Have you ever heard of a "Squash" drink? No, it has nothing to do with a pumpkin smoothie.
This is a refreshing alcohol free bubbly citrus drink.
Traditionally it is a Lemon Squash, and Martha Stewart has a recipe for a Lime Squash. But, why stop at just one citrus fruit when you can mix your favorites for a Citrus Squash.
Basically, a Lemon Squash drink is a cross between lemonade and infused water. Nice citrus flavor with a hint of sweetness, but not as strong as lemonade.
Combining with seltzer or club soda makes a great alternative to sugary soda. Great for kids as well as a refreshing mocktail for adults that want a non-alcoholic beverage. Or make a grown up version.
From my vast Internet research (about 5 minutes on Google), Lemon Squash is a popular summer drink in Australia and India.
Lemon Squash in Phryne Fisher Mystery novels
I first read about this drink in The Castlemaine Murders by Kerry Greenwood. It is one of the delightful Phryne Fisher Mystery novels set in 1928 Australia. If you want to know more about the books and television series that have just made their way to the US head over to Munofore for my review.
In this book, Phryne is enjoying a Sherry Cobbler on a warm summer afternoon while Lin Chung has a Lemon Squash. I had to look both drinks up, because they aren't that popular in the US these days. Stay tuned, the Sherry Cobbler may be coming soon.
Ingredients for Citrus Squash
Use your favorite citrus fruits to make the syrup, either one fruit or a mix. This recipe calls for lemon, lime and orange. But, I have also used cocktail grapefruit (aka mandelo), tangerines, etc.
Originally, sugar was used which you are welcome to use. But, I went with stevia while Martha uses honey. The sweeter the citrus fruit the less sweetener you will need. Adjust it to your tastes
For serving mix it with seltzer, club soda or sparkling water for a nice bubbly drink.
There are several alcoholic lemon squash varieties on the market from Australia. To make adult drinks with the syrup, add some vodka and triple sec for a Lemon Drop Martini. Or skip the seltzer and add it to some bourbon with a splash of bitters.
More Citrus Recipes from #OurFamilyTable
From tart lemons to sweet tangerines there are so many varieties of citrus fruits. Join us in a citrus celebration and try some of these recipes:
Citrus Celebration!
- Blood Orange Margarita from Art of Natural Living
- Blood Orange Marmalade from Magical Ingredients
- Gin Gimlet from Karen's Kitchen Stories
- Lemon Chicken from Jen Around the World
- Meyer Lemon Poppyseed Cake from Hezzi-D's Recipe Box
- Tangerine Julius from Palatable Pastime
We share Recipes From Our Dinner Table! Join our group and share your recipes, too! While you're at it, join our Pinterest board, too!
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lime
- 1 lemon
- 1 orange
- ΒΌ cup stevia (sugar or sweetener of choice)
- 1 cup water
- ice (for serving)
- seltzer (club soda or sparkling water (for serving)
Instructions
- Remove zest from lime, half of lemon and half of the orange. Try to remove as little white part (pith) as possible.
- In a small saucepan, combine citrus peels, water and stevia (or other sweetener). Simmer on medium low heat for about 5 minutes.
- Squeeze the juice from the lime, Β½ orange and Β½ lemon. Try to get as much juice and pulp as you can. Reserve the remaining fruit for decorating the serving glasses.
- Remove any seeds from the juice and pour into a glass jar. Strain the zest mixture into the jar. Let cool.
- To serve: fill a cup with ice, add 1 to 2 ounce of citrus squash and fill the glass with seltzer. Garnish with lemon or orange wedge.
Sound fabulous? Share it!
Until next time, happy eating!
~Audrey
Easy Peasy Life Matters
Sounds delicious! So refreshing on a hot summer day π Thanks so much for hosting!
GiGi Eats
Looks like UTTER perfection to me! THIS is my kind of drink!! YAY for Stevia and seltzer!