I grew up with Country Time Lemonade and it was a treat, until I first had the real thing. This is a great drink to make for everyone- kids love it as is, adults that don’t want to drink alcohol can add some seltzer to make it a bit more special and the rest of us can add a shot of vodka to jazz it up. Everyone wins!

Tips:

• Steep some lavender in the simple syrup to make this a lavender lemonade.

• Add a few berries to the syrup to change the color to pink or blue lemonade. Just strain it before adding to the rest of ingredients.

• Add some herbs to the lemonade. Mint or thyme would be another great addition.

The Best Lemonade

Originally from Bon Appétit

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

½ cup sugar

3 lemons, zest removed in wide strips

¾ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 3 lemons)

Lemon slices (for serving)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bring sugar and ½ cup water to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves. Let cool 5 minutes. Add lemon zest and let sit 30 minutes to steep.

2. Strain lemon syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher; discard zest. Add lemon juice and 3 cups water and stir to combine.

3. Serve lemonade over ice garnished with lemon slices.