Enjoy a refreshing and tangy glass of spiced lemonade anytime with this homemade concentrate recipe. The combination of zesty lemons, warm spices, and hint of sweetness make this drink a perfect thirst quencher for all seasons. Prepare this concentrate in advance and simply mix it with water whenever you crave a delicious glass of lemonade. With just a few simple steps, you can create a versatile concentrate that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for other beverages.
Ingredients
- 6 lemons
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups granulated sugar
Directions
- Wash the lemons thoroughly and slice them into thin rounds.
- In a large saucepan, combine the lemon slices, cloves, allspice berries, and cinnamon sticks.
- Add water to the saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 15-20 minutes, until the flavors infuse.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the liquid into a clean bowl, discarding the solids.
- Return the strained liquid to the saucepan and add sugar.
- Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and let the spiced lemonade mixture cool down.
- Once the concentrate is completely cooled, transfer it to airtight containers or glass jars.
- Store the concentrate in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- To serve spiced lemonade, mix 1 part concentrate with 3-4 parts water, depending on your preference.
- Stir well and add ice cubes before serving. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Spiced lemonade concentrate can also be used as a base for cocktails or mocktails.
You can customize the spice level in the concentrate by adjusting the amount of cloves and allspice.
Adding a sprig of fresh mint or a splash of sparkling water can elevate the flavor of your spiced lemonade.
This homemade concentrate is a great way to use up extra lemons and create a refreshing drink.