Hey there Reader!

We took the plunge and bought an above ground pool, and it is supposed to go in this weekend.

We are all so excited!

It has already been a bit of an ordeal though, because we have to level out the ground where it is going to go. Theron thought he could do it by hand last weekend, but after realizing there is about an 18 inch difference from one side to the other, that plan changed pretty quickly.

And since we live on the mountain, we do not just have rocks.

We have boulders.

Everywhere.

So we decided the best way to get the pool in within a reasonable amount of time, as in this year 😂, was to rent a skid steer and do the digging that way. That is what is on the agenda this weekend, and hopefully by the end of it, we will be a little closer to having a place to cool off.

With that said, I know some of you probably already have pools and have been enjoying them, or maybe you are just spending more time outside in the garden, on the porch, or around the yard.

So I thought I would do something a little different this week and share a roundup of refreshing homemade drinks for hot summer days.

​Easy Lacto Fermented Strawberry Lemonade Recipe​

This fermented strawberry lemonade is such a fun summer drink. It is made with fresh strawberries and lemon, and it has a lightly fizzy, refreshing taste that feels perfect for this time of year.

​How to Make Lacto Fermented Lemonade, Probiotic Soda​

If you want the classic version, this lacto-fermented lemonade is a good one to try. It has that bright lemon flavor and makes a homemade probiotic-style soda without needing anything fancy.

Both of the fermented lemonade recipes use whey from yogurt to help get the fermentation going. You can use whey strained from store-bought plain yogurt with live active cultures, or you can use whey from homemade yogurt if you make your own.

​How to Make a Fermented Ginger Bug From Scratch​

A ginger bug is a great thing to learn if you want to make naturally fermented sodas at home. Once you have it going, you can use it as a starter for all kinds of homemade fizzy drinks.

​Old-Fashioned Haymaker’s Punch Recipe, How to Make Switchel at Home​

Haymaker’s punch, also called switchel, is one of those old-fashioned recipes that just makes sense in the summer. It was traditionally made for hot work days and is a simple drink made with ingredients like water, vinegar, ginger, and sweetener.

​How to Make Kombucha at Home, Easy Homemade Kombucha Recipe​

And if you have ever wanted to try making kombucha at home, this recipe walks you through the process. I literally have 7 gallons of kombucha going constantly because we all drink it daily. Yes, we drink a lot!I love the energy it gives me and how I feel when I drink it. Once you get into the habit, it is such a good one to keep going and have ready in the fridge.

I love recipes like these because they are simple, practical, and feel a little more special than just grabbing something from the store.

Whether you are sitting by the pool, working in the garden, or just trying to keep something cold in the fridge, I hope one of these gives you something refreshing to try this week.

If you try any of these recipes, tag me on Instagram @idiesfarm. I would love to see what you make!

From my kitchen to yours,

Stephanie
Idie's Farm

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