When life hands you lemons....make a delicious pitcher of lemonade!

It's July!  And it's time to start squeezing the most out of life ... so lighten up sourpuss!  My role as a lemon lover is to pass along a refreshing (easy) recipe for a summer treat:  lemonade. 

If all else fails, when life gives you lemons, find someone with a bottle of vodka, throw a party, and for goodness sake invite me!

Classic Lemonade:

 In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup  water.  Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved; let cool.  In a pitcher, combine the syrup with 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 6 lemons) and 2 1/2 to 3 cups water.  Pour over ice. 

Thyme & Lime Lemonade:
3 cups lemonade +
10 fresh thyme sprigs- plus more for serving + 

 1/2 cup fresh lime juice +1/2 cup vodka (optional)










In a pitcher, mash the thyme with the lime juice.  Add the lemonade and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.  Add the vodka (if using).  Serve over ice and garnish with thyme springs.



Hibiscus and Mint Lemonade:
2 1/2 cups lemonade + 4 bags hibiscus tea (such as Celestial Seasonings Red Zinger) +

2 Cups fresh mint leaves, plus sprigs for serving 

Steep the tea and mint in 2 cups boiling water, gently mashing the mint; let cool.  Discard the tea bags and mint.  In a pitcher, combine the tea and lemonade.  Serve over ice and garnish with mint sprigs.

Spicy Cayenne Shandy
1 cup lemonade + 2 tablespoons kosher salt + 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper + 2 12 oz. bottles lager beer

Combine the salt and cayenne on a small plate.  Moisten the rims of 4 glasses and dip in the salt mixture.  In a pitcher, combine the beer and lemonade.  Serve over ice in the prepared glasses.