School has started, which emotionally signals the beginning of fall, but here in Texas, we are not fooled. Fall is with us in spirit, but summer is with us in reality, overstaying it's welcome per usual.
As we wait for the heat to subside, I have a question for you. Have you ever made homemade lemonade? It's a delight, and I want you to experience the small wonder that fresh squeezed citrus juice mixed in perfect proportions with simple syrup and served over ice can bring.
Here is what you need to do.
Make some simple syrup. Heat equal parts of white sugar and water either on the stove or in your microwave until the sugar is melted. Set that aside in a jar in your fridge and let it cool completely. Hot lemonade is not a good vibe.
Next, squeeze a bunch of lemons and limes until you have two cups of lemon juice and one cup of lime juice. Apart from using freshly squeezed citrus (never the fake bottled stuff), lime juice is the secret ingredient to homemade lemonade. Trust me. I would not steer you wrong on this.
Once you have your syrup and juices, grab a large pitcher. Into the pitcher, add the following:
- 2 cups simple syrup
- 2 cups lemon juice
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup lime juice (this is the secret ingredient!)
- 4 cups of ice (don't skip adding the ice to the pitcher)
Give it a vigorous stir, enjoy the clanking together of the ice, and watch the pitcher develop a frosty layer of condensation.
Breathe deeply the fragrance of fresh lemon and lime, bright and aromatic, reminding you of sunshine and blue skies. Grab your favorite glass and fill it with with ice, letting the anticipation build.
Finally, fill your cup with lemonade, and let your eyes enjoy the quiet shade of yellow. Soft, simple, subtle. If you're so inclined, add a straw.
Take a sip. Let the flavors dance on your tongue and awaken your senses.
Take another sip. Nice, isn't it? Cold. Tart. Unreal.
Take another sip. Isn't it marvelous how a few simple ingredients can creating something sublime?
As you bask in the satisfaction you feel for creating a beverage of this caliber, let the realization sink in that good things are worth a tiny bit of effort. Making lemonade isn't difficult, and the experience might even be a bright spot in your day as you squeezed and stirred and created a thing of beauty.
