Tuscan lemonade

While I realize this is my second drink recipe in one week, I was extremely excited to share this one since its crisp refreshing taste holds a bit of sentiment. Right after Paul and I were engaged, we threw a little informal engagement party full of friends, food, and lots of sparkling, summertime drinks. I made Tuscan Lemonade from scratch and even after picking my mom's lemon tree down to it's twiggy branches and squeezing two pitchers of fresh lemonade, I knew the hard work was going to be better than any pre-mixed variety. The fresh juice is blended with limoncello, citrus vodka, and thyme simple syrup to make a rather dangerously drinkable cocktail. A few weeks ago I made this to bring along to a friend's bbq and while I didn't ravage any lemon trees in the process, the summer flavors instantly reminded me of our pre-wedding celebration.



Tuscan Lemonade: Makes 1 pitcher
Juice of 20 lemons
16 oz. citrus vodka
6 oz. Limoncello
8 oz. water
Thyme simple syrup to taste (recipe below)

- To make the simple syrup: Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat, add 1 handful of fresh thyme, and cover with lid. The longer this sits, the stronger the thyme flavor will be (overnight is best)

- Combine lemon juice, vodka, limoncello, and water in pitcher and let refrigerate (overnight or a few hours).

- Add simple syrup until desired sweetness and thyme flavor is reached. Serve over ice.