Strawberry Lemonade

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It has been HOT, HOT, HOT!  All I can say is, WOW.  Not complaining (well, maybe a little), actually loving it, but it has been hot.  Last week I felt like we moved to Florida.  A brief (not the norm) rainstorm brought us the humid weather.  Then the heat comes on.  How are we keeping cool?  By enjoying glasses of this the recipe Strawberry Lemonade by the buckets full.

During the summer I tend to keep pitchers of flavored waters or ice tea nearby, and it seems if they are on the counter we will finish one by the end of the day.  Another favorite is homemade sodas.  I make a simple syrup out of the fruit that is on its last leg then we add a little sparkling water.  I think to think it is better for us than store-bought soda.  As well it is fun to play with different fruits as well as herbs.

I was inspired to make this strawberry lemonade recipe with a write-up I saw in Real Simple magazine. What I liked about this version is that they used thyme.  I love tossing fresh thyme into savory dishes as well as cocktail, so I knew this would be a winner.  Instead of following their instructions per se, I changed things up by making a simple syrup out of thyme, strawberries, water, and sugar.  Then I added it to fresh squeezed lemon juice and water.  I also made a bubbly version by mixing the simple syrup with the lemon juice, then topping with bubbly water before serving.  Both versions are perfect;  a little sweet and still tart.

If you’d like to make this lemonade “adult” just add a splash of vodka or gin.  Another option is to use Moscato instead of water or bubbles.  The perfect way to begin the evening.

To all our readers in the states – we wish you a very happy 4th of July.  Enjoy, have fun and be safe.

Yield: about 5 1/2 cups

Strawberry Lemonade

Print

Kick up your lemonade with strawberries and summer fresh thyme.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Additional Time 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pint of strawberries, hulled
• 5 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup of fresh lemon juice, about 5 lemons
• 3 cups of water

Instructions

Place the strawberries, thyme, sugar and 1 cup of water into a saucepan.

Over medium heat bring to a boil.

Lower the heat to a low simmer.

Simmer for 30 minutes.

Remove from the heat and let cool for 30 minutes.

Strain through a fine sieve.

Place the strawberry syrup, lemon juice, and water into a pitcher.

Stir.

Serve.

Enjoy.

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