Need a front porch-sipping drink that’s sure to please? Try this delicious, fresh squeezed lemonade. You really cannot beat lemonade that’s fresh like this, and sure, the mixes are quicker – but they’re definitely not better. And if you’re looking for a cook cocktail to enjoy, this rosemary gimlet is a classic. The rosemary simple syrup adds a wonderful flavor, and it’s oh so fragrant. 

Cheers, DCL readers! Bon appétit! 

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (5-7 lemons) 

1 1/4 cup extra-fine sugar 

4 cups water, divided 

1 cup ice. 

Put lemon juice, sugar, ice, and 2 cups of water in a blender. Blend until smooth. 

Pour in pitcher, along with the remaining water. Stir. Serve over ice. 

Rosemary Gimlet

2 oz gin 

1/2 oz fresh squeezed lime juice 

1 oz rosemary simple syrup (recipe below) 

Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass, and garnish with a rosemary sprig. 

Simple Syrup 

1 cup water 

1 cup white sugar 

2 rosemary sprigs 

In a small sauce pan, bring water and sugar to a boil, stirring until dissolved, remove from heat and place rosemary in sauce pan. Let sit for 1-2 hours, remove rosemary, and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

Amy Poore is a Tuscaloosa mom, a wife, and a foodie. To see more of Amy's delicious recipes, visit her blog, Poore Amy, at pooreamy.com.