Making Limonade!


Who doesn't love a glass of Limonade in the summer? Limonade is the French word for Lemonade, but in some cases it is actually a different drink altogether.   So in this post I'm going to give you the recipes for both, and you can see which one becomes your go-to for lemon refreshment.

Limonade the French way is quite tasty and satisfies the craving for something a bit bubbly.  I've read that it can be more like sprite than our American lemonade, but I've decided to make it a less processed and more gourmet affair.

What you'll need for 1 serving:
  • Cold Sparkling Mineral Water (or Club Soda)
  • Fresh Lemon Juice (or frozen-then-thawed)
  • Simple Syrup
Pour 1/4 cup lemon juice into a glass.   Add about 2 teaspoons simple syrup and mix well.  Take a small taste and add more syrup if you wish.  Once well mixed, add 1.5 cups sparkling mineral water, and give a quick stir to incorporate.  If it's too sour, add more simple syrup or water, but I tend to like it at this strength.  Be aware that lemons can vary in taste according to how old they are and where they were grown, so while one person's juice may be the most sour thing in the world, another's may be slightly sweet and less acidic.  Garnish with a mint leaf or two.

You can add ice if you wish.  For an Italian type of soda, add a splash of cream!

American Lemonade
(not the kind from a can!)
Now this is the stuff childhood memories are made of.  Lemonade is an iconic American drink that reminds us of summer holidays, picnics, and after school snacks.  It is also quite the inspiration for this blog...I wanted to share my perception of the beauty of life - that we aren't given anything we can't handle, and that we are divinely equipped to turn some of life's sour moments into some of the best things on Earth.

What you'll need:
  • 1 cup lemon juice
  • 6-8 cups filtered cold water
  • 1 cup raw cane sugar or 3/4 cup raw honey

Pour the lemon juice into a glass pitcher, and stir in sugar or honey until dissolved.  If you're making lemonade in a cold climate or chilly house, you might want to briefly warm up the lemon juice on the stove while dissolving the sugar.

Once dissolved (and completely cooled) add water and ice if you wish.  Voila! You are ready to drink your own little bit of citrus heaven.  Garnish with mint leaves or a lavender spike.

Enjoy!