Here’s a basic lemonade recipe and two sophisticated (but super easy) lemonade recipes that are perfect for a summer get–together or relaxing by the pool! After you’ve got the basic lemonade recipe down, the real fun begins! You can make almost any variation of lemonade you’d like.

Yields 4 Cups:

Basic Lemonade

  1. Start by making a simple syrup. Combine equal parts sugar and cold water in a small pot and bring to a boil. (I like to use half a cup of each; it makes the lemonade nice and sweet!)
  2. While the syrup is coming to a boil, juice 6 lemons. You’ll want about a cup of lemon juice to balance out the sweetness of the syrup.
  3. After the syrup has come to a boil, remove it from the heat and let it cool a bit before adding it to the lemon juice.
  4. Add 4 cups of cold water and ice. You can drink it immediately, but I find the sour and sweet flavors come alive when the lemonade is refrigerated for a while!
  5. Serve with sliced lemon; this will please both the taste buds and the eye! syrup and the juice are mixed, add 3-4 cups

Rosemary Lemonade

  1. Start with the basic lemonade recipe. Make a rosemary simple syrup with equal parts sugar and water brought to a boil.
  2. When the mixture comes to a boil, add an entire sprig of rosemary, stem and all! Boil for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
  3. Once the rosemary simple syrup is cool, mix it into the entire container of the basic lemonade. Add another sprig of rosemary for aroma and garnish.

Lavender Lemonade:

  1. Start by making the basic lemonade recipe.
  2. Make a lavender simple syrup with equal parts sugar and water brought to a boil. When the mixture comes to a boil, add a tablespoon of dried lavender. Boil for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat. You’ll start to smell the wonderful (and relaxing) aroma in a few seconds!
  3. Once the lavender simple syrup is cool, mix it into the entire container of the basic lemonade. This lemonade looks as fun as it tastes; you’ll see all the little bits of lavender swirl around the lemonade and the ice cubes. To add a final touch, I like to add sliced lemons to the cups when serving.

Submitted by Liz Koontz, member since 2018