Squeeze the Day: Lemonade Like You've Never Had It!
Liquid sunshine on ice, the first sip of lemonade is filled with nostalgic memories of summertime and childhood. Sweet or tart, yellow, pink (or even blue) nothing satisfies on a warm day like an ice-cold glass of lemonade. While the classic will never go out of style, Cortland County has put a spin on the summer staple and infused it with colors, flavors, and textures like never before! Here a just a few of our favorites.
No, you're eyes aren't deceiving you, Coffee Manina's lemonade has a serious case of the blues! This delicious lotus-infused concoction will give you the boost you need to get through your midday hump. Lotus is a plant-based energy source containing naturally occurring caffeine, the equivalent of a small cup of coffee. If lemon isn't your thing, Cafe Mania is also offering a lotus lime soda, for a limited time.
Sinfully Sweet has taken strawberry lemonade to eye-popping new levels! This lemonade comes equipped with a special straw to catch the globes of strawberry goodness swimming at the bottom of your glass. You can't help but giggle when the bubbles burst in your mouth gushing with flavor.
Sinfully Sweet Cafe
17 S. Main St. Homer
Website
POMTEA LEMONADE
BRU 64 has elevated the simple Arnold Palmer to new heights. Mixing equal parts lemonade and house-brewed pomegranate iced tea, this ruby beverage is beyond refreshing. Pomegrant tea has been shown to lower blood pressure, so this lemonade isn't just delicious, it's good for your heart too!
BRU 64
64 Main St. Cortland
Website
Brain Freeze! Just the word makes us put our tounges on the roof of our mouth and squint. Nonetheless, it won't stop us from slurping up Shipwreck Amusements take on this childhood classic. Try this tart then sweet, lemon-lime, icy, ambrosia poured over some vanilla soft serve for the ultimate summer treat.
Shipwreck Amusements
759 NY-13, Cortland
Website
The bartenders at Rex's Pasta have honed this time-honored tradition into an artform. Nothing beats fresh-squeezed lemonade, made to order. Want to zhuzh it up? Rex promises "tell us what you're hankering for and we'll hank it for ya." The sky's the limit so let your imagination run wild.
Rex's Pasta
1098 St. Rt. 222, Cortland
Website
Pinkies up! Finger Lakes Tasting & Tap Room has put lemonade in a wine glass! A surprising blend of sparkling peach chardonnay and lemonade makes for a scrumptiously sophisticated take on the tangy classic. Careful, this delicious delicacy has a way of disappearing.
Finger Lakes Tasting & Tap Room
31 Main St, Cortland
Website
What's better than sipping a sugar-rimmed raspberry lemonade in the sun? When they ad Barcardi Limon to it, of course! Hobo's is bringing the party, with this refreshing fan favorite. Paired with a burger and fries, it's all the ingredients for a quintessential summer meal with friends.
Hobo's 281 Bar & Grill
10 S. West St, Homer
Website
Slushies aren't just for the kids anymore. Cortland Beer Co. is serving up vodka lemonade slushies. Pair one with some sunshine and snacks from their new food truck and you'll quickly remember there are still some perks to being a grown-up.
Cortland Beer Co.
16 Court St, Cortland
Website
DIY LEMONADE
Cortland County farms and markets are flush with strawberries right now. Buy a basket and try your hand at making your own lemonade at home, following this simple recipe.
Sparkling Strawberry Mint Lemonade Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, stems removed
- 6 medium lemons
- 1/2 cup local honey
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 sprigs of fresh mint (optional)
- 1 liter seltzer, chilled
Step 1: Make honey mint syrup by adding water, honey, and mint to a small saucepan. Heat to a simmer, stirring until honey is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and leave to cool (15-20 minutes).
Step 2: Using a mortar and pestle, or the back of a fork, crush the fresh strawberries.
Step 3: Juice the lemons, collecting 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Slice the remaining lemons into 1/4' rounds.
Step 4: Remove wilted mint from the simple syrup and pour it into a pitcher. Add lemon juice and strawberries, stiring well.
Step 5: Pour seltzer/soda water over the mixture and stir carefully to combine. Serve immediately over ice with lemon rounds and mint for garnish.
If you wish to make this lemonade in advance, do not add seltzer until ready to serve. Simple stop after step 4 and refrigerate until need. Will keep in the fridge for 3 days.
For a list of Cortland County farmer's markets and stands click here>
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