How to make refreshing, summer-ready raspberry lemonade

A fruity raspberry lemonade is perfect for serving at picnics, bridal showers, birthday parties or any other occasion that calls for a refreshing, extra-special touch. Here's how to make this delicious summer-ready beverage.

Yield: 8 servings

• 7 large lemons
• 1 cup of fresh raspberries, mashed
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of cold water

1. First, reserve about one-quarter cup of the sugar and set aside. Pour the rest of the sugar into a medium saucepan and add a cup of water. Stir this mixture and boil it until the sugar is dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat to let the mixture cool.
2. Pour the one-quarter cup of sugar that had been set aside over the mashed berries. Let the mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the sugar sink into the raspberries.
3. In the meantime, cut six lemons in half and squeeze to extract the juice. The seventh lemon should be cut into slices and set aside for garnish later. Strain the lemon juice to get rid of any seeds or pulp. Pour the strained juice into a two-quart pitcher.
4. Before adding the raspberry mixture, be sure to push it through a strainer to catch the tiny raspberry seeds. Then pour the raspberry juice into the pitcher and mix with the lemon mixture.
5. Pour the sugar water into the pitcher and fill the rest of it with regular water. Stir completely and refrigerate until ready to serve.

For larger crowds, make a gallon of the raspberry lemonade by simply doubling the ingredients of the recipe. It will yield 16 servings.

• For a special twist to the recipe, you can add lemon-lime soda, sparkling water, club soda or ginger ale.
• The lemonade may be served in individual glasses garnished with whole raspberries and fresh lemon slices.
• The raspberry lemonade also makes a delicious beverage for a party and may be served in a punch bowl with an ice ring mould, fresh raspberries and fresh lemon slices.
• If raspberries aren't a favourite with your guests, you can substitute with another fruit, such as strawberries.