Limon is Spanish for Lime, and this simple recipe for limonada makes a refreshing thirst quencher on a hot day.

1/2 cup granulated sugar or more, to taste
1 1/2 cups freshly-squeezed lime juice
1 quart sparkling water

Beginning with the 1/2 cup sugar, add to the lime juice and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Add the sparkling water, stir and taste for sweetness; add more sugar if needed.
Pour over ice to serve.

1 1/4 cups (10 ounces) raspberry-cranberry juice frozen concentrate
3 cups (12 ounces) whole frozen raspberries
3/4 cup (6 ounces) limeade frozen concentrate
3/4 cup gold tequila
1/2 cup (4 ounces) Triple Sec orange liqueur
4 cups crushed ice
1 Mexican lime, sliced
Sugar

Combine all ingredients except lime and sugar in a blender and blend until slushy, adding more ice if necessary.

To prepare glasses, moisten rims with a lime slice and dip in a plate of sugar.
Fill glasses and garnish with lime wheel slices.

For a non-alcoholic version, omit tequila and replace Triple Sec with reconstituted orange juice.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.