Rosemary-infused lemonade

Rosemary, who would have thunk it

What’s better than a glass of lemonade on a hot summer day? If you answered air conditioning, you too might be living in the great American South. Down here we need a cold drink and AC. Those who want a kick can feel free to add the spirit of their choice; limoncello, vodka, or gin are good starting points.

Rosemary-infused lemonade

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 fresh rosemary sprigs about 6″ long (strip the green, ditch the wood)
• 1 1/2 cups lemon juice

Combine sugar and water in a two-quart saucepan and set over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved. Add rosemary and boil for about five more minutes, or until the water is golden. Take off heat and allow to steep until cooled to room temperature. Strain into a two-quart pitcher. Pour in lemon juice and fill the rest of the way with water. The mix will still be strong. If it’s too tart add more water as needed.

Cautions and notes: If you don’t want to smell like a really fancy hotel soap, you may want to use gloves when handling rosemary. Speaking of cool infused drinks: Check out Karen’s Summer Thyme Martini over at Back Road Journal. We’d love to have her weather now, but come January we wouldn’t trade for the world.