Description
A perfectly balanced, classic lemonade blending fresh-squeezed lemon juice, lightly sweetened simple syrup, and crisp water—easy, customizable, and ideal for summer refreshment.
Ingredients
2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (~4–6 medium lemons)
2 cups simple syrup* (1:1 ratio of sugar to water)
6 cups cold water
Lemon slices or herbs for garnish (optional)
*To make simple syrup: simmer equal parts water and granulated sugar until the sugar dissolves; cool before using.
Instructions
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Make the simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar. Heat gently, stirring, until sugar dissolves. Let cool.
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Juice the lemons: Roll them firmly on the counter for better yield, then slice and juice until you have 2 cups of juice.
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Mix: In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice, simple syrup, and cold water. Stir well.
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Adjust to taste: If too tart, add more syrup; if too sweet, add more water.
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Serve: Pour over ice (in the glass, not the pitcher, to avoid dilution), garnish with lemon slices or herbs.
Notes
Sparkling lemonade: Replace some or all cold water with sparkling water.
Flavor infusions: Add fresh berries, peach slices, cucumber, mint, lavender, or basil for a creative twist.
Honey-sweetened: Substitute honey for sugar in the syrup (use slightly less honey) for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
