Grilled Lemonade

Makes six 8 oz. servings

Simple Syrup:

• 1 C Sugar

• 1 C Water

• Optional: 1/4 cup of fresh Rosemary sprigs

Lemonade:

• 1 cup of grilled lemon juice (3 very large or 6 medium Lemons halved, grilled then juiced)

• *Optional: 5-6 Lemon slices (to grill for garnish)

• 1 Tablespoon Sugar for sprinkling the lemons

• 4 Cups Cold Water 

• Ice Cubes

Step 1: Make the Simple Syrup

Boil water and sugar (1:1 ratio) so that the sugar dissolves completely. Let the simple syrup come to room temperature.

*Optional: To make a Rosemary lemonade, add 1/4 cup of rosemary sprigs and steep for 30 minutes after boiling is complete. Remove rosemary and cool syrup. Strain through a strainer to remove any rosemary bits.

Step 2: Char the lemons

• Slice lemons in half. Then, lightly dip the cut side down sugar and place it cut side down on a preheated and lightly oiled grill or grill pan.

• Grill lemons for about 4-6 minutes.

• Grill lemon slices for garnish (optional)

*To broil, follow the same steps with lemons cut side up. 

• Let lemons cool for 5-10 min before juicing

Step 3: Juice the lemons

Juice each lemon into a large measuring cup. Use a strainer if desired.

Step 4: Mix the Lemonade

• Add the lemon juice to a pitcher, then the simple syrup, and 4 Cups of Water. 

• Add alcohol (vodka, gin, bourbon) & garnish if desired 

• Optional to add ice cubes to pitcher (or add it to glass)

• Use more or less water depending on your taste to make a stronger or lighter flavored lemonade. 

Step 5: Add alcohol (vodka, gin, bourbon) & garnish if desired 

Tips:

• Create a cocktail bar and make just the lemonade and let guests add alcohol and garnish

• Sparkling water can also be used to create a sparkling grilled lemonade! 

• You can also make a flavored simple syrup to have add a flavor to your lemonade - i.e. a strawberry simple syrup or rosemary.

• The grilled/charred lemon juice can be used for other things, like marinades or even to baked goods for a unique citrus flavor