May 16, 2012

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.

42 comments:

  1. Wow..what pretty pictures..got lost in scrolling up and down enjoying each one! And the drink looks just perfect to beat the heat. Gorgeous..the pictures, drink and the post.

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  2. Refreshing drink... lovely clicks .. but one too many !!!!!

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  3. Nash, just the pics look so refreshing. Makes me want to reach out and take a bottle!

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  4. Stunning clicks.... Can't take out my eyes from the pictures.

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  5. I really admire your patience buddy...you rock...you have an eye for photography......love the way u play with props....drink looks extremely yum....

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  6. Beautiful shots that capture the light and essence of summer.

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  7. Wow Nash, these pics are a real treat and toooo tempting...perfect for the weather too.

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  8. Looks so tempting and those bottles look simply adorable..

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  9. Just seeing the pics are perfectly refreshing for me :)

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  10. Oh this drink looks so yummy and so full of flavour. You presentation and photography is mind blowing as always :)

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  11. wow! even the pictures look delicious.!!

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  12. Super gorgeous pic as always!!

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  13. Mmmmmm, refreshing! Cute food styling, I like your assortment of bottles and that little label!

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  14. Wowww wow wow......fabulous.

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  15. Oh my....So admire these gorgeous clicks!!! And loved the bottle too... :)
    Prathima Rao
    Prats Corner

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  16. beautiful pics. Love them all. As for the lemonade....... Its out of this world.

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  17. Refreshing and yummy,looks superb beautiful pictures and love those cute bottles.

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  18. Very delicious and refreshing looking lemonade.

    Deepa

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  19. such pretty pictures Nash. love the recipe and that gorgeous colour.

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  20. Can learn so much from your photos that you have posted.

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  21. Wowwwwwwwwww....Super pics & drink...refreshing to look at..Lovely presentation in bottles..

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  22. Very refreshing drink...too pretty pictures...great presentation!!
    Spicy Treats

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  23. Marvellous clicks, seriously cant take my eyes from ur apple lemonade,super refreshing drink.

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  24. Lemonade is still my favorite summer drink and I love your version with apples :) Beautiful pictures. What are those flowers,never seen before

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  25. Stunning pics . Never had this combo

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  26. Now I am thirsty! Great combination. Looks so refreshing!

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  27. Hi,
    The post is beautiful..visually as well as the flavor combination of the drink. Thanks for sharing :)

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  28. you have got an amazing blog with great photography! loved your creative style of writing and recipes too :)

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  29. I only wish I have 2% of your patience when it comes to styling! Beautiful shots as always. Summer showers have cooled bangalore enough to crave soups but this drink is surely making me thirsty.

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  30. such amamzing glassware you have and the styling is beautiful! Summer is all about drinks and these days I am making more fruit juices and smoothies than any thing else :)

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  31. Love to have this when we head to the beach or when the kids hold their annual garage sale for the deaf kids foundation. This will be a real treat. Thanks for sharing.

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  32. thanks for linking this in. It is such a beautiful post that I have Stumbled it as well. Have a great week.

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A million thank you's for stopping by, taking the time to connect, and coming back to visit again. I genuinely appreciate each of your kind thoughts, lovely words, love and support. Happy, happy to hear from you, and hope to see you again!

♥ Nashi