Our Italian Version of Cloudy Lemonade

Have you ever wondered where lemonade came from? According to Wikipedia, the earliest written evidence of lemonade has been found in Egypt, dated to around AD 1000. Here a drink made with lemons, dates, and honey was enjoyed by peasants. In 1676, a company known as Compagnie de Limonadiers was founded in Paris. Vendors roamed the streets serving the drink in cups from tanks on their backs.

Cloudy Lemonade is non-carbonated and made with fresh lemon juice. Generally served cold, cloudy lemonade may also be served hot as a remedy for congestion and sore throats, frozen, or used as a mixer. Many varieties and flavors of lemonade have evolved as we think of the lemonade flavors and styles today.

What makes it “Cloudy Lemonade”?

Italian cloudy lemonade is a refreshing and tangy beverage that captures the essence of summer in every sip. Made with freshly squeezed lemons, sparkling water, and a hint of sweetness, this traditional Italian drink is perfect for hot days when you need a cool and invigorating pick-me-up. With its cloudy appearance and zesty flavor, cloudy Italian lemonade is sure to quench your thirst and transport you to the cobblestone streets of Italy with every sip.

Cloudy lemonade gets its name from the cloudy appearance of the drink, which comes from the natural components of the lemon juice and sugar mixing together. Unlike traditional lemonade, which is often made with clear, filtered lemon juice, cloudy lemonade is made with freshly squeezed lemon juice that still contains pulp and other particles.

This gives the drink a slightly thicker texture and a more intense lemon flavor. The cloudy appearance of the lemonade adds to its appeal and gives it a rustic, homemade feel that is often associated with traditional, old-fashioned recipes.

Honey-Basil Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup honey
• 2 cups loosely packed basil leaves
• Pinch of salt (I use Redmond salt)
• 7 cups cold water
• Basil leaves for garnish
• straws

Instructions:

1. Combine lemon juice, honey, basil leaves, 3 cups cold water, and salt in a blender. Blend on high until smooth, about 1 minute.
2. Pour into a pitcher and add remaining 4 cups of water.
3. Chill several hours.
4. Several ways to serve:
5. Chill the glass and fill with lemonade, top with whipped cream and garnish with basil leaves or:
6. Fill a glass with ice and fill with lemonade, top with whipped cream and basil leaves.

Recipe adapted from J.Kenji Lopez-Alt

Strawberry Honey Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup honey
• 5 cups water
• 1 cup pureed fresh strawberries
• straws

Instructions:

1. Pour the lemon juice in a large container along with 4 cups water.
2. Combine the honey and 1 cup water over low heat and melt the honey in the water.
3. Add the warmed melted honey water to the lemon juice mixture.
4. Add the pureed strawberries.
5. Chill several hours.
6. Several ways to serve:
7. Chill the glass and fill with lemonade, top with whip cream and garnish with a strawberry or:
8. Fill a glass with ice and fill with lemonade, top with whip cream and a strawberry.

Recipe adapted from the Prairie Homestead

Enjoy these two recipes and be creative with a style all your own!! If you’re looking for more fun ideas, check out our Blog Page!