Freshly squeezed lemonade was not something that I tasted until I was an adult. Yes, I suppose one could feel sorry for me. I was caught in a world of beverage packets mixed with water and sugar, and I liked it that way until a college roommate squeezed some lemons and made fresh lemonade for me. I was in heaven! That was when the floodgates of fresh juices entered my world.
I loved the flavor of freshly squeezed lemonade. To this day, it reminds me of sitting on the roof of the house where my roommate and I rented the very humble attic apartment. It takes me back to walking home from Utah State University on warm fall days. Still warm enough to enjoy the cool drink and still too warm for the fall clothes we were dying to wear.
I stepped it up a level and added sparkling water. Sparkling lemonade became one of my favorite beverages; I add it to many things to amp up the flavor and pizzazz. Sparkling lemonade is a fantastic base for cocktails and a crisp, Summer Shandy.
Sparkling Lemonade
Sparkling Lemonade is a fresh, family friendly drink with freshly squeezed ripe lemons, sugar and sparkling water. It's a magical addition to any day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Water
- 1 cup Sugar
- 5 Lemons; cleaned
- 1/2 tsp Lemon zest
- 4 cups Sparkling water
- Ice
Instructions
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Combine 1 C sugar and 1 C water in a saucepan constantly stirring over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved.
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Let cool completely.
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While the simple syrup is cooling, zest one lemon.
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Juice all of the lemons.
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In a pitcher, combine the simple syrup, juice from the lemons, sparkling water and zest.
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Serve over ice.