Make Some Lemonade!

While it may seem to be quintessentially American; the
first written evidence of lemonade is found in Egyptian writings. It was
enjoyed by common folks who made lemonade from lemon juice, honey and
dates. 

Lemonade made with sugar was first introduced in France
during the 16th century. In Paris in 1676, a
business called the Compagnie de Limonadiers was given exclusive rights
to sell lemonade, which their vendors sold by the cup from tanks carried upon
their backs. The French term limonade has since come to mean “soft
drink” in many languages.

Today, there are plenty of ready-made lemonade drinks in
the grocery and supermarket. There are actually three types of lemonade: clear,
cloudy and fizzy lemonade. Clear lemonade is made with carbonated soda or plain
water without adding sugar. It is also referred to as lemon water.  This used to be a popular beverage in the
European countries; however, lately they have begun to drink sweet versions of
lemonade as well. Cloudy lemonade is a traditional drink made with plain water,
lemon and sugar and is mostly found in India, USA
and Canada. Fizzy lemonade refers
to carbonated soda, either natural or artificial lemon flavor and high fructose
corn syrup for sweetness.
Lemonade is the perfect summer drink. 
You’ll find it at picnics and barbecues by the pitcherful.  Add a few lemon slices when serving or freeze
lemon slices in your ice cubes to keep the lemonade nice and chilly. You can
make simple lemonade or try a new adult alcoholic version. 

Honey Bourbon Lemonade

This sophisticated lemonade will wow the crowd

1 1/2 cups of sugar
2 quarts + 2 cups of water, divided
2 cups of fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1 cup bourbon (Old Williamsburg or other bourbon)

2 tablespoons honey

1 lemon sliced into rounds, for garnish

In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the sugar and
2 cups of water to a simmer and stir until sugar is completely dissolved.

In a large pitcher combine the simple syrup, lemon juice,
bourbon, honey and 1 quart of water. Taste and add additional water to taste.

Serve in ice-filled glasses and garnish with lemon
slices.

Pineapple Lemonade Sangria

This lemon-flavored Sangria is a family favorite!

1 cup water

½ cup sugar

1 bottle Chardonnay wine

1 (12 ounce) can of frozen lemonade

1/2 cup of Triple Sec liquor

1 (20 ounce) can of pineapple chunks or tidbits, in juice

1 apple, cut into chunks

1 orange, sliced thin

1 lemon, sliced thin

6 strawberries, sliced

1 (12-ounce) can of lemon-lime soda

Whole strawberries, or lemon or orange slices, for
garnish, optional

In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the water and
sugar to a simmer and stir until sugar is completely dissolved to create simple
syrup.

In a large pitcher, combine the wine, lemonade, Triple
Sec and simple syrup. Stir well. Add the pineapple with the juice, apple
chunks, orange and lemon slices, and sliced strawberries. Stir and refrigerate
overnight.

When ready to serve, stir in lemon-lime soda.

Sparkling Spiked Peach Lemonade

This is a milder alcoholic version that can serve the
young people in your family too.

1 cup sugar
1 cup of water
3 large peaches
6 cups seltzer
1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
2 cups moscato wine (blue bottle)

In a small pot, combine the sugar and 1 cup of water.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat, and simmer until the sugar is dissolved.
Remove from heat and cool completely.

Remove the skins from 2 of the peaches using a serrated
peeler. Remove the pit and place peaches in the blender or food processor, and
puree until liquefied.

In a large pitcher, combine the pureed peaches, the
cooled simple syrup, seltzer, lemon juice and wine. Stir to combine. Add ice
cubes and stir again.

Cut the remaining peach into thin slices. Stir a few of
the slices into the lemonade and use the others to garnish the glasses.