Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Ice Cold Lemonade


Recently during a walk with G we passed not 1, not 2, but 3 lemonade stands. Something about being back in Ohio, I feel like lemonade stands are a summertime fixture...

I have an unwritten rule to stop at lemonade stands if at all possible. Why not support the future entrepreneurs, and their quest to quench your thirst? Plus, I have vivid memories of my own stands and the little rush I got whenever I scored a sale.

The first stand I stopped at I bought a glass and gave a 100% tip. The lemonade? Not bad, but clearly made from a mix (just an observation, not a criticism--I don't recall squeezing any lemons for my own stands). Stand #2 had some sort of lemonade-esque liquid that must have been hastily poured together. Awful, but I dutifully smiled and said, "thanks" to the two girls selling their quasi-lemon-type-liquid. Sad to say, but I artfully dodged the third stand because A. my bladder was feeling rather plump and B. I just didn't want any more sub-par lemonade.

Future lemonade stand purveyors, please, next time you see me coming, please use this recipe instead:

Simply Sublime Lemonade

1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (takes about 5-6 lemons, depending on their size)
1/2 cup simple syrup (recipe below)
1/2 cup iced water

To make the simple syrup, mix 1 part sugar to 1 part sugar (can make extra and keep on hand in the fridge for weeks for things like iced tea, drinks, etc) in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until all the sugar is melted, let cool.

Mix lemon juice, syrup and ice cold water together. Taste. Add more syrup or water according to your preference.

By the way, please don't make the assumption that I make homemade lemonade that often. It is a treat, not a regular event, to have the fresh-squeezed kind in the SP home. Instead, whenever this goes on sale, I stockpile:



Life is Sweet,
SPC

6 comments:

Laura said...

Whoo! I love this brand! And when Kroger's puts it on sale... I walk out with a full cart! You can never have too much of the lemony goodness in your home!

Slacker Mama said...

I'll have to check out that lemonade. We rarely have ades or juices in the Slacker house, mainly because me wanting to lose weight = no drinking of calories (except for beer and wine, of course). But I do love me a good lemonade!

Deep in the Heart said...

I always liked Paul Newman's limeade. I'm remembering Slacker Mama's sister in LOVE with Country Time in our college years - wondering if that's still true.

The Mrs. said...

That is my policy too! Must stop at lemonade stands!!!

Anonymous said...

"To make the simple syrup, mix 1 part sugar to 1 part sugar"

That certainly sounds simple enough but why wouldn't you just measure 2 cups?

Sweet Pea Chef said...

Anonymous--not sure I fully understand your question, but you would do "1 cup water" to "1 cup sugar"--does this help?