It’s already getting hot in Texas and I’m not too thrilled about it. To survive a typical torrid Texas summer, you need to crank up the AC, wear light-colored clothes, swim frequently and stay uber hydrated.
And even though I am not a soda drinker, water just doesn’t always cut it for me–yawn. But a glass of cold lemonade definitely does the trick. It really quenches your thirst and tastes delicious.
Yes, there’s plenty of packaged lemonades you can buy in the stores.
Or you can choose from a frozen concentrate in a sticky can or even powdered lemonades.
But the truth lies in this…if it’s yummy and processed, how good can it possibly be for you? The answer is “not that good.” Not good at all.
Modified cornstarch, glycerol ester of rosin (food additives) and the dreaded HFCS aka high fructose corn syrup. Top all that nastiness with a whopping 28 grams of sugar per serving, you might as well live it up and have a soda.
The good news is there are homemade alternatives that are easy to make, taste like real lemonade and are good for you. And since this blog is dedicated to seeking and creating healthy options to foods we love, homemade lemonade seems like a natural fit.
As an added bonus, research shows there are many health benefits to lemons. For example, drinking lemonade may help prevent kidney stones. Drink a glass of water with lemon juice in the morning and it will help to cleanse the liver. Lemons are full of Vitamin C and are thought to prevent infections. They are also are a good diuretic.
David loves lemonade and when he found out how good it is for you, he started making it all the time, especially when it’s hot outside.
His recipe is simple. Freshly squeezed lemon juice. Spring water. And a natural sweetener such as Truvia or Sun Crystals. or Stevia drops. Three simple and natural ingredients.
Add a sprig of mint, lavender or basil and you’ve got a summer beverage that’s both healthy and delicious. Or top it off with a shot of vodka, and well, I bet you can taste it already.
Buen provecho!
Homemade Lemonade
Ingredients
- Ratio:
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup water preferably spring water and definitely not tap water unless you live in New York City where the water is great
For one pitcher of lemonade:
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 4 cups water
- 8 single serving packets Truvia or Stevia drops
Instructions
-
Add lemon juice and water to pitcher and stir. Add in approximately 8 single serving packages of Truvia or as many Stevia drops as needed. Stir well.
-
Refrigerate to chill thoroughly or serve over ice and enjoy immediately.
hahah I had to laugh when you said "not tap water except if you live in NY City cause the water is great"…..yup it sure is!!! I am from NY City and I never drink bottled water….only NYC tap water for me….LOL!!! I am going to try your lemonade with the water right out of my tap! Thanks for the recipe. I love lemons so much…they are really sunny looking and remind me of summer
Sandi,
So glad you got a good laugh…hopefully you are also enjoying a cold glass of lemonade made with wonderful NYC tap water!
My best to you, Heather
yum! i love lemonade 🙂 great post.
Thanks, outdoor.mom!
Hope this lemonade keeps you and the family cool this summer!
My best to you, Heather