MAKE IT CUTE

 

What you’ll need:

• 2 vanilla beans
• 2 cups sugar
• 8 cups water, divided
• 3 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice 

What you’ll do:

1. Cut the vanilla beans down the center and scrape out the seeds using the dull side of a knife. Then, place both the seeds and bean pods into a large saucepan on a stove.

2. Add sugar and only 2 cups of water to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up seeds. 

3. Remove pan from heat and let it cool at room temperature. 

4. Once chilled, add the lemon juice to about 2 ½ cups of the vanilla syrup you just made. Next, add the remaining 6 cups of water. Sample the lemonade and adjust to your liking, adding a pinch of salt or mint leaves for garnish.

5. Strain the mixture into a large pitcher and serve with plenty of ice. Makes 10-12 cups. 

Photo credit: food52.com    

What's your favorite thing to sip in the summer heat? How are you cooling down in this heat wave? Let us know below!

by Kelly Myslinski | 2/1/2016