Refreshing Homemade Lemonade 4 Ways

When the weather is hot -and sometimes even when it’s not- a refreshing glass of lemonade can really hit the spot. As it turns out lemonade is among many sour or acidic drinks that are particularly thirst-quenching in hot weather. Coca-Cola is a modern favorite, but old fashioned drinks like switchel and shrub were basically vinegar water drinks flavored with maple syrup, molasses, or fruit syrups. These drinks all have acidity and sourness in common, something which most research shows actually makes us feel more hydrated. According to Slate, this is because sour drinks stimulate saliva production. A dry mouth is often one of the primary symptoms of feeling dehydrated so easing that problem makes us feel refreshed and revived.

These four lemonade recipes each have something a little bit extra to them, which makes them just that much more flavorful. It’s easy to make a tasty lemonade at home instead of relying on pre-packaged mixes.

The history of this American classic is not exactly clear, with some theories tying this treat to laundry water accidentally dyed red. But, a more plausible theory is that red candies or fruits were used to create that signature pink color. You can make your own from scratch by combining fresh lemon juice with sugar and a bit of cranberry juice. Get the recipe here.

Not unlike shrub, this lemon drink relies on a crisp blend of strawberries and basil for a unique flavor combination. Garnish each glass with some extra strawberries and basil leaves and it makes quite a fetching alternative to a cocktail drink. Get the recipe here.

For a milkshake-style lemonade you can make a copycat version of the famed Chik-fil-a drink at home using only 3 ingredients. This is a bit more filling than some lemonade recipes but will perk you up just the same. Get the recipe here.

This one might sound like a bit of an oxymoron, but it has all the zesty flavor and sweet-tart appeal of lemonade. What it also has is a creamy background for those other flavors to shine through. It might sound like only a trend, but it’s surprisingly delicious on a hot day. Find the recipe here or watch the video below to see how easy it is to make.