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I was recently told that I make the best lemonade and Iced Tea. Seriously? Do these people ever drink things that aren’t bottled or doesn’t come from a mix? Since it’s BBQ and party season I decided to share my summer beverage recipes perfect for entertaining any group.

Three Gallon Beverage Dispensers

Three Gallon Beverage Dispensers

Lemonade: For every gallon of water, mix together 1 c. sugar and 1 c. lemon juice. You can either use fresh squeezed lemon juice or from the bottle, but never frozen or from a mix! If I squeeze fresh lemon juice, I leave the lemon halves in the pitcher. Most people prefer the juice from the bottle, with just a few lemons as garnish.

Limeade: For every gallon of water, mix together 1/2 c. sugar and 1 c. lime juice. You can either use fresh squeezed lime juice or from the bottle, but never frozen or from a mix! If I squeeze fresh lime juice, I leave the lime halves in the pitcher. Add light rum, vodka or tequila for an adult drink.

Iced Tea: For every gallon of water, use 10 tag bags (I always use Lipton) and 3/4 c. sugar. Bring about half of the water to a boil, add tea bags and allow to steap. Squeeze tea bags to remove extra fluid, and discard. Mix in sugar while tea is still hot, this will allow it to dissolve. Add a sprig or two of fresh mint and a splash of lemon juice if desired. Then add ice to fill pitcher or container and finish off with water.

Alcoholic Peach Iced Tea: For every gallon of water, use 10 tag bags, 1 c. peach schnapps (or more to your liking), 1 fresh sliced peach. Bring about half of the water to a boil, add tea bags and allow to steap. Squeeze tea bags to remove extra fluid, and discard. Add ice to fill pitcher or container, then peach slices and finish off with water.

Wine Spritzer: I use 1 gallon of rosé wine, two 2-liter bottles of citrus soda and fresh fruit (one chopped green apple or a pint of sliced strawberries). Fill pitcher halfway with ice and add fruit. Pour wine and soda on top.

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