Lemon or Limeade

This naturally sweetened lemon or limeade is perfect for a summer cookout, or any time you need a cool little pick-me-up. It will leave you feeling hydrated and refreshed. Add some fruit, ginger and herbs for variety.

Lite Lemon or Limeade

• 1/4 cup lemon or lime juice

• 1/4-1/3 cup pure maple syrup, or to taste

• 2 1/2 cups water

• Frozen or fresh fruit, ginger, herbs

• Quart Jar

1. Mix ingredients together and enjoy!

NOTES

In my opinion, honey can be a bit overpowering, unless it's a very mild flavored honey. I generally use pure maple syrup, because it tends to not be as strongly flavored. Experiment to see what you prefer.

Add 2 pinches of sea salt. Excellent for hydration.

Add ginger, fresh finely grated.

Add herbs: mint, basil, lemon balm, or thyme are all good choices.

Frozen fruit is suggested over ice, as ice can dilute the drink as it melts. It also gives the beverage color and flavor variety.

Try adding things like sliced lemon, lime, orange, cucumber, peach etc. for visual appeal and a change of flavor.

This does have a fair amount of sweetener in it; though less than the typical lemonade. In place of the usual refined sugar, it's sweetened with pure maple syrup or honey which has some redeeming nutritional qualities.

Go ahead and play with the ratios of lemon and maple to find your preference. You can reduce it quite a bit for lightly flavored water.

Scroll to the bottom for measurements to make a big batch.

MAKE IT EVEN HEALTHIER

Use organic ingredients.

Use non-chlorinated water.

Big Batch

• 1 cup lemon or lime

• 1 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, or honey

• 2 quarts, plus 2 cups water

Mix together and enjoy!