Sparkling Apple Lemonade—pretty pink summer cooler

Sun-kissed sand, sparkling sea, bright beautiful days, golden warmth, umbrellaed drinks, and the scent of sweet blossoms.

We are headstrong into summer, ha.

The sun is shining, birds are singing, and everything seems more vibrant, more hopeful.

And on this beautiful Wednesday afternoon, I sit by the window sipping on a bottle of lemonade, soaking in the charms of the season, lost in profound thoughts of things to do.

There’s nothing like a sip of ice-cold lemonade on a hot summer day. Cool, refreshing lemonade.

And this one’s flavored with crisp pink apples. Oh sweet.

So when life hands you lemons, you know what to do—make pretty pink lemonade!

This delicious concoction of lemon juice and freshly pressed apple juice, topped off with sparkling water is an amazing thirst quencher. Bubbling with cool, sweet, and tangy flavors, it’s totally refreshing, and great for an afternoon cool-down.

Lemonade or limeade is a classic summertime drink. It is said that a small amount of lemon juice will quench thirst more effectively than many times the amount of water.

In India, you’ll find incredibly cooling fresh lime soda served everywhere from village truck-stops to roadside vendors in towns; and five star hotels as well. It is served with salt, or sugar, to suit your taste.

Lemon has many health benefits including strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers. Moreover, it is good for digestion. As for apples, they make your heart happy, and can help lower cholesterol.

This recipe is best made with crisp, unpeeled red or pink apples—they produce the most beautiful pink tinged drink. Bonus of adding apples? You don’t need artificial sugar or honey, the fruit is sweet enough on its own—good for you! For a stronger flavored drink, skip soda or sparkling water, and add fizz by serving through a soda maker.

So now, what’s stopping you from making this icy pink drink? It is a sure crowd pleaser and the perfect cooler for any summer party!

Sparkling Apple Lemonade

Ingredients

Serves 4

Prep: 10 min, plus chilling time

6 pink or red apples, cored, unpeeled, and cut into chunks

2 ½ tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (roughly 1 ½ lemons)

chilled sparkling water or club soda

½  lemon, thinly sliced crosswise, for garnish

Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish

Directions

Push the apples through a juicer. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher, pressing the foam with a spoon; discard solids. Tip in lemon slices and mint; stir in the lemon juice to stop discoloration. Chill until ready to serve.

To serve, top with sparkling water or club soda to taste; stir to combine. For extra fanfare, pour into an assortment of chilled glass bottles and serve with straws.

Now, if you don’t have a fresh juicer, not to worry. You can make the old-school version: boil apples in enough water to cover, and simmer until soft. Strain into a pitcher, pressing the pulp with a spoon; allow to cool. To serve, add lemon juice, sugar to taste, ice, and top with sparkling water. Cooked apple lemonade will be pale, unlike the ones mixed with freshly juiced apple.