Homemade Lemonade Concentrate: The Best-Kept Secret For Quick & Easy Cocktails
Right in the heart of summer, there’s one cooling refreshment that stands undefeated: lemonade. But why stop at mere refreshment when we can elevate this citrus marvel into the base of our cocktail adventures? DIY lemonade concentrates can be your secret hack to make easy, breezy cocktails. Here is how a few jars in your fridge can turn you into the mixologist of the season.
The Classic Lemonade Concentrate
Starting with the basics, a classic lemonade concentrate is as essential as the perfect white tee in your wardrobe—various and always in style. Combine the zest and juice of 10 lemons with 250 ml of simple syrup. This golden potion is your go-to for a spontaneous cocktail hour. Mix 45 ml of this concentrate with 45 ml of Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka and top with soda water for a classic lemonade vodka that sings of simplicity and elegance.
The Berry Twist
Who doesn’t love a good plot twist? Especially when it involves berries. Mash up a cup of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries work best) and blend them into your basic concentrate mix. You've got a berry lemonade concentrate that pairs beautifully with 45 ml Gordon's London Dry Gin. The botanicals of the gin embrace the berry notes, creating a vibrant drink.
The Herbal Notes
For those who like to play with exotic flavours, a herbal lemonade concentrate holds potential. Infuse your basic concentrate with a handful of fresh basil and rosemary for 24 hours. Strain it, and you have a concoction that can please any crowd. Mix 45 ml of this herbal concentrate with 45 ml Tanqueray London Dry Gin for a drink that’s refreshing with an edge—perfect for those evenings when you’re feeling different.
The Spiced Route
If you’re one to embrace the heat, a spiced lemonade concentrate will be right up your alley. Add a few slices of ginger and a couple of cinnamon sticks to your basic concentrate mixture and let the flavours marry overnight. This spiced lemonade concentrate mixed with 45 ml Johnnie Walker Black Label creates a whisky lemonade that’s bold with a hint of spice, ideal for sipping on summer nights spent on the porch.
The Tropical Getaway
Sometimes, we all need a taste of the tropics. Incorporate the juice of two limes and a half cup of coconut water into your concentrate for that island vibe. Pairing 45 ml of this tropical concentrate with 45 ml Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold makes for a cocktail that’s as close to a beach holiday as you can get metaphorically.
The Non-Alcoholic Breezer
And for our friends who are taking a night off the spirits, fear not. Mix your choice of concentrate with sparkling water or Black and White Ginger Ale for a refreshing lift that keeps you in the cocktail spirit without the alcohol.
