This is a great recipe for children as well as adults.
Lemonade is an incredibly refreshing drink. Especially in the summertime. This is also a fun activity you can do with your kids. I let my kids squeeze lemonade the traditional way and add sugar and water to taste.
But when they are finished, there is often a lot of juice and pulp left, therefore I take all the peels with whatever they left over and throw it in a casserole along with some sugar and water. I let it simmer for about 4 hours, skimming any impurities. The quote grown-up lemonade on quote is a lot more bitter than the traditional lemonade and works incredibly well mixed with sparkling wine for an aperitif. I like my grown-up lemonade more concentrated so I can dilute it with wine rather than water. That way the taste and flavor is much more intense. This lemonade also tastes excellent with a splash of vodka and cranberry.
I tried this in my slow cooker as well as it came out great! You can even do a version where you cut the lemons in half, then dump all in the show cooker and add sugar, water and a vanilla bean slashed in two.
Don’t add too much sugar, you can always add more simple syrup (sugar cooked with a bit of water for a liquid sweetener).
The show cooker takes care of the rest. Chill and enjoy diluted with water or your favorite liquor. It makes for an absolutely delectable mimosa as well.
RECIPE FOR GROWN-UP LEMONADE
Take all the lemon peels leftover from making traditional lemonade. Add enough water to cover the peels. Add sugar to taste.
Simmer without a lid for 3 hours. Skim off any impurities. Save and place in refrigerator to cool.
RECIPE TRADITIONAL LEMONADE
1 3/4 cups white sugar
8 cups water
1 1/2 cups lemon juice
In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to boil and stir to dissolve sugar. Allow to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until chilled.
Combine the strained lemon juice with the remaining seven cups of water.