Lemonade
A perfectly balanced, classic homemade lemonade that's refreshingly sweet and tangy. Made with fresh lemons and a simple syrup, it's the ultimate thirst-quencher for a hot summer day.
For 5 servings
5 steps. 5 minutes total.
- 1
Juice the lemons
- a.Roll them firmly on a countertop before cutting to maximize juice yield. Squeeze to get about 1 cup of fresh juice, then strain to remove any seeds.
- 2
Make the simple syrup
- a.In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it cool completely to room temperature.
- 3
Combine the ingredients
- a.In a large pitcher, pour in the cooled simple syrup and the fresh lemon juice. Add the remaining 3 cups of cold water and stir well to combine.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 5
Serve the lemonade over glasses filled with ice
- a.Garnish with fresh lemon slices and mint leaves.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled juice can have a different, more bitter taste.
- 2Making a simple syrup is essential. It ensures the sugar dissolves completely and doesn't settle at the bottom of the pitcher.
- 3Feel free to adjust the recipe to your taste. If you prefer it tarter, add more lemon juice. For a sweeter drink, add a little more simple syrup.
- 4For a sparkling lemonade, replace one or two cups of the cold water with club soda or sparkling water just before serving.
- 5Store leftover lemonade in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
Replace granulated sugar with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup. You can also use a sugar substitute like stevia to taste.
quickQuick
If you're short on time, skip the simple syrup. Use superfine (caster) sugar and stir it directly into the cold water and lemon juice until fully dissolved.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Create a Pink Lemonade by adding a splash of cranberry juice, raspberry puree, or grenadine for a fun color and fruity flavor.
budget friendlyBudget friendly
While fresh is best, you can use a good quality bottled lemon juice in a pinch. It's a convenient and cost-effective alternative.