Grilled lemons take this drink up a notch

Smoked lemonade … it’s a thing.

This Heartland Weekend we’re quoting comedian Ron White:

“I believe when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade…and try to find someone whose life has given them vodka, and have a party.” 

That’s because we discovered a new drink thanks to Curtis Nations, a pitmaster for Traeger Grills. He combines both lemonade and vodka but takes this “party” one step further by grilling the lemons first.

• See also: Watermelon Margarita: Perfect for Summer

It adds a lightly caramelized flavor to the classic drink.

Trust us, you’ll want to sip on smoked lemonade all summer long.

Nations showed us how to make the concoction during a shop class at Ken’s Ace Hardware in Jackson, Missouri and even shared the recipe.

Ingredients

1/2 cup Turbinado sugar
16 lemons, halved
3 cups simple syrup
3 cups water
1 cup Tito’s vodka
ice
lemon slices for garnish

Directions

Pre-heat grill to 400 degrees F.
Cut the lemons into halves.
Dip the lemon halves (cut-side down) into the sugar.
Place lemons, cut-side down, directly on the grill grate.
Remove lemons after 10 minutes, or until lightly charred.
Juice lemons through a sieve to catch the seeds and pulp.
Combine the juice with simple syrup and water.
Stir to combine.
Add some ice and garnish with lemon.

BONUS: Nations says you can grill strawberries or watermelon the same way to add even more flavor to your lemonade.