Fresh and Spicy Lemonade (Real Food, Paleo)

Now that the weather has been warming up here in the desert, all I can think about is making fun drinks so that all of us stay well hydrated. And this drink does the trick, besides making me want to be back at the lake - like yesterday!

As is, this is great for the family, providing they can stand a little heat - however, I suggest starting off with 1/2 a jalapeno pepper when serving to sensitive palates and then maybe adding more sliced peppers another time, if needed.

This recipe calls for honey but a different sweetener may be used, with some change in flavor and tartness. I tend to like my beverages on the tart side, so taste the mixture before refrigerating to make sure the lemonade is as sweet (or tart) as you like it - adding extra sweetener if needed.

And I think it goes without saying that this drink would be absolutely delicious with the addition of a little bourbon or vodka, if you are so inclined!

Fresh and Spicy Lemonade

6 1/2 cups water, divided
1/2 cup honey (more or less, to taste)
3/4 cups fresh lemon juice (bottled will not taste the same)
1/2 to 1-2 fresh jalapenos, stemmed and sliced into rounds

In a small saucepan placed over medium heat, add the honey and only 1/2 cup of the water. Gently heat until the honey is dissolved in the water (about 2-3 minutes). Set aside to cool.

In a pitcher, combine the remaining water, fresh lemon juice and sliced jalapenos. Stir well and refrigerate about *1-2 hours. Serve over ice, straining out the jalapenos rounds, if desired.

*Note: the longer it refrigerates, the hotter the lemonade may get so use caution if tasting/serving after 2+ hours of refrigeration.

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