Usually during this time of the year we’re hanging around the sixties and pleasantly enjoying outside activities, gardening and Spring cleaning. Over the past couple of days we’ve taken a leap from Spring straight into Summer.
It’s been HOT! We had a high of 93 yesterday and with the humidity it felt over 100 degrees.
Now, I’m not complaining. My Spring gardens are thriving and it’s been enjoyable watching my kids play out back soaking themselves in the sprinklers.
However, with all of the work, sweat and toil I always get the craving for an icy cold lemonade.
We always drink our fair share of water but with the jump in temperature and the kids soaking themselves outside I decided to jump into summer myself and make us all a special treat.
The kids were delighted to say the least.
I’m so glad we were able to enjoy this yesterday as in the next couple of days we’re dropping back down to the sixties. That’s Iowa for you.
This is a fairly typical homemade lemonade sweetened with organic pure cane juice. Azucar Morena. To give it an additional burst of lemon, I add the whole lemon halves into the pitcher after squeezing them. Make sure to buy organic lemons if you’ll be doing the same. To brighten it up, a couple sprigs of freshly cut mint.
Icy Cold Mint Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 3/4-1 cup pure cane juice, Azucar Morena
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, reserve lemon halves if organic
- 6 cups water
- 2 sprigs fresh mint
Method:
1. In a pot heat pure cane juice and 1 cup water until the sugar has dissolved.
2. To a large glass pitcher add the sugar water, lemon juice, lemon halves, 6 cups water and 2 sprigs of fresh mint.
3. Stir well and chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours where the contents can cool and the flavors can meld.
4. Serve over ice garnished with a lemon slice and mint.
Buen Provecho!
Belinda @zomppa says
93 already? Well this is the perfect way to get refreshed!
Priya (Yallapantula) Mitharwal says
I would absolutely love this 🙂
Mely@MexicoinmyKitchen says
That is hot for Iowa at this time of the year, but I will take the lemonade anyway. :0
I do hope we have a nice summer. Without the tornado warnings!
Saludos Guapa!
Mely
Diana Bauman says
Thanks for stopping by Mely!
Marmande in the Kitchen says
Love the combination of mint and lemonade, looks great! I’m jealous that you have 93 degree weather already – it will be a while before we have that here!
Diana Bauman says
It’s definitely not normal, lol!! By the end of this week we’ll be back in the sixties.
Felice - All That's Left Are The Crumbs says
It was hot and humid here too yesterday. Thank goodness it rained in the afternoon. I would have loved to have had a glass of this to sip on. At least now I have the recipe and will be ready for the next heat wave.
Diana Bauman says
I hope you enjoy it!
Mary says
I love spearmint the best in this. Thanks for posting. Can’t wait until it’s hot enough in Maine to try this.
Diana Bauman says
Yes, spearmint would be better! Thanks for stopping by 😀
torviewtoronto says
delicious combination haven’t put cane juice before
looks refreshing
Natalie says
I love making lemonade. It feels too early for me but then we haven’t got 90 degrees!! I know it won’t be long though, is the azucar moreno you used miel de cana, or something different?
City Share says
This time of year the weather is always so crazy. I have decided that it’s best to listen to the weather report before getting dressed in the morning. The mint lemonade sounds like a great treat for our next hot day.
Kate@Diethood says
That looks so good and refreshing! Your model is too cute!! 🙂
Hester aka The Chef Doc says
Oh, where do you get pure cane juice? I’ve never had any but I’m sure it makes the drink just out of this world!!!
Eva says
I too am curious where you get (or how you make) the pure cane juice, azucar morena 🙂
I love love love lemonade and these pictures are great! Thanks for the little preview of summer 🙂
Diana Bauman says
Hi everyone. Evaporated, Pure Cane Juice is a great alternative to refined “white” sugar. While both sweeteners are made from sugar cane, evaporated cane juice does not undergo the same degree of processing that refined sugar does. Therefore, unlike refined sugar, it retains more of the nutrients found in sugar cane.
It’s by no means a win all situation, however, in moderation, it’s definitely healthier than regular white sugar.
Latino’s use it all the time and call it Azucar Morena. It can be found at any Mexican grocer or Mexican aisle of your local grocery store, although it won’t be organic. I buy it from Azure Standard.
Evaporated Pure Cane Juice is dry just like regular sugar but has thicker crystals and is a light brown.
Hope that helps!!