Candied Rind Lemonade Syrup

One of my most favorite beverages is lemonade. Organic. Lemon. Sugar. Water. That's how I like it! I hate buying lemonade and it tastes like lemon scented toilet cleaner smells. ECK!!!! Tonight, I made my hubby some candied rind lemonade. It's super easy and possibly the best tasting lemonade EVER! Don't worry about the white of the lemon rind making the syrup bitter. Cooking it down with mellow the bitterness and give an added element of flavor with a carmelized, deep, lemon undertone to contrast the acidity of the fresh citrus and sweetness of the sugar.

The best thing about summer, would be the abundance of fresh produce, fruits and veg, that are widely available and bursting with flavor during their natural season. I love lemonade anytime and it's a bummer when my FAVORITE season (winter) hits. This recipe is such a life saver in that regard! It's syrup! ...hello... Every glass made is fresh, crisp, and mixed to perfection. I jarred my syrup in an old Thomy Senf jar. Isn't it pretty??? And boy is it- YUM!

To start you will need-
1. 6 large washed lemons
2. 2 cups white sugar
3. zester
4. sauce pan
5. TBS of h2o

First, cut 5 lemons in half.....

Second, squeeze, and strain lemon juice into bowl.

Then cut the remaining lemon into thin slices.

Turn burner on medium low heat and arrange slice neatly in pan. Sprinkle 1 TBS of sugar over the slices to add carmelization. Then add half the lemon juice and reduce.

Since we still want the acidity of the lemons to shine through in our lemonade, we don't want to cook all of the juice. Cooking it, simply removes all acid. Once the mixture has reduced, add the remaining juice and incorporate thoroughly.

to serve-
Combine syrup and water to your liking. (I'm 1 to 4 ratio kinda gal).Then drop a few rinds in a glass with some ice and add your beverage after a quick shake or two. You can also add some VODKA or sparkling white wine for a crisp and delicious adult beverage. Shoot- try coconut milk, a splash of lime and ginger beer and a zest of ginger for a coconut mint fizzy. Get crazy with it... It's all in good taste.