Thyme Lemonade
Since the weather has turned hot I have to admit that I’ve been really into making iced drinks lately. Lemonade is hard to beat as the summer beverage. Here is a nice variation on the much loved basic lemonade. If you want to make this an adult drink then add 6 ounces of vodka and make sure to hide your “amped” lemonade from the kids!
INGREDIENTS
1 Bunch Thyme
1 1/2 Cups Sugar
1 1/2 Cups Water
2 Cups Fresh Lemon Juice
2 Cups Cold Water
Extra Thyme Sprigs For Garnish
Lemon Slices For Garnish
In a medium saucepan bring the thyme, sugar and water to a simmer over a medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and let cool for 15 minutes. Strain the sugar water into a pitcher filled with ice. Now stir in the lemon juice and the cold water. Serve over ice with thyme sprigs and lemon slices for garnish. Serves 4
Watermelon Cocktails
These Watermelon Cocktails are refreshing and easy to make. Make sure to use good quality tequila and they will make any summer party a big hit.
INGREDIENTS
1/4 Cup Water
¼ Cup Sugar
14 Cups Diced Seedless Watermelon
¼ Cup Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
8 Sprigs Mint Leaves For Garnish
8 Lime Slices For Garnish
1 ¼ Cups Good Quality Tequila
Ice
Pour the water and sugar into a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and let cool. In a blender or food processor puree the watermelon. You want the watermelon to be nice and smooth. Strain the watermelon over a large bowl and throw away any pulp. You want to get as much watermelon juice as possible. In a large pitcher combine the sugar water with the lime juice. Add the watermelon juice and tequila. Store in the refrigerator for 3 hours. Pour the cocktails into tall glasses filled with ice. Garnish with mint sprigs and lime slices and serve. Serves 8
Spiced Apple Cider
INGREDIENTS
8 Cups Apple Cider or Apple Juice
1 Medium Sliced Apple
1 Vanilla Bean Split Lengthwise
¼ Cup Honey
¼ Cup Maple Syrup
3 Whole Allspice Berries
3 Whole Cloves
2 Cinnamon Sticks
1 Star Anise
Peel of 1 Orange
Peel of 1 Lemon
In a sachet bag or piece of cheesecloth, combine the allspice, cloves, cinnamon sticks, anise, lemon & orange peels. Tie the cheesecloth with kitchen twine. In a large cooking pot combine the apple cider, apple slices, vanilla bean, honey and maple syrup. Add the spice bag. Cook over a medium heat for 15 minutes. Make sure not to boil. Remove from the heat and throw away the spice bag. Serve immediately. Can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. Serves 6
