Description
A refreshing homemade lemonade with the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors using fresh lemons and simple syrup.
Ingredients
- 8-10 fresh lemons (enough to yield 1½ cups of juice)
- 1 to 1½ cups granulated sugar (adjustable to taste)
- 7 cups cold water, divided
- Ice cubes for serving
- Fresh lemon slices for garnish
- Optional: Fresh mint leaves or berries for garnish
Instructions
1. Roll lemons on the countertop with firm pressure to maximize juice yield. Rinse thoroughly under cool water. Optional: zest 1–2 lemons to enhance flavor with aromatic oils.
2. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water with 1 cup of sugar. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture turns clear (about 3–5 minutes). Let cool to room temperature.
3. Cut lemons in half and juice using a reamer or hand juicer. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp. Aim for about 1½ cups of fresh lemon juice.
4. In a large pitcher, combine the cooled simple syrup and fresh lemon juice. Stir in 6 cups of cold water. Taste and adjust to your preference—add more syrup, lemon juice, or water as needed.
5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices and optional mint leaves for a refreshing finish.
Notes
This classic recipe can be easily customized to suit individual preferences and makes approximately 2 quarts of delicious lemonade.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: PT5M
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American