Three homemade lemonade recipes to beat the summer heat

Delicious, homemade lemonades are simply inviting to drink. Preparing them at home is very easy, and the drinks have far better ingredients than store-bought ones. Fans of classic flavours, fruity mixes, and something completely new will be delighted. Lemon, watermelon, and cucumber lemonade will quickly win over fans of all ages.

Hydration is important all year round, but we should pay special attention to it in the summer. Although water is the best, it's worth indulging in a delicious and healthy alternative: homemade lemonades. Their taste invites you to drink them, making the heat less daunting. Store-bought drinks often have poor ingredients, with sugar and flavourings topping the list. However, homemade lemonade is worth grabbing.

Preparing homemade lemonades is simple. The lemon classic is the most popular, but I reach for other flavours too. Watermelon lemonade will be a hit with children, and the combination of cucumber and citrus provides the refreshing boost we're looking for during hot weather.

Ingredients:

Cucumber lemonade:

• 400 mL (1½ cups) of sparkling water,
• 2 green cucumbers,
• 2 lemons,
• 1 lime,
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar,
• fresh basil,
• ice cubes.

Watermelon lemonade:

• 200 mL (¾ cup) of sparkling water,
• ¼ watermelon,
• 2 lemons,
• fresh mint,
• ice cubes.

Lemon lemonade:

• 4 lemons,
• ¼ cup of sugar,
• 400 mL (1½ cups) of sparkling water,
• fresh mint,
• ice cubes.

Preparation method:

Cucumber lemonade: Peel the cucumbers, lemons, and lime, and blend them. In a carafe or jug, put the brown sugar, squeeze the juice of half a lemon, and add fresh basil. Mix and crush the basil leaves.

Pour the blended cucumbers and citrus through a fine sieve into the jug with basil, then top up with sparkling water. Leave to chill.

Watermelon lemonade: Cut the watermelon into smaller pieces, removing the seeds. Put into the blender and blend with the peeled lemon. Strain through a sieve.

Pour into a jug or carafe and top up with sparkling water. Add mint and refrigerate.

Lemon lemonade: Peel the lemons, blend, and strain through a sieve. Pour into a jug and top up with sparkling water. Sweeten with sugar and refrigerate.

Pour the ready lemonades into glasses, adding ice as well. Homemade lemonade is now ready. Enjoy!