Photographs by Stewart Isbell

1. PYRAMIDA
Middle Eastern–Style Lemonade
Whole lemons, skins and all, are sliced to order, de-pithed, and tossed into a blender with sugar, water, and ice, unleashing the zest’s oil for a fantastic flavor and frothy consistency ($3.75). 401 E. 78th St., nr. First Ave.; 212-472-5855

2. ED’S LOBSTER BAR
Muddled Lemonade
This perfectly balanced lemonade could pass muster with the city’s most fastidious bar chefs. It’s muddled like a mojito, shaken vigorously, and served with the squashed lemon wedges and a sprig of mint ($5). 222 Lafayette St., nr. Spring St.; 212-343-3236

3. GRAMERCY TAVERN
Pastry-Department Limeade
Daily citrus-ade duties have always fallen to the restaurant’s pastry chef, and Nancy Olson acquits herself well with this tart and tangy concoction, served with a tiny pitcher of simple syrup for tableside tweaking ($4.50). 42 E. 20th St., nr. Park Ave. S.; 212-477-0777

4. THE SMOKE JOINT
Limonade
A mix of lemon and lime, this superb elixir bridges the gap between lemonade and limeade lovers ($2.50; combined with iced tea, it’s called a Tiger Woods). 87 S. Elliott Pl., nr. Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene, Brooklyn; 718-797-1011

5. BIRDBATH
Farmer’s Lemonade
Like a liquid Creamsicle but better and tarter, it’s a kooky mix of the house lemonade with Ronnybrook Farm Dairy cream ($3.50). 145 Seventh Ave. S., nr. Charles St.

6. FRANNY’S
Fizzy Limeade
It’s the only pizza parlor in town—or at least Brooklyn—where it makes sense to order a cocktail, so it’s no surprise that the spritzy limeade is so deliciously bitter ($3.50). 295 Flatbush Ave., nr. Prospect Pl., Prospect Hts., Brooklyn; 718-230-0221

7. KEENS
Steakhouse Limeade
Because a good steakhouse is a quirky steakhouse. Luger’s has its bacon appetizer and peevish waiters, and Keens its mutton chop and this excellent limeade ($4). 72 W. 36th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-947-3636

8. WESTVILLE AND WESTVILLE EAST
Blended Mint Lemonade
This honey-sweetened version looks like a giant wheatgrass Slushee, but tastes a whole lot better ($4). 210 W. 10th St., nr. Bleecker St., 212-741-7971; and 173 Ave. A, at 11th St., 212-677-2033

9. BABYCAKES NYC
Sugar-Free Lemonade
Freshly squeezed lemons, filtered water, and organic agave nectar make it just sweet enough. Pair with a nice gluten-free brownie, and thank us later ($3.50). 248 Broome St., nr. Orchard St.; 212-677-5047

Related:

• Archive: “Food Features”
• Articles by Robin Raisfeld | Rob Patronite
• Table of Contents: Aug 20, 2007 issue of New York | Subscribe!