The warm days are supposed to be here, but we have been practically under constant rain for the past two weeks, with a rather cool and wet summer feeling that is starting to get dull. The United States, au contraire, is grappling with the undeniable reality of increasing temperatures, a consequence of climate change that is reshaping the nation’s landscape. From scorching heat waves to rising sea levels, the impacts of these soaring temperatures are becoming more pronounced and impossible to ignore. While it remains a hot topic, climate change is very much changing out environments in very different ways. Regardless of what’s going on outside with the weather, it’s always important to keep our bodies hydrated on the inside!  Winter isn’t so demanding, but once the temperatures start to rise, our bodies begin to sweat again – yay!  Which only makes it extra important to have the right amount of liquid intake.

For the Strawberry Lemonade

• 1-1/2 cups of strawberries, chopped
• 1 cup of boiling water
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of lemon juice
• 4 cups of water

Puree the strawberries in a food processor or blender until smooth.  Remove and strain through a fine-mesh sieve if desired, or you can leave the seeds and pulp in.  I happened to do half-and-half, a little texture is always yummy!

In a separate bowl, stir together the boiling water and sugar.  Allow the boiling water to cool for a bit.  Pour the cooled water & sugar mix into a pitcher and add in the rest of the water.  Next, strain the strawberry mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any seeds or pulp. Transfer this strained liquid to the pitcher and add in the lemon juice, and ice to dilute the mixture to your desired strength. You can also customize your strawberry lemonade by adding in other flavors or ingredients, such as fresh herbs like mint or basil, or sparkling water for some fizz. Serve with ice & enjoy the summer!

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On a warm summer day, few things are as refreshing and invigorating as a chilled glass of strawberry lemonade. This delightful concoction combines the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries with the zesty tang of freshly squeezed lemons, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on the taste buds.

Crafted with care, each glass of strawberry lemonade begins with plump, juicy strawberries, handpicked at the peak of their ripeness. Their vibrant red hue hints at the explosion of flavor to come. As they’re blended into a luscious puree, their innate sweetness infuses the drink, making it a true embodiment of summer’s bounty.

The star of the show, the humble lemon, steps in with its zingy charisma. Squeezed to perfection, its tangy juice adds a bright and invigorating element that balances the sweetness of the strawberries. It’s this harmonious interplay between sweet and tangy that gives strawberry lemonade its irresistible allure.

A touch of sugar or honey is added, not to overpower the natural sweetness of the strawberries, but to enhance and harmonize the flavors. The concoction is then expertly mixed with icy-cold water, resulting in a drink that quenches thirst and revitalizes the senses with each sip.

Garnished with a slice of lemon and a plump strawberry, a glass of strawberry lemonade is not just a beverage; it’s a sensory experience. Its vivid colors evoke memories of sunny days and carefree moments, while its vibrant flavors transport the taste buds to a world of pure delight.

Whether enjoyed at picnics, barbecues, or lazy afternoons on the porch, strawberry lemonade is more than a drink – it’s a celebration of summer’s bounty, a sip of joy, and a reminder of the simple pleasures that make life truly delicious. So, as the ice cubes clink and the flavors meld, raise a glass of strawberry lemonade and savor the harmony of nature’s sweetness and the zest of life itself.