The Most Refreshing Lemonade

Even though the official start of summer (June 20) is a few weeks away, we've had hot enough weather in Connecticut to feel that deep-down longing for a real refreshing beverage that quenches our thirst.

Here's one that will do the trick: home-made lemonade. It's bright, tart, a little sweet and all natural.

I've had store-bought frozen concentrate brands and they're not bad and usually not filled with tons of unpronounceable ingredients.

But home-made is still better. Plus you can add a few different ingredients to jazz it up and change the flavors. 

Home-Made Lemonade

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)

4 cups cold water

In a small saucepan, mix sugar and one cup of water. Bring to a boil and stir until all the sugar dissolves and the water returns to clear instead of cloudy. Let cool or better yet, cool and refrigerate overnight.

In a large pitcher, combine sugar-water mixture, lemon juice and 4 cups cold water. Stir and serve in tall glasses with lots of ice.

Optional add ins: 

Top your lemonade with a splash of chilled plain seltzer (for fizz), cranberry juice (makes it look like pink lemonade), or home-made ice tea (1 tea bag in 2 cups of boiling water, steeped then chilled).

Serves about 6.

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