Description
Enjoy a refreshing homemade lemonade made with freshly squeezed lemons and simple syrup. This classic drink is perfect for hot days and can be easily customized with your favorite fruits or herbs for added flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 4 cups of cold water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh lemon slices (for garnish)
- Mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Select Fresh Lemons: Choose ripe, juicy lemons that are bright yellow and slightly soft to the touch.
- Wash the Lemons: Rinse the lemons under cool water to remove any dirt or wax, then pat dry.
- Roll the Lemons: Roll each lemon on the countertop with your palm to break down the membranes for easier juicing.
- Cut the Lemons: Slice the lemons in half crosswise using a sharp knife.
- Juice the Lemons: Use a citrus juicer or squeeze by hand to extract the juice, ensuring to catch any seeds.
- Measure the Juice: Measure out 1 cup of the freshly squeezed lemon juice and set aside.
- Combine Sugar and Water: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 cup of water.
- Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves (about 3-5 minutes).
- Cool the Syrup: Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pitcher, mix the lemon juice, cooled simple syrup, and 4 cups of cold water.
- Stir Well: Stir thoroughly and taste to adjust sweetness as needed.
- Chill the Lemonade: Let the lemonade chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare Glasses: Fill tall glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour the Lemonade: Pour the chilled lemonade over the ice, filling each glass about three-quarters full.
- Garnish: Add a slice of fresh lemon to each glass and optional mint leaves for garnish.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing homemade lemonade!
Notes
- Experiment with Flavors: Add fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a twist.
- Adjust the Tartness: Balance sweetness with more sugar or lemon juice as needed.
- Make it Sparkling: Substitute some cold water with sparkling water for a fizzy version.
- Store Leftovers: Keep any leftover lemonade in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a few days.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh lemons and high-quality sugar for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes