Description
This homemade lemonade is a refreshing blend of tangy lemon juice and sweet simple syrup, perfect for hot summer days. Customize it with your favorite fruits or herbs for a unique twist, and enjoy it chilled over ice with fresh garnishes.
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 firm and slightly soft to the touch.
- Wash the lemons under cool running water to remove any dirt or wax.
- Roll each lemon on the countertop with your palm to help release the juices.
- Cut the lemons in half using a sharp knife. Use a citrus juicer or reamer to squeeze 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).
- Remove from heat and let the simple syrup cool to room temperature.
- In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the cooled simple syrup.
- Add 4 cups of cold water to the pitcher. Start with 3 cups and adjust to taste.
- Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
- Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and meld flavors.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled lemonade over the ice, filling about three-quarters full.
- Garnish 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 flavor.
- For a sparkling version, replace some water with club soda or sparkling water.
- Adjust the sugar to taste for a less sweet lemonade.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes