SUMMER ENTERTAINING
{Beverages}
What is a summer party without ice-cold drinks to help guests keep their cool? Keep pint-sized Mason jars in the freezer so you can serve generous amounts of Southern sweet tea or lemonade in frosty-cold glasses. The jars are inexpensive and durable, making them a smart addition to your party table.
HIBISCUS LEMONADE
SERVES 5 Made just like the lavender lemonade, this chilly beverage gets its extra tangy goodness and bright red color from the hibiscus flowers. Add an ounce of tequila per glass, if you’d like.
2-1/2 cups water 1-1/2 cups sugar 1/4 cup culinary hibiscus buds 2-1/2 cups water
1 cup lemon juice Sliced lemons Ice cubes Tequila, if desired
Directions: 1. Boil 2-1/2 cups water and 1-1/2 cups sugar until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. 2. Add hibiscus and let mixture cool to room temperature. 3. Strain flowers out of sugar mixture. Add strained sugar mixture to a pitcher. 4. Add one cup of lemon juice and 2-1/2 cups of water. 5. Stir and taste. Add more sugar as necessary. 6. Drop lemon slices and ice in chilled glasses, and pour lemonade over ice. Serve immediately.
LAVENDER LEMONADE
SERVES 5 This refreshing lemonade is given a romantic flavor and pretty color by the addition of lavender buds. It is perfect for a summer tea or bridal shower. Add two ounces of vodka per glass for a very adult version of this lemonade.
2-1/2 cups water 1-1/2 cups sugar 1/4 cup culinary lavender buds 2-1/2 cups water
1 cup lemon juice Sliced lemons Ice cubes Vodka, if desired
Directions: 1. Boil 2-1/2 cups of water and 1-1/2 cups of sugar until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. 2. Add lavender and let mixture cool to room temperature. 3. Strain flowers out of sugar mixture. Add strained sugar mixture to a pitcher. 4. Add one cup of lemon juice and 2-1/2 cups water. 5. Stir and taste. Add more sugar as necessary. 6. Drop lemon slices and ice in chilled glasses, and pour lemonade over ice. Serve immediately.
SHEKNOWS SUMMER ENTERTAINING EDITION | 3 |