4 Twists on Lemonade

Lemonade is the quintessential summertime thirst quencher. Below you'll find recipes for Cuban-Inspired Mojito Lemonade, Thai-Inspired Basil Lemonade, Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Lemonade, and Jamaican-Inspired Ginger Lemonade. 

Note: I encourage you to experiment with different types of mint such as peppermint, spearmint, or pineapple mint and different basils such as Thai, lemon. sweet or cinnamon basil.  Enjoy!

Cuban-Inspired Mojito Lemonade
(makes about 6 servings)

1 1/3 cup water
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh mint, packed, or more to taste
1 cup lemon juice
3 or 4 cups water
Ice cubes
Extra mint sprigs for garnish

1.  In a small saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil, stirring to make sure the sugar has completely dissolved.  Set aside to cool slightly.

2.  Place the 1/2 cup fresh mint in the bottom of a large pitcher. With a wooden spoon, gently crush the mint. Pour the sugar water solution over the mint & stir. Let sit for 15 minutes. Then add the lemon juice and water. Taste for intensity. If you'd like it less sweet, add more water, or dilute further over ice.

3.  To serve, pour into tall glasses and garnish each with a sprig of fresh mint.

Thai-Inspired Basil Lemonade
(makes about 6 servings)

1 1/3 cup water
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh basil, packed, or more, to taste
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 or 4 cups water
Ice cubes
Extra basil leaves for garnish

1.  In a small saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil, stirring to make sure the sugar has completely dissolved. Set aside to cool slightly.

2.  Place the 1/2 cup fresh basil in the bottom of a large pitcher. With a wooden spoon, gently crush the basil. Pour the sugar water solution over the basil and stir. Let sit for 15 minutes. Then add the lemon juice and water. Taste for intensity. If you'd like it less sweet, add more water, or dilute further over ice.

3.  To serve, pour into tall glasses and garnish each with a basil leaf.

Jamaican-Inspired Ginger Lemonade
(makes about 6 servings)

1 1/3 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 inches of fresh ginger root, sliced thinly, or more to taste
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 or 4 cups water
Ice cubes
Lemon slices for garnish

1.  In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and ginger and bring to a boil, stirring to make sure the sugar has completely dissolved. Boil approximately 5 minutes.  Set aside to cool slightly.

2.  Pour the solution into a large pitcher. Add the lemon juice and water. Taste for intensity. If you'd like it less sweet, add more water, or dilute further over ice.

3.  When ready to serve, remove the ginger pieces & pour into tall glasses. Garnish with a slice of lemon.

Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Lemonade
(makes about 6 servings)

1 1/3 cup water
1 cup sugar
3 stalks of fresh lemongrass, tough outer layer removed, and cut in 1-inch pieces
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 or 4 cups water
Ice cubes
Lemon slices for garnish

1.  In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and lemongrass and bring to a boil, stirring to make sure the sugar has completely dissolved. Boil approximately 5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.

2.  Pour the solution into a large pitcher. Add the lemon juice and water. Taste for intensity. If you'd like it less sweet, add more water or dilute further over ice.

3.  When ready to serve, remove the lemongrass pieces and pour into tall glasses. Garnish with a slice of lemon.