Johnd's Papelon Lemonade &/Or Collins

This is a typical Venezuelan popular adult and kids drink. It's very easy to prepare and definitely quenches thirst. I have tried to simplify the preparation by doing lt my way. In Venezuela the word ·"papelon" (written in Spanish as "papelón") means dark brown sugar pressed down. If you combine it with gin or vodka you convert this refreshing drink into an excellent adult mixed drink whch I have come to call "Papelon Tom Collins" and "Papelon John Collins". These variants are strictly my invention so I'll take the blame if you don't agree. Use plastic bowl or serving jug. The violent change of temperature of the liquids may damage glassware.

• Ready In: 13 mins
• Serves: 6-8
• Yields: 2 quarts

Ingredients

• 8  ounces brown sugar, pressed down
• 6  cups  ice water
• 4  cups  ice cubes
• 1⁄2 cup lemon juice

Directions

1. Fill 1/2 of a small cooking deep pan with ice water, boil and add the brown sugar pressed down and melt it completely.
2. Put the ice cubes into a 2 1/2 quart plastic bowl or plastic serving jug, and add the lemon juice.
3. Pour, through a strainer, the melted papelon onto the ice in the bowl or jug.
4. Pour the ice water into the bowl or jug.
5. Mix well and serve into individual glasses with ice.
6. VARIATIONS:
7. Papelon Tom Collins:
8. 1 1/2 ounces gin, dry.
9. 250 milliliters of Papelon lemonade or to taste.
10. 1 to 2 Maraschino cherries (optional).
11. Mix everything and serve with ice cubes.
12. Papelon John Collins:
13. 1 1/2 to 2 ounces vodka.
14. 250 milliliters of Papelon lemonade or to taste.
15. 1 to 2 Maraschino cherries (optional).
16. Mix everything and serve with ice cubes.
17. Note: You will find that all of these drinks have low cal, cholesterol, carbs, and sodium levels.