Very refreshing on one of our many hot Arizona days

It gets pretty darn hot here in Phoenix this time of year.  Today it’s 108 degrees in the shade and the pool water is 88 degrees!  It’s hard to cool off when it’s that hot.  It’s even harder to stay indoors 24×7, though.  So, to avoid a nasty case of cabin fever I like to mix up a batch of fresh squeezed lemonade and venture out on the patio.  It’s very quick and easy.  All you need is lemon juice, sugar, and water.

If you’re lucky enough to have access to a lemon tree grab yourself a big bowl full and start squeezing.  I buy a bag full at our local Costco.  For about $5.50 I get around a dozen nice lemons.

Yields 1 Gallon

• 12 lemons – you may need more or less depending on how juicy yours are
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup water

1. Juice the lemons until you have 2 cups of lemon juice and reserve.
2. Over medium-high heat in a small saucepan heat the sugar and water stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves. You’ve just made simpe syrup.
3. In a one gallon container or larger combine the lemon juice and simple syrup
4. Add enough water to the container so you have one gallon of lemonade
5. Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator, serve over ice, and garnish with a lemon slice or mint sprig.