Are you wondering what drink to make and sip on in summer and tired of your same old lemonade? How about you try out some of these variations then!
Benefits of lemonade:
Keeps you hydrated. Many do not like to sip on plain water, so adding some lemon juice in it can enhance the flavour.
It is a good source of vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties and can protect the cells from free radicals.
Lemon juice has polyphenols compounds which can aid digestion and promote weight loss. Vitamin C found in lemons are good for the skin and can save the skin from sun damage, moisture loss and has anti-aging properties.
1. Matcha Lemonade ( Starbucks):
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp hot water
- 2 tsp matcha powder
- 2 cups cold water
- Juice of one large lemon
- 2 tsp honey
- Ice
Method:
Add the hot water to a small bowl and sift the matcha powder into it. Using a bamboo matcha whisk (or a hand frother) whisk the mixture well until a thick paste forms and the matcha disolves. Set aside and allow to cool. Add the cold water, lemon juice and honey to a pitcher and stir well to combine. Pour in the matcha mixture and stir. Fill two large glasses about halfway with ice and pour the matcha lemonade over the ice. Serve fresh.
Benefits of adding green tea to your lemonade:
Green tea is well-known for its fat burning properties. In addition to it, it can improve brain functioning, promote digestion and could also play a role in preventing cardiovascular diseases.
2. Watermelon Lemonade:
Ingredients:
- 6 cups cubed seedless watermelon, chilled
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 cup fresh strained lemon juice, chilled
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar, date powder or honey
- Ice and fresh mint for serving
Method:
In a mixer blender, add in the lemon juice and ginger juice or grated ginger and blend it well. Then in a glass, add in honey or sugar powder as per your requirement and add them in the strained lemon ginger mixture. Stir it well, before topping it up with water. You can also add in 2 thin freshly cut slices of lemon for additional flavour.
Tip: If you are using ginger juice and not grated ginger, you can simply make this in a glass without using a mixer blender.
Benefits of adding ginger to your lemonade:
Ginger is an often used spice that contains the compound called gingerol which has multiple medicinal benefits in addition to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It can help reduce oxidative stress and help fight free radicals in the body.
3. Coconut Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Water
- 1 cup Coconut milk
- ½ cup Lemon juice
- ⅓ cup Honey or Maple syrup
- ⅛ tsp Kosher salt
Method:
Pour everything into a high-speed blender. Blend the lemonade on high for 30-60 seconds until frothy. Then strain through a fine mesh sieve or a nut milk bag. Once strained, pour the lemonade into a large pitcher and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, Add some ice to your glass and pour over the lemonade. Top with a mint leaf and enjoy!
4. Turmeric Lemonade:
Ingredients:
- 6 cups water
- 4 lemons
- 1-inch turmeric root
- 1-inch ginger root
- 10 peppercorns
- Honey or 6 dates
Method:
Using a knife cut the peel of off the lemons. Discard the seeds then add the lemons to a blender. Peel the turmeric and ginger root and add them to the blender together with the peppercorns and sweetener or choice. Process until completely smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness to taste.Serve chilled over ice.
Benefits of adding turmeric to your lemonade:
Turmeric is abundant in its health benefits and has also been used in culinary dishes since ages. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are the most beneficial of all its properties.
Turmeric can help aid digestion, by producing digestive enzymes and increasing bile (digestive enzymes produced by the liver) production.
Please Note:
- All these quantities make one glass of lemonade. So you can increase or decrease the quantities (and proportions of the ingredients as well) as per your requirements.
- To serve this cold or have it chilled, refrigerate for an hour before consumption. If you do not wish to refrigerate, you can add in ice cubes or crushed ice or even just make the lemonade with cold water.