Description
Refreshing and tangy homemade lemonade recipe that is perfect for hot summer days. This classic drink combines the sweetness of simple syrup with freshly squeezed lemon juice for a delightful beverage.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
For the Lemonade:
- 6–8 lemons, juiced (about 1 1/2 cups of lemon juice)
- 6 cups cold water
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
- Mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Combine sugar and water: In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water.
- Heat and stir: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Simmer: Once the sugar is dissolved, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 1 minute. This helps thicken the syrup slightly.
- Cool completely: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the simple syrup cool completely.
- Prepare the lemons: Before juicing, roll the lemons firmly on the countertop.
- Juice the lemons: Cut the lemons in half and juice them using a citrus juicer.
- Strain the juice (optional): If you prefer a smoother lemonade, strain the lemon juice through a fine-mesh sieve.
- Combine simple syrup and lemon juice: In a large pitcher, combine the cooled simple syrup and the freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Add water: Add the 6 cups of cold water to the pitcher.
- Stir well: Stir the lemonade mixture thoroughly until everything is well combined.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking.
- Chill: Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes.
- Add ice: Fill glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour lemonade: Pour the chilled lemonade over the ice.
- Garnish (optional): Garnish with lemon slices and mint sprigs, if desired.
- Serve immediately: Serve the lemonade immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: homemade lemonade, lemonade recipe, summer drink, refreshing beverage
