A Refreshing Lemon-Limeade to Beat the Heat

Citrus lemonade in pitcher and glass of citrus around on natural wooden table on blue backgroundIt’s starting to get hot and we all need to stay hydrated. For a little change up from drinking water, a nice, cold glass of lemonade may hit the spot!
In choosing what to drink, we need to stay away from almost all of the products that say, “just add water”. For the most part, they are full of white, processed sugar, artificial colors, and artificial flavors. If you have a favorite sugar-free variety, you need to check the label. If it is sweetened with aspartame or acesulfame-k or “Splenda” or sucralose, you need to sit it back down on the shelf and RUN AWAY! Those artificial sweeteners are not good for you, and we all know that little choices matter.
The best way to enjoy lemonade is to make it from scratch. I personally prefer a lemon and lime mixture. It is absolutely delicious and refreshing on hot summer days.
Lemon-Limeade
1-1/2 c. fresh squeezed lemon juice (you’ll need about 10-12 lemons)
1/2 c. fresh squeezed lime juice (probably 8-10 limes because they are smaller with less juice)
Sweetener of choice **
Cool filtered water
Crushed or cubed ice, if desired.
Makes ½ gallon

Sweetener suggestions (choose one):
(These are a few of our best suggestions. Only stevia will be calorie-free and lowest on the glycemic index.)

  • 3-4 TBSP of Grade B Maple Syrup (Here’s Why)
  • Liquid Stevia – to taste. This becomes bitter-tasting when you use too much, so start small and add, tasting as you go.
  • ½ c. pure cane sugar
  • ½ c. coconut sugar

If you are using granulated cane sugar or coconut sugar, heat filtered water and dissolve the sugar in it before mixing with the juices from the lemons and limes. It will help to disperse the sugar more evenly throughout the final product.