Spiked Lemonade

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES+CHILLING
YIELDS: 8 SERVINGS

Here’s the ideal way to beat the summer heat: meet Spiked lemonade! Lemonade is a classic summertime sipper, but one way to make this beloved beverage even more fun is a little splash of booze.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2- ¼ cups sugar
• 5 cups water, divided
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
• 1- ¾ cups lemon juice
• 1 cup light rum or vodka
• 6 to 8 cups ice cubes

Garnish:
Lemon slices

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, 1 cup water and lemon zest. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in lemon juice and remaining water. Pour into a 2-qt. pitcher; refrigerate until chilled.
2. Stir in rum. For each serving, place 3/4 to 1 cup ice in a Collins or highball glass. Pour lemonade mixture into glass. Garnish with lemon slices as desired.