Spruce up your lemonade game this summer, by making them 4 ways: Old fashioned, Mint, Mango Basil and Ginger. You know you need it!
Here, in the United States, summers are celebrated. Everyone’s like ‘yaay, it’s summer! Woo hoo!’. You write songs about summer, a whole genre of movies, and when you hear the word ‘summer’ everyone’s thinking ‘beaches and bikini’.
Indian Summers! Urgh!
Indian summers, on the other hand are cruel. C-R-U-E-L! It’s bad enough that it’s hot throughout the year, but during the summers you feel like you are burning from the inside out. And thanks to global warming, it’s just getting worse! It’s only a matter of time before spontaneous combustion becomes real. You won’t find a single Indian who goes ‘I cannot wait for summer!’
Now imagine slaving next to a hot stove during these hellish hot summers. Words cannot describe how much we hate cooking in the summers.
Which is why I truly believe that my mother has a little bit of magic in her, because despite the sweltering heat, she would manage to make us ‘surprise lemonades’!
What are surprise lemonades? It’s a lemonade fix that you didn’t know you needed. But take that first sip and you wonder how you ever got through the day without it.
To me, the best part of summers weren’t the mangoes. It wasn’t the watermelons. It was my mother’s surprise lemonades. Because unlike the summer fruits (which you kinda learn to expect), the surprise lemonades always caught us off guard! It was magical!
Old Fashioned Lemonade
There’s a reason why plain old fashioned lemonade will never go out of style. Because it’s a classic. Just lemons, water and sugar. Plus a pinch of salt. Trust me. The salt makes all the difference!
Mint Lemonade
Now this is the version my mother usually made. I am not a huge fan of mint, believe me. So she would usually sneak in mint in places I cannot pick it out. Like in a rice pulao or biriyani. It was annoying. But in a lemonade? Yup! Gimme all the mint you want! You won’t see me complaining.
And I don’t have to tell you how insanely refreshing this is. Seriously!
Mango Basil Lemonade
Have you ever cut into a mango that isn’t just juicy ripe and perfect yet? How annoying is that? Urgh, ruins your day completely, doesn’t it? Well, not anymore! Because it’s those exact disappointing mango wannabes that are perfect in this Mango+Basil Lemonade. Ok yeah, it was inspired by my Mango Basil sorbet, and yes, it is just as delicious as that, but in liquid form!
I don’t usually stock basil at home, but since I discovered Dorot frozen Herb cubes, basil is never far away from me.
Ginger Lemonade
I used to hate these as a kid (I mean, what 10 year old loves the heat of ginger?), but I’ve kinda come around to it lately. I think I’m growing up. And if you are having second thoughts, remember, ginger is an excellent digestive. A glass of this after dinner works magic in your gut.
When you make these (which I really think you SHOULD!), be sure to SHARE YOUR PHOTOS with me through Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. I’d love to see what you cook from here and will share it with pride on my social media feeds.
Viktor says
Wow, they looks amazing! I’ve never tried before mango-basil combination but I’ll make it! Thanks for the idea :)))
Tina Dawson says
You’re gonna love it Viktor!
Amy says
I couldn’t agree with you more about summer back home. I remembered those hot summer days helping around the kitchen. It was humid and hot hot hot, with no AC, so I definitely feel you on this one 😉
These beautiful lemonades are definitely a must make recipe for those hot summer days. And thanks for the stories Tina. I miss home!
Tina Dawson says
Awww Amy, I’m going to hug you now, I think we both need it. 🙂
Supriya Kutty says
What can be more better than this Lemonade during the summer time? It would be my pleasure to try this.
Tina Dawson says
Thanks so much Supriya! I hope you like em all!!!
Molly Kumar says
OMG, Look at those Gorgeous Gorgeous Lemonades & So many to choose from !!! That’s gonna be one tough task but I’m gonna start with Mango flavored one first 🙂
Tina Dawson says
Sound perfect, Molly!!!! 🙂
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food says
My hubster loves grilling, which is great because hot stoves are really not fun during the hot summer months. When I hear the word summer, I think of my deck, a nice book, and a glass of lemonade (which is most likely spiked with vodka). These riffs on classic lemonade are vibrant to look at and sound absolutely DELISH. I can’t wait to give them a try.
Tina Dawson says
Thanks so much Michelle!!!!
Lisa | Garlic & Zest says
So it’s funny that you talk about how no one looks forward to summer in India — because that’s exactly the way we feel in South Florida — the heat is oppressive, your makeup melts off your face before you can make it to the car and it lasts FOR-EVER! I’m loving all the versions of lemonade you’ve made here and I will happily sip them INSIDE – WITH THE A/C CRANKED, STANDING IN FRONT OF A FAN!
Tina Dawson says
I think Florida summers come pretty close to South Indian summers. I’ve been there and I know it to be true! Happy sipping Lisa! <3
Julia says
Mango and basil flavour combo really intrigued me! And you are right about mango wannabes – so annoying. Your photos are absolutely gorgeous! Just lovely!
Tina Dawson says
Thanks so much Julia!
Fiona says
I really loved your post! I am such a big lemonade fan but never usually branch out to exotic flavors though these all sound absolutely delicious. I have to admit I’ve never added salt but am now curious to try! I know what you mean about not loving the strong flavors of ginger when young but being able to appreciate now that we are *old*. Can’t wait to try these and usher in summer!
Tina Dawson says
Thanks so much Fiona! The salt really makes a difference. Brings out the sweetness!
sue | theviewfromgreatisland says
These are absolutely amazing, I’ve never seen any of these variations and they ALL sound incredibly refreshing…our summer in Los Angeles are pretty brutal, so I know I’ll be trying these 🙂
Tina Dawson says
Thanks Sue! And yes please! Try them all! 🙂