National Lemonade Day
National Lemonade Day takes place on August 20th, and what a wonderful time of year to celebrate this simple, yet delicious drink. We can all agree that a cool, refreshing glass of lemonade is the perfect pairing for a summer’s day, and if you were inspired by last week’s blog about Relaxation Day, you can keep those chill vibes going by taking some time to unwind and enjoy a well-earned drink out in the sunshine.
The lemonade of our youth is probably what springs first to your mind when you picture it – clear, tangy and tongue-tinglingly fizzy joy in a bottle or a can. While there’s nothing wrong with store-bought lemonade (in moderation, of course!), why not try something new for a change and make your own instead? Astonishingly easy for such a tasty result, you can even get the kids involved. While they’re home for the holidays and working up a thirst playing in the garden, the reward of a sweet treat they’ve helped you with is sure to end up in smiles all round!
You may think that the classic still lemonade is the be-all and end-all, but really, when it comes to experimenting with flavours and mix-ins, there are so many possibilities for you to explore. We’ve incorporated some different recipes into this blog for you to try and see which you like the best, and to help you serve up your creations in style, each one has been paired with one of our beautiful glasses for a pleasing finishing touch.
Watermelon Lemonade
This fresh concoction is ideal for children who aren’t such fans of sour drinks, or adults with a particularly sweet tooth. The gorgeous pink pop of colour which the watermelon gives is perfectly suited to our Aurielle turquoise tumbler, as the aqua tones bring an eye-catching contrast.
Ingredients:
- 1 large or 2 small watermelons
- 250ml lemon juice
- 100g golden caster sugar
- 1l bottle soda water
- 1 lime, cut into slices
- small handful of mint
- crushed ice
Method:
- Cut the top off the watermelon(s) and hollow out using a large spoon, fishing out any pips along the way. Mash the flesh through a sieve into a bowl. Put the flesh in a blender (or use a tall jug and hand blender) with the lemon juice and sugar, whizz to a purée, then stir in the soda water.
- Heap some ice into the hollowed-out watermelon and fill it with the lemonade mixture. Serve the rest in a jug with the lime slices and mint. Have a bowl of extra crushed ice on the side so people can help themselves.
Matcha Lemonade
Traditional black tea has been a popular mixer for lemonade for decades, taking the form of the famous “Arnold Palmer”. For a contemporary twist on this classic, the addition of sweetened matcha complements the flavour profile of lemonade beautifully. Serve in our smoked grey highball glass for a sophisticated look, or a clear Bella Perle tumbler to allow the vibrant green colour to take centre stage.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sweetened or unsweetened matcha
- 1/2 cup classic homemade lemonade
- 1 cup ice
Method:
- Put water and matcha into cocktail shaker or jar with a tight lid. Make sure to add the water in first since the matcha can easily clump.
- Cover and shake. Shake at least 10 times to fully combine.
- Pour lemonade into a cup with ice.
- Top with matcha from the cocktail shaker.
- To garnish, you can add thinly sliced lemons to the glass make the drink extra pretty.
For a grown-up take on this childhood staple, a lemonade cocktail is a great accompaniment to a garden party or barbecue. Already a versatile mixer with a variety of spirits, this elevated recipe is sure to be a hit with all your guests – no kids allowed for this one! Bright blue to tempt the eye, go all-out and serve in our amethyst pink goblet, boasting jewel tones and gorgeous embossed detail.
Spiked Mermaid Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 2 cups ice
- 1/4 cup blue Curaçao
- 1 cup white rum
- 2 cup classic homemade lemonade
- 4 lemon slices
- 8 maraschino cherries
Method:
- Put 1/4 cup ice in each glass, then add a splash of blue Curaçao, 1/4 cup rum, and another 1/4 cup ice. (The ice helps with the ombré.) Pour over 1/2 cup lemonade.
- Skewer a lemon slice and 2 maraschino cherries on a paper umbrella or toothpick and garnish drinks before serving.