Introduction
Make your summer gatherings unforgettable with our Grilled Lemonade recipe, ideal for the Arteflame Grill.
This low-sugar delight is not just a drink but also an excellent mixer for vodka, bourbon, or rum cocktails. Refreshing and easy to make, it's sure to be your new favorite summer beverage!
Ingredients:
- 8-10 lemons, halved
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup honey or to taste
- Water
- Ice cubes
- Optional for mixing: Vodka, bourbon, or rum
- Optional: Club soda for a fizzy version
Instructions
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Preheat the Grill: Fire up your Arteflame Grill to a medium heat. You're looking for a nice, even heat distribution across the cooktop.
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Grill the Lemons: Place lemon halves cut-side down on the grill. Grill until the lemons are nicely charred, about 4-5 minutes. The charring will add a smoky depth to the lemonade.
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Juice the Lemons: Once the lemons have cooled slightly, juice them into a pitcher. A typical lemon yields about 2-3 tablespoons of juice, so adjust your juicing according to how much lemonade you want to make.
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Sweeten: Add honey to the lemon juice while it's still slightly warm to help it dissolve more easily. Stir well to combine. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste.
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Dilute: Add water to the lemon and honey mixture according to your taste. Start with about 4 cups of water for a stronger lemonade and adjust from there.
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Chill: Add ice cubes to the pitcher to cool the lemonade down quickly, or refrigerate until chilled.
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Serve: Serve the grilled lemonade over ice. For an adult version, mix with your choice of vodka, bourbon, or rum. A splash of club soda can add a refreshing fizz.
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Enjoy: Garnish with a slice of grilled lemon on the rim of each glass for a decorative touch and extra flavor.
Tips
- Use fresh, ripe lemons for the best flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the amount of honey.
- For a stronger smoky flavor, allow the lemons to char slightly longer.
- Try serving the lemonade in chilled glasses for an extra refreshing experience.
Variations
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Herbal Twist: Add fresh mint or basil for an aromatic touch.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or muddled jalapeño for a spicy version.
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Berry Infusion: Blend in fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a fruity variation.
Best pairings
- Pair with grilled meats such as steak, chicken, or seafood.
- Serve alongside classic BBQ dishes like ribs, pulled pork, or grilled vegetables.
- Enjoy with light summer salads for a refreshing contrast.
- Combine with light snacks like cheese boards and crackers for a sophisticated touch.
Conclusion
This Grilled Lemonade recipe is not only a refreshing drink to beat the summer heat but also serves as a fantastic mixer for creating unique summer cocktails. Whether you're enjoying it as a standalone beverage or spicing it up with a splash of your favorite spirit, this grilled twist on traditional lemonade is sure to please.