This is one of my all time favorite summer drinks.  The vanilla adds so much flavor to the tart and slightly sweet lemonade.  So easy to make and great for a picnic or BBQ, this refreshing cooler is a staple in our home!

Vanilla Bean Lemonade

• 8 cups of spring water
• 1/2 cup sugar (you can add up to 1 cup but I don't like mine too sweet)
• 1 tbs of honey
• 1 vanilla bean*, split (run a sharp knife along the side of the bean and spread it open) 
• juice of four or five lemons or store bought 100% lemon juice, do NOT use lemon juice from concentrate!)
• Lemon wedges, for garnish
• * you can find vanilla beans in the spice aisle of most grocery stores. They are with the spices towards the bottom because everything is usually laid out alphabetically.  I bought a little jar from Whole Foods which contained two beans.

In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, honey, split vanilla bean and water and bring to a simmer. Stir to dissolve all of the sugar. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool.

Stir in the lemon juice until thoroughly combined, then transfer to a pitcher. This makes about two quarts of lemonade so I like to store mine in a 1/2 gallon mason jar.  (I also leave about 4 or 5 slices of lemon in the mason jar to add more flavor over night).

After it has cooled, serve over some ice with some lemon slices and ENJOY!