Strawberry Ginger Lemonade

As Summer approaches, I've been getting ready to up my 'refreshing beverage' game by trying out some new recipes. I love how this strawberry ginger lemonade came out. I chose not to strain it, which made it almost like a lemonade latte, with fun bubbly strawberry foam on top. YUM!!

Now let's get to the how-to on the real way to make friends and influence people... by giving them yummy stuff. ;)

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Check out some of my other summer beverage instructables:

Flavored Water Recipes
Watermelon Margaritas (made and served in mini watermelons!)
Lava Flow Cocktail
Watermelon Mojito Slushie
Cucumber Mint Cooler in Edible Cucumber Cups

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Recipe

2 heaping cups of fresh organic strawberries, with cores removed
3 cups water
1-3 inches of fresh ginger root
1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice (4-5 lemons, depending on size)
1/2 cup of sweetener (sugar, honey, agave nectar, maple syrup, OR any combo of these)
slices of lemon and ginger to garnish
ice

Tools

blender
citrus juicer
measuring cup
small strainer
cutting board
chef's knife
paring knife
serving jug
serving glasses
fun straws

Wash the strawberries. Then using a paring knife, carefully remove the cores, as pictured.

Using a citrus juicer*, prepare the 1 1/2 cups of lemon juice.

TIP: To get the maximum amount of juice out of each lemon, roll them back and forth under your palm while pressing down.

*To see all the different ways to juice lemons, visit my 'How To Juice A Lemon' instructable.

Put a 1-3* inch piece of fresh ginger root into the blender and add the 3 cups of water.

Blend well.

Pour the mixture through a strainer into a pouring vessel, using the back of a spoon to push all the juice through, and set aside.

*The ginger adds a pretty strong bite, so choose the amount you put in based on how strong you think you'll want that ginger bite to be.

In the blender, add the strawberries, lemon juice, and sweetener.

Blend Well.

Add the ginger juice and blend again until you get a nice froth going.

I chose to leave the froth because I liked how it made my lemonade more of a 'latte', but if you'd prefer just the classic, clear style lemonade, simply strain the mix as you pour it into your serving jug.

Cut some thin slices of lemon and ginger for garnish. (I *carefully* cut my ginger the flat way so I'd end up with wild, coral-y looking pieces, but feel free to cut them however you'd like!)

Add one of each to the edge of the serving glasses, add some ice, and pour away!

I find drinking these (as with most things) is best while sitting next to a body of water, so whether it's the ocean, a lake, a winding river, or a kiddy pool, I guarantee it will really turn up the enjoyment volume!

Happy almost summer you guys!