Lemonade is the perfect combination of tart and sweet, making it just the right refreshment to quench your thirst in the dead of summer. But lemonade, a simple combination of lemon juice, sugar and water, is really just the starting point for so many different drink options. While sometimes simple is good, often times more is better. And that's how we feel about lemonade. Why go for plain lemon when you can add an herbal element with thyme? Or a fruity flavor with watermelon? Click through the slideshow below for 11 twists on the classic.

Loading Slideshow...

  • Lavender Lime-Lemonade

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2012/06/lavender-lemonade-honeydew-frosty.html" target="_hplink">Lavender Lime-Lemonade recipe</a> by Happy Healthy Life</strong> Lavender adds a nice floral note to citrusy lemonade. Sweetened partially with sugar and maple syrup, it has many complementary flavor notes.

  • Sparkling Berry Lemonade

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.caroselloblog.com/2012/04/sparkling-berry-lemonade-recipe.html" target="_hplink">Sparkling Berry Lemonade recipe</a> by Carosello</strong> Not only is this lemonade recipe fruity and sparkling, but it's also made without sugar, calling upon the sweetness of agave nectar instead.

  • Fresh Peach Lemonade

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.fearlesshomemaker.com/2012/06/peach-lemonade/" target="_hplink">Fresh Peach Lemonade recipe</a> by Fearless Homemaker</strong> Adding peach to lemonade makes for the perfect summertime drink. The subtle peach flavor adds a nice additional sweetness.

  • Strawberry Lemonade

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://laylita.com/recipes/2012/06/08/strawberry-lemonade/" target="_hplink">Strawberry Lemonade recipe</a> by Laylita</strong> Move over Minute Maid Pink Lemonade, strawberry lemonade has got the color, the fun pinkish-reddish color as well as a strawberry flavor.

  • Thyme Lemonade

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://mamasgottabake.wordpress.com/2012/05/07/thyme-lemonade/" target="_hplink">Thyme Lemonade recipe</a> by Mama's Gotta Bake</strong> Cucumber, lemon, thyme and sugar make up this cool beverage. The thyme brings a nice herbal flavor to it, and the cucumber makes it just a little more refreshing.

  • Lightly Sweetened Sparkling Meyer Lemonade

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://ohmyveggies.com/recipe-lightly-sweetened-sparkling-meyer-lemonade/" target="_hplink">Lightly Sweetened Sparkling Meyer Lemonade recipe</a> by Oh My Veggies</strong> Meyer lemons are less acidic and have a stronger flavor than ordinary lemons; that's why they work great in lemonade.

  • Vanilla Lemonade

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.simplyscratch.com/2012/06/vanilla-lemonade.html" target="_hplink">Vanilla Lemonade</a> recipe by Simply Scratch</strong> Vanilla is not a common addition to lemonade, but it is a good one. The vanilla rounds out the tartness of the lemons -- making it a nice twist from the original.

  • Raspberry Lemonade

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.fabfatale.com/2012/05/vodka-raspberry-lemonade-recipe/" target="_hplink">Raspberry Lemonade </a>recipe by Fab Fatale</strong> This raspberry lemonade is just the thing on a hot summer day. And the best part is, the recipe can be easily adapted to a more grown-up version, with vodka.

  • Frozen Mint Lemonade

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://theshiksa.com/2012/06/21/limonana-frozen-mint-lemonade/" target="_hplink">Frozen Mint Lemonade recipe</a> by The Shiksa in the Kitchen</strong> Mint has the ability to make almost anything taste more refreshing, especially in the summertime. And ice has the same effect. This frozen recipe uses both, to make one thirst-quenching lemonade.

  • Watermelon Lemonade

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://deliciousshots.blogspot.com/2012/06/watermelon-lemonade.html" target="_hplink">Watermelon Lemonade recipe</a> by Delicious Shots</strong> We could eat watermelons by the bucket loads once the summer rolls around. And we don't mind drinking it either. It makes a welcome addition in sweet lemonade.

  • Basil Lemonade

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://inspiringpretty.com/2011/08/25/basil-lemonade-recipe/" target="_hplink">Basil Lemonade recipe</a> by Inspiring Pretty</strong> We like basil in our food, and we love it in our drinks. And in lemonade in particular, basil adds a summery flair.

  • WATCH: How To Make Grilled Rosemary Lemonade