Classic Homemade Lemonade

1. 1
   prep · ~5 min

   Juice the lemons.

   1.Roll each lemon firmly on the countertop with your palm to loosen the juice inside.

   2.Cut all 6 lemons in half crosswise.

   3.Juice the lemons using a citrus juicer or reamer until you have about 3/4 cup of fresh juice.

   4.Strain the juice through a fine mesh to catch seeds and pulp.

   TIPRolling the lemons before juicing helps release more juice from the membranes.
2. 2
   prep · ~2 min

   Make the simple syrup.

   1.Pour 1 cup of warm water into a large pitcher.

   2.Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar and a pinch of salt.

   3.Stir vigorously until the sugar is completely dissolved and the liquid is clear, about 1-2 minutes.

   TIPWarm water dissolves sugar much faster than cold water. No need to heat it on the stove.
3. 3
   mix · ~1 min

   Combine and chill.

   1.Pour the strained lemon juice into the pitcher with the simple syrup.

   2.Add the remaining 3 cups of cold water.

   3.Stir everything together until well combined.

   4.Taste and adjust — add a little more sugar if too tart, or more water if too sweet.

   TIPIf you prefer a tarter lemonade, start with less sugar and add gradually. You can always add more, but you can't take it out.
4. 4
   assemble · ~1 min

   Serve over ice with lemon slices.

   1.Fill 4 glasses generously with ice cubes.

   2.Pour the lemonade into each glass, filling to just below the rim.

   3.Garnish each glass with a thin lemon slice on the rim or floating in the glass.
5. 5
   serve

   Serve immediately while cold.

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