A while back we had a local food blogger potluck, and of course all the food was amazing. One of the things I really liked was a Meyer lemonade with vanilla. I have a stash of vanilla beans in my cupboard that I’m always wondering what to do with. Yes, a stash. If you’re still buying pricey one-off vanilla beans at the grocery store, get thee to eBay. I got a quarter pound of Tahitian vanilla beans for under 10 bucks. And a quarter pound is a dang good amount of vanilla.
With summer kicked off, I recreated the lemonade. This is my perfect lemonade – the stuff they sell in restaurants is usually too tart for me. Feel free to adjust the sugar levels to your liking, however.
Vanilla Lemonade
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 vanilla bean, split
8 lemons (yielding 1 cup juice)
Cold water to fill pitcher
In a small saucepan, bring water, sugar, and vanilla bean to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Press vanilla bean in order to let caviar escape. Cover and let cool.
Juice lemons, and pour into 2-quart pitcher. Add sugar mixture (including vanilla bean), then fill pitcher with cold water and stir to mix. Chill until ready to serve.
If your lemonade tastes slightly bitter, add a tiny pinch of salt to bring out the other flavors.
This sounds delish! I can’t wait to try it.
[Reply]
Sounds amazing! I made a marmalade a couple of months ago with Meyer lemons and vanilla beans… it’s definitely an amazing combination.
(PS – thanks for the eBay tip! I buy my vanilla at Costco, but it’s still pretty expensive by comparison to the deal you got.)
[Reply]
[...] Vanilla Lemonade | stetted [...]
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for the ebay mention!!
I’ve been hunting for vanilla beans everywhere lately and just couldn’t stomach the prices being asked! $12.49 for a _single_ bean pod? Are they crazy? Especially since I want to use one to flavor my hair rinse; I just couldn’t pay that much the way things are right now. Ebay, via You, to the rescue! You made my day.
And I can’t wait to try that lemonade, too! Yum.
[Reply]
Megan Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
You’re so welcome! I can’t remember who first told me about vanilla on eBay but I am so so thankful!
[Reply]
Though this sounds divine, i’m afraid it isnt that unique…. my carribean mother has been making this for DECADES along with several carribean restaurants that sell freshly squuezed lemon/lime juices.. only difference is that instead of using vanilla beans, we simply add a touch of PURE vanilla extract..funny how i never thought of it as “vanilla lemonade”. lol. it was always just my mother’s special touch
[Reply]
Megan Reply:
June 18th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
@djreamer
I definitely didn’t think this was unique (aside from “unique” being an absolute modifier) as I stated that I re-created it from a time I had it elsewhere! It’s still rather uncommon in the U.S. however, considering many people get their “lemonade” from a powdered mix. Thanks for your comment!
[Reply]
[...] the intriguing flavor combinations list is this vanilla lemonade. I’ve been on a homemade lemonade kick, and while I’m drawn to the refreshing taste [...]