The fondest memories of my childhood have always been Sunday dinners at my grandparents’ home. When I think back to those times I’m reminded of my grandfather’s smile, his sense of humor, and his lemonade. We would all gather on the front porch after those hearty meals, still sipping from our glasses. Neighbors would often come by to chat, but we knew it was for a taste of that homemade lemonade. We all loved my grandfather Buddy and he left this world too early. No one in the family ever knew his secret to such a refreshing drink, but over the years I’ve tried to copy it. Now that I’ve become a wife and mother, we’ve started a tradition of “Family Day” once a month. Whenever it’s our month to host, or anyone else’s month for that matter, the family wants my lemonade. While I’m sure there are some variations from my grandfather’s lemonade, it always reminds me of him, and I love making it as much as I enjoy drinking it.
3 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 12 lemons and pulp)
½ pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
12 cups water
4 to 5 cups granulated sugar
Pour the lemon juice into a large pitcher. In a blender purée the strawberries. Add the water to the strawberries and pour this mixture into the pitcher. Add the sugar and stir until it dissolves. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving.
YIELD: 10 TO 12 SERVINGS
Sherrie Sommerville
Decatur, Georgia