Limon Agua Frescas Recipe or Real Fruit Flavored Lemonades

I’m sharing one of Donna’s Real Fruit Flavored Lemonades Recipe today. She has added “grown-up” flavors like thyme and cucumber and peach to make really refreshing and unique Latin style “agua frescas” or flavored waters.
I love these recipes and have had my eye on them for a while so (the minute she left town) I jumped at the chance to share them with you and post them here on Everyday Southwest. What else are little sisters for? In fact, I think it is our duty, our sworn obligation, to raid our big sister’s closets and try on her high heels… you know, to make sure they are good… and stuff. Anyway, without further adeu (or risk of getting caught in her closet) I give you Donna’s Real Fruit, Sugar-Free Flavored Lemonades.

“Summertime and the Livin’ is Easy, especially if you are sitting on a porch swing with a flavored lemonade to sip. Southern Belle fan optional, but recommended.

I love making lemonade with a simple syrup base. But I have discovered that using stevia makes lemonade that is just as delicious. This is when the fun starts. Fruit and herb flavorings for lemonade turn a classic drink into a Wow! drink. I like this ratio: 8 cups water; juice from 4 lemons (plus a little lemon zest if you like), and 1/2 cup stevia. The sweetness level is between you and your taste buds, but I like mine less sweet.

As for the additional flavorings, the possible combos are endless. I do have some favorites so far, although I must add that I will be experimenting all summer long on this one. == Must sacrifice in the name of research, no? == So here are my top three – so far: Pineapple Thyme Lemonade, Cucumber Dill Lemonade and Peach Ginger Lemonade. All refreshing.

The key to getting intense flavors into your lemonade is using freshly muddled fruit and herbs – the technique is hilariously demo’ed over at Chow.

I am not the only one who loves flavored lemonades. Check out some other food bloggers. These lemony drinks are easy enough for kids to make. Or, they can be fancied up for guests with fruit ice cubes.Smoked and Salted Lemonades? Why not? Must try Basil and Mint Lemonade next. I’m also craving sparkling Rosemary Ginger Lemonade.”