Today is National Lemonade Day! While the national celebration of this citrusy Summer drink is relatively new, lemonade is not. The first known written reference to it is in the writings of a Persian poet that chronicles life in 11th century Egypt, although the beverage dates back even further. That same century, the drink spread to the streets of Paris and further. Lemonade made its way to the shores of the United States sometime in the 18th century, where it became popular with Prohibitionists.

Today’s post is a twist on the classic lemonade recipe. Sweet cherries replace some of the lemon juice and sugar typically found in more traditional recipes. It’s cool and refreshing and full of cherry flavor while still retaining the hit of pucker that is lemonade’s signature. We enjoy it as written below, but it can also be made into a Summery cocktail with the addition of a splash of vodka, bourbon, or rum.

Cherry Lemonade

Cherry Lemonade (adapted from eatingwell.com)  Total Time Required: 15 minutes

Makes: 4 cups 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (about 12 ounces) sweet cherries, pitted
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2-1/2 cups cold water
• lemon slices, whole cherries, and mint for garnish

Directions:

Combine the cherries, lemon juice, and sugar in a blender. Puree until smooth.

Combine the cherries, lemon juice, & sugar in a blender.

Strain through a fine sieve into a pitcher. Stir in the water.

Strain the cherry mixture.

Serve over ice, garnished with lemon slices and cherries.

Serve over ice.

The lemonade can be made ahead of time, then covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Stir before serving.

This can also be made ahead of time.

Enjoy some lemonade today!  ~Linda

Cherry Lemonade (adapted from eatingwell.com) Total Time Required: 15 minutes Makes: 4 cups 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (about 12 ounces) sweet cherries, pitted
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2-1/2 cups cold water
• lemon slices, whole cherries, and mint for garnish

Directions:

Combine the cherries, lemon juice, and sugar in a blender. Puree until smooth. Strain through a fine sieve into a pitcher. Stir in the water. Serve over ice, garnished with lemon slices and cherries. The lemonade can be made ahead of time, then covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Stir before serving.