80º days have arrived in our area and that means it is Lemonade Season. Lemonade is my drink of choice for warm weather. And around this time in most years, I present a new twist on my favorite summertime drink.

Technically, this one is a limeade, with a 2:1 ratio of lime juice to lemon juice. But the presence of a good measure of lemon juice, combined with sugar and water in a drink, allows it to be classified as a lemonade variation in my book. Some reading this many be leery of adding jalapeño pepper slices into the mix, but without the seeds, a spicy flavor is added, not heat.

As we keep a constant supply of limes (and lemons) in the fridge, as long as I remember to keep jalapenos on hand, we will be cooling off in the evenings sitting on the back deck and sipping on this refreshing concoction.

Jalapeño Limeade

Jalapeño Limeade (adapted from countryliving.com)

Total Time Required: 10 minutes + Chill Time, Prep Time: 10 minutes, Yields: 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup fresh lime juice (about 6 limes)
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 jalapeño pepper, seeded & sliced
• & lime slices for garnish

Directions:

Combine the lime juice, lemon juice, sugar, and jalapeño slices in a mason jar. Tightly screw on the lid, and shake the mixture until the sugar is dissolved, about 1 minute.

Add the fresh squeezed juices to the jar.

Add the pepper slices & sugar to the jar.

Pour the concentrate into a large pitcher. Add 6 cups of water and stir. Chill for at least one hour. Serve over ice and garnish with jalapeño slices and lime wedges.

The jalapeño adds spicy flavor to this version of lemonade!

Welcome Summer weather!  ~Linda

Jalapeño Limeade (adapted from countryliving.com) Total Time Required: 10 minutes + Chill Time, Prep Time: 10 minutes, Yields: 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup fresh lime juice (about 6 limes)
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 jalapeño pepper, seeded & sliced
• jalapeño & lime slices for garnish

Directions:

Combine the lime juice, lemon juice, sugar, and jalapeño slices in a mason jar. Tightly screw on the lid, and shake the mixture until the sugar is dissolved, about 1 minute.

Pour the concentrate into a large pitcher. Add 6 cups of water and stir. Chill for at least one hour. Serve over ice and garnish with jalapeño slices and lime wedges.