Description
Enjoy a refreshing homemade lemonade that’s perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, ideal for hot summer days and picnics. This classic drink is easy to make and can be customized with fruits or sparkling water for a unique twist.
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)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Select fresh, ripe lemons that are bright yellow and feel heavy for their size.
- Roll each lemon on the countertop with your palm to release the juices.
- Cut the lemons in half and use a citrus juicer or your hands to extract the juice into a measuring cup, ensuring to catch any seeds. Aim for about 1 cup of lemon juice.
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 cup of water.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar completely dissolves (about 3-5 minutes). Do not boil.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
- In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the cooled simple syrup.
- Add 4 cups of cold water. Adjust the water based on your preferred tartness.
- Stir well to combine and taste. Adjust sweetness if necessary by adding more simple syrup or lemon juice.
- Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or serve immediately over ice.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the lemonade over the ice.
- Garnish each glass with a slice of fresh lemon and a sprig of mint if desired.
Notes
- For variations, consider adding muddled fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a unique twist.
- For a sparkling version, replace some of the water with sparkling water or club soda.
- Store any leftover lemonade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Stir before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes