Fruit Infused Lemonade

By Guest Blogger, Bobby Pathammavong

Summer is finally beginning to appear out here in the northwest and I am so excited for the fresh fruit that is ready for picking here at the Evermine garden. This year I plan on using the abundance of fruit to create a variety of fruit infused lemonade because as the heat begins to rise the best way to cool off is with a refreshing cold drink.

I start with a basic lemonade recipe that I found on allrecipes.com

Ingredients:
• 1 3/4 cup sugar
• 8 cups water
• 1 1/2 freshed squeezed lemon juice

1. Combine the sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir to dissolve the sugar. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature then refrigerate until chilled.
2. In a pitcher combine the chilled syrup an the lemon juice and remaining 7 cups of water.

Here’s where the twist begins. Instead of leaving the lemonade in a pitcher have some fun by filling the bottom of canning jars with different fruit such as raspberries, blueberries or marionberries; pour in your lemonade and viola, fruit infused lemonade! By putting your lemonade in canning jars you can create so many different fruit varieties. Try mixing strawberries with the blueberries or slices of lime. No matter what the combo is it’s up to you. After creating your homemade fruit infused lemonade place personalized labels on each jar and give to friends and family for a unique summertime surprise or show up at your next outdoor barbecue or picnic with your perfect pre-canned creations. No need for messy pitchers and cups and it’s a great alternative to soda.

With all the outdoor parties this year I plan on canning my lemonade and placing them in ice buckets. Once guests arrive the fruit infused lemonade will be chilled, labeled and ready to enjoy.

More summer entertaining ideas…

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