Homemade Summer Citrus-ade...like lemonade, but better!

Ever since I discovered that I could cook and bake really well, I also realized that almost anything homemade is better than store-bought. That includes lemonade! Or my personal preference: citrus-ade! No more concentrates or powdered mixes, it's all about fresh produce...and, well, sugar!

2 cups juice from citrus fruit (1 pink grapefruit, 3 lemons, 3 limes)
1 cup sugar
5 2/3 cup water

Grab a buddy and get squeezin'! The juice from one pink grapefruit usually yields 1 cup juice. Depending on the size of the lemons and limes, it will take approximately 3 of each to yield another cup. (This may vary). I measure out the sugar first and pour into the pitcher. Otherwise, if you measure out the juice first, the sugar will stick to the measuring cup. I like my lemonade and citrus-ade a little tart, so I usually add slightly less sugar than this. You could start out only adding about 2/3 cup and go from there. Add juice and water, and stir. This will come almost to the top of a regular sized pitcher, so stir carefully.

How can you dress up the citrus-ade? Add a shaker of gin, fill the glass with 2/3 citrus-ade, and fill the rest with club soda/seltzer. A slight variation on a drink called "English Water." Drink up!

Comments

[samuelgamlin]

Crikey what a nice drink. You got the proportions just right. I did however modify slightly. I added another cup of water but fizzy water. It doesn't make it fizzy it just puts a little refreshing kick on the end. Top notch 'structable

[susie]

I bet it would be yummy with honey too, or maybe cook down the honey first to thin it out then mix it. Worth trying!

[aliciak]

You won't regret it!

[lemonie]

I'd always go for pure grapefruit juice. However, lemon, lime & grapefruit, could well make a good base for dilution & sweetening. I've never put all three together, but I think I might try it. L