Strawberry Lemonade

It's a sizzling summer here in California. It's time to make lemonade to cool off on hot summer days. Strawberries are in bounty and it pairs well with lemon. Adding bit of salt gives this drink a distinctive taste. This is one of our favorite tangy sweet summer drinks made with fresh organic strawberry, lemon juice and raw sugar, just pure and simple. I love to serve this fantastic drink in a salty sugar rimmed glass. 

 Organic Strawberries from the Farmers' Market

                                                
             Love its earthy color and flavor.

                              Life's simple pleasure!

Ingredients~

1/2 lb fresh strawberry(preferably organic), cut into small pieces
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/8 tsp Himalayan pink salt 

1/2 cup raw sugar or to taste
4 cups cold water
1 cup crushed ice
Lemon slices,strawberry slices and mint for garnishing 
1 lemon wedge
1tbsp extra sugar and pinch of Himalayan pink salt to rim the glasses
   
Method~

First, blend together strawberry, sugar and salt with two cups of water until smooth. You can strain the pulp through the strainer. I like to keep the pulp for extra fiber. Stir well together strawberry puree, lemon juice, two cups of water, crushed ice in a large pitcher. Adjust sweetness level as per taste. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.  Place glasses in the refrigerator to chill for a while. Rub a lemon wedge around the rim. Mix sugar and salt in a bowl. I have used organic granulated sugar. Dip the rim in the sugar salt mixture. Pour chilled drink into the rimmed glass and garnish with strawberry slices, lemon slices and mint leaves(optional). Makes 4-5 servings. Enjoy !!
  
Note~You can easily replace lime juice for lemon juice. Make this drink a couple of days ahead for a big crowd. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator. Sometimes I make with frozen strawberries. It tastes great.