Lemon-akeover your summer

By Tatianna Salisbury

On a hot, sunny day, there’s nothing more refreshing than a tall cold glass of homemade lemonade. The classic recipe, including fresh-squeezed lemons, water, ice, and copious amounts of sugar, is a great base for some incredible, exotic recipes.

From fun and fruity to savory and sparkling, here are some fresh takes on the classic drink that is sure to quench any summer thirst.  

Pineapple Mango Lemonade

Celebrate Hawaiian Foods Week, June 11 through 17, with a tasty, tropical lemonade. Why not throw a backyard luau and serve guests traditional Hawaiian food, such as chicken kabobs, fruit salad and pina colada cupcakes.

The recipe combines Dole pineapple juice, mango nectar and lemon juice, with endless options for garnishes and add ons. The recipes suggests adding frozen pineapple and mango chunks for added flavor, while dressing up the drink with a colorful umbrella and curly straw.

Get the recipe from Cooking Classy’s website http://www.cookingclassy.com/pineapple-mango-lemonade/

Raspberry Peach Lemonade

With five easy ingredients, a beautiful color and a savory taste, this recipe a great blend of simplicity and flavor. Fresh peaches and raspberries are combined with lemon juice, and a mint garnish finishes of the summery look. A splash of club soda could be added to make the drink fizzy, while pureeing the fruits with ice would make for a refreshing slushie-esque drink.

Get the recipe from The Chunky Chef’s website http://www.thechunkychef.com/homemade-raspberry-peach-lemonade/

Mint Kiwi Lemonade

Kiwi’s are incredibly nutrient dense, packed with Vitamin C and have been proven to help maintain a healthy digestive system. This recipe packs a tangy hit with a rock-salted rim and sprinkle of pepper powder. It recommends honey in place of sugar, but simple syrup can be substituted in for a different sweetness.

Get the recipe from Veggie Food Recipes’s website http://veggiefoodrecipes.com/mint-kiwi-lemonade-make-kiwi-lemonade/

Brazilian Lemonade

A creamy, creative rendition of traditional lemonade, the Brazilian recipe calls for condensed milk and limes blended together. Technically, this drink is a limeade, but lemons can be added for additional flavor. Condensed milk makes the creamy texture, but coconut milk can add a nice smooth texture to the drink.

Adding sweet, frozen berries such as strawberries or blueberries gives the drink a slightly thicker consistency, while not sacrificing the signature flavor.

Get the recipe from African Bites’s website http://www.africanbites.com/brazilian-lemonade/