Description
This easy homemade lemonade recipe delivers a perfectly balanced sweet and tart beverage, ideal for hot days or any time you crave a refreshing treat. Forget store-bought mixes; fresh ingredients create a superior flavor that is both invigorating and satisfying. Enjoy this classic drink at its best.
Ingredients
6–8 large lemons (about 2 cups fresh lemon juice)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water (for syrup)
4–5 cups filtered water (for lemonade)
Plenty of ice
Lemon slices and mint sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan.
Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Remove from heat and let the simple syrup cool.
While the syrup cools, juice the lemons until you have about 2 cups of fresh juice.
In a large pitcher, combine the cooled simple syrup and the fresh lemon juice.
Add 4 cups of filtered water and stir well.
Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more syrup or more water if needed. For a more concentrated lemonade, use less water.
Fill glasses with ice, pour in the lemonade, and garnish with lemon slices and mint sprigs if desired.
Notes
Use Meyer lemons for a slightly sweeter, less tart flavor.
Adjust the amount of sugar and water to achieve your preferred balance of sweet and tart.
For a low-calorie option, use a sugar substitute in place of granulated sugar.
For best flavor, chill the lemonade for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Summer Desserts
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1.5 cups
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg