If you follow I Spy Plum Pie on facebook you may have seen that I have been the recipient of an impressive stash of lemons from my parents trees in recent weeks. If you’re not, can I be so bold as to suggest maybe you should be? It’s as easy as clicking like in the box in the sidebar, or visiting here instead! Lemons never last long in my house as we all have a multitude of uses for them, but one sunny Saturday morning I decided to embrace my inner child and make some lemonade. I fancied it up a little bit with the addition of mint and the end result was delicious! I can see this being made over and over this summer (well, as long as my supply of lemons holds up!) and I have a sneaking suspicion it might work rather well as a base for cocktails too!
I don’t like things too sweet so cut down on the amount of sugar used, so feel free to up it (1:1 ratio with the boiling water is generally used) if you prefer things on the sweeter side!
Ingredients List
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup boiling water
- 5 lemons
- Large bunch of mint
- Cold water
Steps
- Whisk the sugar in the boiling water until dissolved (on the stove or using water from the kettle)
- Add mint leaves and the zest of 2-3 lemons to the sugar mixture and press firmly to help release the flavours
- Set aside to cool and allow the flavours to develop
- Add the juice of the lemons to a jug
- Strain the sugar mixture and add to the lemon juice in the jug. Top up with cold water, stir well and refrigerate to chill
- Serve with lemon wedges and mint leaves
- Enjoy!
As an added bonus, I was playing around with some other flavour combinations so I thought I would share them with you too! They both use the same basic process, minus the mint!
For this delicious concoction I just added some strawberries to each serving glass and let it sit for a few minutes in the fridge to add some subtle sweetness to the lemonade – SO good.
And this yellow goodness was made using a mix of orange and lemon juice, with some orange zest going into the sugar syrup as well. Citrusy and delicious!
What flavour combinations would you like to try?
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I Spy Plum Pie is Liz, an early 30s kiwi-born, Melbourne raised girl who is passionate about the environment and sustainability, food, exploring and learning new things. Join me on my journey to a happy, sustainable life!
Cara @ Gourmet Chick
September 26, 2013 at 6:44 pm (11 years ago)How good – home made lemonade – love the different flavour combinations you have used (and the Mason jars!)
Cara @ Gourmet Chick recently posted…Where to eat in Langkawi: Gourmet Chick in Malaysia
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
September 27, 2013 at 1:29 pm (11 years ago)Thanks Cara! I can’t wait to try out some other flavours too, it’s so easy & refreshing! The jars just make it a little more fun!
Amy
September 27, 2013 at 1:08 pm (11 years ago)Oh this looks delicious! I think the last time I attempted home-made lemonade I was about thirteen and it was… not good. Might try this over the summer holidays!
Amy recently posted…What’s been going on?
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
September 27, 2013 at 1:30 pm (11 years ago)Thanks Amy! I think as a kid we used to just mix the sugar & lemon juice together which doesn’t work quite so well! These are much tastier, I promise!
Foodie
September 30, 2013 at 1:50 pm (11 years ago)Hey Liz!
I’m so pleased to see this lemonade post as I recently had a bad day and posted the quote “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”
My husband and I are going to my folks house tonight and no doubt we will not be permitted to leave without a bag of lemons in hand.
Now I can literally make lemonade and move on from my bad day in style! Plus make use of Mum and Dad’s bottomless pit of lemons!
You’re a star!
Cheers,
Foodie 🙂
Foodie recently posted…Old Skewl Chocolate Slice
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
September 30, 2013 at 3:56 pm (11 years ago)Sorry to hear you had a bad time recently – hopefully the lemonade can help! I’m not able to leave my parents place without a bag of lemons either, not that I’m complaining about it!
Ally @ Om Nom Ally
December 2, 2013 at 5:44 pm (10 years ago)I was just gutted that I don’t have enough lemons to make this! Got home from work, it’s 36 degrees and all I can think about it this lemonade hehe.
Going to make a half batch with my two lemons and then drink it all 😉
Thanks for sharing this at Smoothie OTW, love your recipes 😀
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
December 2, 2013 at 7:46 pm (10 years ago)It was ridiculously hot today wasn’t it?! I hope your two lemons at least got you somewhat refreshed! Thanks for hosting the linkup, I’ve discovered so many great recipes already!