3 Foolproof Ways to Liven Up Your Lemonade

By Chilled Magazine

August 20th, 2015 is National Lemonade Day, so make a toast to the dog days of summer by sipping on a seasonal classic!

We love fresh lemonade, and whether you’re sipping it poolside, planning an afternoon picnic or barbecue it is one refreshing drink and a perfect way to soak in the last few weeks of summer especially when its spiked.

Hard Rock Cafe is making a splash this season by introducing adult versions of the warm weather staple. Here are three ways they liven up their lemonade.

#1 Add Rum, Gin and/or Elderflower Liqueur

Back Porch Tea

Back Porch Tea

Photo Courtesy of Hard Rock International

Back Porch Tea

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz. Light Rum
  • 1/2 oz. Gin
  • 1/2 oz. Elderflower Liqueur
  • 3 oz. Unsweetened Iced Tea
  • 1 oz. Lemonade
  • 4 Basil Leaves
  • 2 Mint Sprigs
  • 1 Lemon Wedge
  • 1 oz. Cucumber Syrup

Preparation: Muddle basil, mint, lemon and cucumber syrup. Add remaining ingredients to tin, shake. Serve in highball garnish with cucumber spear and basil leaf.


#2 Use Muddled Raspberries, Blueberries, Strawberries, etc.

Raspberry Mint Lemonade

Raspberry Mint Lemonade

Photo Courtesy of Hard Rock International

Raspberry Mint Lemonade

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz. Raspberry Vodka
  • 1/2 oz. Gin
  • 1/2 oz. Elderflower Liqueur
  • 3 Fresh Raspberries
  • 3 Fresh Blueberries
  • 4 Mint Leaves
  • 1 oz. Simple Syrup
  • 1 oz. Lemon Juice
  • Splash Lemon-Lime Soda
  • 1 Lemon Wedge
  • 1 Mint Sprig

Preparation: Muddle fruit with mint and simple syrup. Add liquor and lemon juice. Shake and strain over fresh ice. Top with lemon-lime and garnish with lemon wedge and mint sprig.


#3 Add Mint, Basil and Other Herbs

Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Photo Courtesy of Hard Rock International

Strawberry Basil Lemonade: (Non-Alcoholic) – Made-from-Scratch Lemonade

Ingredients:

  • 2 Strawberries
  • 2 Lemon Wedges
  • 4 Basil Leaves
  • 1/2 oz. Agave Nectar
  • 6 oz. Made-from-Scratch Lemonade

Preparation: Combine Strawberries, basil leaves and agave nectar and muddle. Squeeze lemon wedges into glass. Add lemonade and shake with ice. Garnish with basil sprig and strawberry.

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