Sublime Ginger Lemonade

Our home has no air conditioning. Living in the mountains as we do, this generally poses no problem. That said, on especially humid days, or days that incur a good deal of physical labor, or even just days when this preggers lady needs something cold and refreshing and zesty and needs it stat, nothing beats Hubs's Ginger Lemonade. Zippy and zingy and puckery and sweet and perfect in all the right ways, this lemonade puts the kibosh on whatever ails you. From our home to yours, I seriously encourage you to incorporate it into your hot weather beverage repertoire, a.c. or no a.c.

Sublime Ginger Lemonade

The Goods:

-Juice and pulp of 5-6 lemons, with the seeds strained out
-3/4 c. sugar
-1/4 c. sourwood honey (or whatever kind you like)
-1 Tbsp. minced ginger

-Water and ice
-Lemon peel for garnish

The Deal:
-To 4 c. cold water, add the sugar and ginger.
-Microwave on full power for three minutes*.
-Stir, and microwave for two more minutes.
-Remove from microwave, and stir in the honey.
-Let the hot mixture cool for a couple minutes.
-Meanwhile, juice lemons and strain seeds.
-Strain the hot liquid (to remove the ginger) into a large pitcher.
-Add the lemon juice (including the pulp if desired).
-Fill the pitcher about 2/3rds the way up with ice; stir.
-Fill the rest of the way up with cold water; stir.
-Serve with a little curl of lemon peel garnish, if desired.

*Alternatively, you can heat a few cups of water in a teapot, stir in the sugar and honey, and steep the ginger in the mixture for a few minutes.