Description
This refreshing homemade lemonade recipe combines freshly squeezed lemon juice with a simple syrup made from sugar and water, resulting in a perfectly balanced, sweet, and tart drink. Served cold with ice and garnished with mint and lemon slices, it’s a classic beverage ideal for warm days and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Syrup
- 2 cups water (to heat in pot)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
Lemonade
- 4 lemons (or 1 cup lemon juice)
- 4 cups water (for pitcher)
- Ice
- Fresh mint and lemon slices (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Make the sugar syrup: In a medium-sized pot, combine 2 cups of water and 2 cups of granulated sugar. Warm the mixture on the stove over medium heat while stirring continually until all the sugar dissolves and the syrup slightly thickens.
- Prepare the lemon juice: Using a juicer or by hand, squeeze the juice from 4 lemons into a bowl. Run the juice through a sieve to remove any seeds or pulp for a smooth lemonade base.
- Combine the ingredients: Pour the fresh lemon juice into a large pitcher. Add the warm sugar syrup to the lemon juice, stirring to combine thoroughly.
- Add water and mix: Pour in 4 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir well until the lemonade is evenly mixed.
- Serve chilled: Add ice cubes, and garnish with fresh mint leaves and lemon slices as desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar syrup added.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, use freshly squeezed juice from additional lemons.
- To make this recipe vegan and gluten-free, ensure sugar is processed suitably if strictly adhering to those diets.
- Leftover lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a sparkling twist, substitute the cold water with sparkling water before serving.
