Homemade Refreshing Lemonade Recipe
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade! There’s nothing quite like a glass of cold lemonade on a warm summer day. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a refreshing drink that’s sure to please everyone. Here’s how to make the classic lemonade from scratch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water (for the simple syrup)
- 1 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed from about 4-6 lemons)
- 4 cups cold water (to dilute)
- Ice cubes (for serving)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
- Mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Begin by making a simple syrup. Combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and allow the simple syrup to cool to room temperature. You can speed up this process by placing it in the refrigerator.
- While your simple syrup is cooling, juice the lemons to make 1 cup of lemon juice. For the best flavor, use fresh lemons rather than bottled lemon juice.
- In a pitcher, combine the cooled simple syrup and lemon juice. Then, add 4 cups of cold water and stir well. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add more sugar to taste.
- To serve, pour the lemonade over ice cubes in glasses. Garnish with a slice of lemon on the rim of the glass or float a few slices in the pitcher for a decorative touch. If you’re feeling fancy, add a sprig of mint for an extra pop of color and refreshing flavor.
- Refrigerate any leftovers and consume within 2-3 days for the best quality.
Lemonade is not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to add in some fresh berries, a splash of sparkling water, or even a bit of your favorite spirit to create a variety of drinks from this one simple recipe.
Tips:
- For a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar in the simple syrup or use a sugar substitute to taste.
- Experiment with limes, oranges, or a mix of citrus fruits for a unique twist on the classic lemonade.
- Make a batch of lemonade concentrate by combining the simple syrup and lemon juice and freezing it in an ice cube tray. When you want a glass of lemonade, just dissolve a few cubes in water and enjoy!
Sip back and relax with this delightful homemade lemonade that will keep you cool all summer long!