Italian Lemonade

by Catherine Ipcizade | More from this Blogger

10 Sep 2006 02:09 PM

I saw this recipe on television this morning, and it made me want to run to the store and buy a huge bag of lemons. The weather is still warm here in Southern California, although the temperatures cooled off enough today that I could actually leave my air conditioning off. Still, seeing this recipe prepared made me want to pack my family up and take a trip to the beach.

If you're looking for a delicious lemonade with just a little hint of something "different," give this recipe a try. It combines the flavors and ingredients of a traditional lemonade with an Italian "kick."

For this recipe you'll need:

2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 15 lemons)

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup water

1 bunch basil, torn

2 cups sparkling water

To make this recipe:

Squeeze enough lemons to make 2 cups of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Pour into a tall pitcher.

In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and torn basil. Bring to a boil then reduce heat a bit and simmer for approximately 20 minutes, until the mixture has formed a simple syrup (slightly thickened). Remove the basil leaves. Add the simple syrup to the lemon juice, and then add two cups sparkling water. Mix with a wooden spoon and allow to cool in the refrigerator before serving.

Serve in a glass with lots of ice cubes and a lemon wedge if desired.

Learn more about Catherine Ipcizade

Cathy Ipcizade is 30 years old and currently resides in Southern California. Prior to coming to California she grew up in Arizona.

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