Lemon is a confused fruit. There, I’ve said it – lemon doesn’t know what the heck it is doing. While it is really a fruit harvested in our winter months, we best enjoy it and associate it with the hazy temperatures of summer. Lemon ice? Check. Lemonade? Check. Lemony, fruit white wine? Check. We can’t help it. It is all lemon’s fault, with it’s tart, crisp, refreshing qualities.
If you are looking for a thirst-quenching drink for these hot summer days, look no further than this Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezey Refresher. Made with alcohol or without, it is the perfect drink to get you through the gruling days, weeks and months of summer. (Happening right now in Upstate NY)
Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezey Refresher
In a quart-size mason jar (or equivalent vessel) combine 4-5 sprigs of mint and 3 teaspoons sugar or sugar-substitute (like Stevia). With the handle of a wooden spoon, muddle sugar and mint together to release the mint’s oils (sugar will start to turn green). Add the juice of two lemons (about 1/3 of a cup), several ice cubes, and cold water to fill the jar. Add extra lemon slices, if preferred. Allow to stand for a few minutes before serving.
Makes enough to serve two people through a summer dinner of bbq chicken, garden salad and grilled potatoes.
For a boozey option, add 1/2 cup of cold vodka, gin, or whiskey (if you like a Mint Julep taste) after muddling sugar and mint, then top will lemon juice, ice and water.
YUM!!!
I am running to the kitchen to make this right now! Thank you! The kids are gonna love it
Oooo…I think I might swap the water for vodka or gin and top it with ginger beer!
Thanks for sharing this. Looks great!
Thanks for all the lovely comments! I am so glad you like it, and I do hope you’ll try it soon. It’s so simple, but “fancy” enough to serve to company.
@Alex – Ginger beer. Genius!
@Sarah – let me know what the kids think!
Thanks again and I hope you’ll check back often for more beverage ideas! ~Deanna