
last drop.

Tip – To make simple syrup, stir 2 cups sugar and one cup water in
a small saucepan, and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer until the
mixture is slightly thickened. Remove from heat, and let it cool.
Syrup can be stored in a clean, sealed jar in the refrigerator
until it's needed.


Basic Lemonade

2 – 2 ½ dozen lemons - freshly squeezed
1 - 2 cups simple syrup
1 - 4 cups cold water (to taste)

Stir the lemon juice and 1 cup each of the water and simple syrup
into a large pitcher. Sample, and continue to stir in additional
water and syrup to taste.

(Note - it might seem like a LOT of lemons for that little water and syrup, but keep in mind that simple syrup is much sweeter than regular sugar, as the heat super-concentrates it, and the recipe is calibrated to allow for ice melting and diluting the drink.)


It's great served plain over ice, but why stop there?

Add-ins

- Mix equal parts lemonade and iced tea for a classic Arnold
Palmer or Half and Half.

- Drop in a cup or two of your favorite summer fruit or herbs, and
use a wooden spoon to muddle them at the bottom of the pitcher for
a cool, infused twist.

- Spike it up with a few shots of your favorite whiskey, vodka, or
tequila.

- Freeze it into ice cubes, so your drinks stay cool and
undiluted.


Old-Fashioned Lemonade
Easy Strawberry Lemonade
Icy Blender Lemonade
Lemonade Cake

Get More Great Lemonade Recipes