Variations on a Lemonade

From Real Simple (August 2005). Start with the classic recipe, then try any of the variations for that extra zip!

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 4-6
• Yields: 6-8 cups lemonade

Ingredients

• Classic Lemonade

• 1 1⁄2 cups lemon juice, freshly squeezed (from about 12 lemons)
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 6  cups water, divided
•  lemon slice, to garnish
•  ice

• Tropical Lemonade

• 2 (6 ounce) cans  pineapple juice
• 1 (12 ounce) can  apricot nectar
• 2 (12 ounce) cans ginger ale

• Farmers Lemonade

• 1 (16 ounce) package fresh strawberries, stemmed and pureed
• 1  cup heavy cream

• Ginger Zinger

• 3  inches  fresh gingerroot, peeled and grated
• 1⁄4 cup honey

• Lemon-Mint Cooler

• 1  cup fresh mint leaves, torn
• 2 (12 ounce) cans  club soda

Directions

1. Place lemon juice, sugar, and 1 cup water in a large pitcher.
2. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then add 5 more cups water, a few slices of lemon to garnish, and plenty of ice.
3. Before you sip, try any of the variations.