Smoked Lemonade

 

Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 6-8 large lemons (to yield about 1 cup of lemon juice)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 4 cups of water
• Ice cubes
• Fresh mint for garnish (optional)
• Smoked salt for rimming the glasses (optional)

Equipment:

• Grill or campfire with a grate
• Tongs
• Juicer or fork
• Large pitcher
• Spoon for stirring
• Knife and cutting board
• Glasses for serving

Instructions:

1. Prep the Lemons: Cut the lemons in half. If using a grill or a campfire grate, get the fire to a medium heat.
2. Smoke the Lemons: Place the lemon halves cut-side down on the grill or campfire grate. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they have nice grill marks and have taken on a slight smoky flavor. Use tongs to remove the lemons from the grill and allow them to cool slightly.
3. Make Lemonade Base: While the lemons are cooling, in a large pitcher, dissolve the sugar in 4 cups of water. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste; add more sugar if you like it sweeter.
4. Juice the Lemons: Once the lemons are cool enough to handle, juice them into the pitcher with the sugar-water mixture. The smoky flavor from the grilled lemons will infuse the drink with a unique twist. Stir well to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed.
5. Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes. If desired, rim the glasses with smoked salt for an extra smoky touch. Pour the smoked lemonade over the ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
6. Enjoy: Refresh yourself with this tangy, smoky lemonade, perfect for sipping around the campfire or after a day exploring the great outdoors.

Tips for Success:

• Adjust the amount of sugar based on the tartness of the lemons and your personal preference for sweetness.
• The smokiness can be varied by grilling the lemons for a longer or shorter time. For a subtle smoky flavor, grill for a shorter period; for a deeper smoky essence, grill for a bit longer.
• Smoked salt isn’t essential but adds an extra layer of smoky flavor that complements the grilled lemons beautifully.
• This lemonade can also be made in advance and stored in a cool place or a portable cooler to allow the flavors to meld together even more.

This Smoked Lemonade recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional lemonade, with a smoky flavor that evokes the essence of campfire cooking. It’s sure to be a hit at your next camping trip, offering a refreshing and uniquely flavored drink to enjoy with friends and family.