RECIPE: Fresh, Organic, Raspberry Lemonade

If you are looking for a refreshing, organic lemonade recipe, you've come to the right place!  When the thermometer starts creeping higher, my kids ask, beg for lemonade.  

For the most part, my girls get water when they are thirsty.  Soda is not allowed, and juice is an occasional treat.  But when summer hits, I do let them indulge with some old fashioned goodness.  Homemade lemonade (or in this case Raspberry Lemonade).  

We're talking REAL lemonade.  Made from REAL lemons and REAL sugar.  

If you follow me, you probably know I'm a fan of Organic products.  Lemonade is no different.  

I use organic sugar, lemons and raspberries and filtered water, but you can substitute for regular if you prefer.

INGREDIENTS

4 cups + 1 cup water (filtered)

1 cup organic sugar

1 cup fresh squeezed organic lemon juice  8-9 organic lemons

3/4 cup fresh, rinsed organic raspberries

TIPS:  

>  DO NOT USE Lemon juice from a bottle...it is NOT the same!!!!

>  If you wish to make plain lemonade, just skip the raspberries, or substitue any fresh fruit (strawberries work well)

DIRECTIONS

First thing you need to do is make a simple syrup.  In a small saucepan, put the sugar and 1 cup of water.  Cook over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.  Set aside to cool.

Next, squeeze your lemons.  How you do this is up to you and your equipment.  I use cut the rind off of  my lemons and use my juicer, but an old fashioned hand juice works just as well!

If hand squeezing your lemons, put the lemon juice and raspberries into a blender and pulse a few times to combine.

 Try real hard not to eat your raspberries, but do save a lemon and some raspberries for decoration later.

You will end up with a bit over a cup of juice.

Place your simple syrup, juice and water into a pitcher.  Mix well.

Cut up a few lemon slices and rasberries to place in the pitcher, and a few more to adorn your glasses.

Add the fruit along with some ice to the pitcher before serving.

FYI - If interested, this plastic 2-Quart Carafe is perfect for summer drinks!

Place a lemon slice and raspberry on the edge of the glass, and place a few extra rasberries in the glass with ice.  

Pour your lemonade and Enjoy!