Sparkling Meyer Lemonade

Nothing says "Hello Summer" like homemade Lemonade. Make it even more refreshing by adding a bit of sparkle and then a big dose of chicness when you sub meyer lemons for regular ones. 
This recipe requires less sugar than you would normally need for lemonade since the meyer lemons are sweeter than regular lemons. Meyer lemons originated in China and were introduced to the United States in 1908. They are a cross between a true lemon and either a mandarin or common orange. 
Sparkling Meyer Lemonade  makes 2 quarts 

Ingredients 

3 cups fresh meyer lemon juice (about 15 meyer lemons)

1 cup sugar 

1 cup water 

1 liter sparkling water 

Method 

1. First you are going to want to make a simple syrup. Place 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan and boil until sugar is dissolved and mixture is slightly thickened. Turn off heat and let cool while you juice your lemons. 

2. Juice your meyer lemons and strain. Add simple syrup to juice. Chill mixture. I store this mixture by itself and then add the chilled sparkling water right before serving (about 50/50 ratio). 

3. For hard lemonade, add a shot of your favorite vodka or limoncello. 

The official first day of summer is June 21st but you can get summer started early with a pitcher of this lemonade. Just add sunshine. Cheers!