DIY NATURAL LEMONADE–COOL, REFRESHING AND FUN

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As the summer heat intensifies, cool down with an all-natural lemonade recipe that puts a twist on a refreshingly sweet drink. This healthy recipe makes a pitcher of lemonade perfect for backyard barbecues, pool parties, lemonade stands or a relaxing evening on the porch. 

Watch our video to find out how to make this lemonade.

What you’ll need: (makes enough for one pitcher, about 8 cups)

• 2 organic lemons
• 10 organic strawberries
• 2 quarts of water
• Ice cubes
• Large pitcher
• Vinegar

Directions:

1. Soak the strawberries in a vinegar bath (1 part vinegar: 4 parts water) for ten minutes. This will clean them and will not leave an aftertaste.
2. Slice the strawberries in half, making sure to remove the stems.
3. Cut the lemons in even slices. Do not quarter them.
4. Place strawberries and lemons in pitcher. Fill with 2 quarts of water.
5. Place in refrigerator overnight. The flavor and nutrients of the fruit will infuse into the water. The result? Delicious, healthy strawberry lemonade—no sugar, no artificial sweeteners and no preservatives. Just a tasty, refreshing treat.

Tip: The fruit will last 48 hours. Just keep adding more water.

Recipe can easily be doubled, tripled or quadrupled to serve more people.

FOR KIDS

Now that you have a new lemonade recipe, why not build and bedazzle your very own lemonade stand?

LEMONADE STAND BASICS

• Have a plan−do you want to raise money for a local charity or fill up your piggy bank? People like to know how you’ll be spending your proceeds, so be ready to tell them. If you decide to give your lemonade away for free, consider having a donation jar out, just in case your customers are feeling generous.
• Select a location. Choose somewhere that has lots of people (hopefully thirsty!) and see if it’s OK to set up your stand. Your own front yard is usually the easiest spot.

Note: depending on where you set up your stand, you may have to get permits or permission first.

• Build your stand. Get started using something as simple as cardboard boxes or a folding table and cover with a tablecloth. You can get as detailed as you want with the many building ideas you’ll find online.
• Create a sign.  Use a chalk board or make your own out of foam board, stencils, markers and glitter. Attach to the stand and add other eye-catching creative decorations. 

FOR PARENTS

Let the young entrepreneurial spirit take root with the kids, as they serve all-natural lemonade to friends and neighbors! Help make the day a success by spreading the word ahead of time, so everyone can join in on the fun. Put up a poster, hand out flyers or post something on your neighborhood Facebook page to generate interest and excitement. Remind your budding business men and women that courtesy is king. Then sit back and enjoy the fruits of their labors −with a nice, cool glass of lemonade.

How do you cool off in the summer? Have you ever built a lemonade stand? We’d love to hear your story and tips in the comments section.