Lemonade – the traditional way!

Lemonade which is the popular Lemon refresher for summers originated in India where tropical fruit grew in abundance,sugarcane juice was relished by everyone and herbs like mint were also added for cooling the body.Just as Coconut water was used in the Southern parts of the country,a delicious lemon refresher called “nimbu pani”  was used in the Northern and Central parts of the country to protect the body from the blazing heat which is common of Indian summers.

This was slowly adapted by other countries and now there are various types of lemon and water concoctions which are :

• Cloudy Lemonade
• Pink Lemonade
• Clear Lemonade
• Nimbu Pani
• Shikanji
• Limonana
• Switcha
• Citron Pressé
• Limeade 

This recipe is very basic and involves making a sugar syrup,adding lemon juice and then mixing it with water.You can use Sparkling Water or Soda to this syrup and add some alcohol for a twist if you are in a naughty mood!They can be :

• Vodka – any flavour
• Gin
• Prosecco
• Domaine de Canton – for a Ginger kick
• Whisky – if you intend being too adventurous..;)

You can add fruit flavoured liqueurs like Grand Marnier or Triple Sec for an Orange blast.Its your wish and sky is the limit.

Preparation Time : 30 minutes

Chilling Time : 2 hours

Makes : 2 servings

INGREDIENTS

125 ml Lemon juice (7 -8 Indian lemons/3 – 4 Meyer Lemons or the big sized lemons available abroad)

6 – 7 tbsp powdered sugar (more if required)

1 tsp grated Lemon zest

Ice cubes as required

150 ml Water

Water/Sparkling water/soda as required

Lemon slices to decorate

Mint leaves (optional)

METHOD  

Heat the 150 ml water and sugar and bring to a boil.Reduce to the lowest heat and add the lemon zest.Boil for 5 minutes and take off heat.Let it come to room temperature and add the juice.Pour into a glass or ceramic jug and chill for 2 hours.

While serving add a quantity of ice into 2 glasses.Pour over half of the prepared lemon syrup and pour over the water/sparkling water/soda as desired.Decorate with lemon slices and serve immediately!

Pouring the Lemonade…

For a change I froze Mint Leaves,Pineapple and Grape bits in ice cube moulds and added them for a peppy addition!

Mint Leaves,Pineapple and Grape frozen as ice cubes…