The Perfect Summer Drinks

Boy was it a hot one out today! So hot you can't move, you can't think and yet I somehow managed to bake, but that is another story all together. The one thing that really gets me through these hot hot summer days is an ice cold glass of lemon/or limeade.

Early in the summer when it wasn't quite as hot as it was today in LA, I made two absolutely amazing and thirst quenching drinks. They were just what I needed to beat the heat today, but of course I didn't have them. If you are in need of the perfect summer refreshment here are two recipes to keep you cool! I know that I will have at least one of these in the fridge for the rest of the summer. These summer drinks are sweet, simple and addictively delicious!

Fresh Peach Rosemary Lemonade

makes 1 quart

1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice

1 cup fresh peaches pureed (skin off)

1 sprig fresh rosemary

3/4 cup sugar

1 cup water

2-3 cups cold water to dilute (measure water to taste)

In a medium saucepan combine 1 cup water and 3/4 cup sugar. Add rosemary and bring to a boil. Once this simple syrup boils remove it from heat and let it cool.

Meanwhile, peel 2 to 3 fresh peaches. Take peeled peaches minus the pit and place it in a food processor to puree. Set aside.

When simple syrup is cooled remove the rosemary. Add the simple syrup to 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add peach puree. Begin adding cold water 1 cup at a time to dilute. Add as much water as you need. You make like your lemonade thicker or sweeter so do not add all of the water at once, measure to taste. Enjoy!

Mango Mint Limeade

1 cup fresh squeeze lime juice

zest of one lime

1 cup water

3/4 cups sugar

7 mint leaves

1 cup fresh mango pureed ( about 2-3 mangoes)

In a medium saucepan combine 1 cup water and 3/4 cup sugar. Add lime zest and fresh mint and bring to a boil. Once this simple syrup boils remove it from heat and let it cool.

Meanwhile, peel 2 to 3 fresh mango. Take peeled mango minus the pit and place it in a food processor to puree. Set aside.

When simple syrup is cooled pour it through a fine sieve to remove the mint and zest. Add the simple syrup to 1 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice. Add mango puree. Begin adding cold water 1 cup at a time to dilute. Add as much water as you need. You make like your lemonade thicker or sweeter so do not add all of the water at once, measure to taste. Enjoy!

Seriously could it be any easier? Hope you are enjoying your summer!