Heritage Lemonades & Sodas Recipe
Start by choosing if you want lemonade or sparkling water, then add your choice of flavor.
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Ingredients
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Base
Flavor Options
Method
Preparation of Base
- 1
Juicing the Lemons
Cut the fresh lemons in half and juice them using a citrus juicer or manual juicer until you have about 1 cup of lemon juice.
- 2
Making Simple Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and 2 cups of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. Let it cool.
- 3
Mixing the Base
In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, cooled simple syrup, and 4 cups of sparkling water or plain water, depending on your choice. Stir well to combine.
Flavoring Options
- 4
Mint Lemonade or Soda
Add 1 cup of fresh mint leaves to the lemonade or soda mixture. Stir gently and let sit for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- 5
Strawberry Lemonade or Soda
Puree 2 cups of fresh strawberries in a blender until smooth, then stir the puree into the lemonade or soda mixture. Adjust sweetness if desired.
- 6
Basil Lemonade or Soda
Add 1 cup of fresh basil leaves to the drink mixture. Stir gently and let sit for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- 7
Ginger Lemonade or Soda
Grate 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger and add it to the lemonade or soda mixture. Stir well and let sit for 5 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- 8
Lavender Lemonade or Soda
Stir in 1 tablespoon of lavender syrup into the lemonade or soda mixture. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.

