Description
The quintessential thirst quencher, this classic homemade lemonade offers a perfect balance of tart and sweet. Made with fresh lemons and a simple syrup, it delivers a bright, clean, and invigorating taste that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy a refreshing taste of summer year-round.
Ingredients
6 cups Water (divided: 2 cups for simple syrup, 4 cups cold water for mixing)
1 ½ cups Granulated Sugar
8 medium Fresh Lemons (about 1.5 to 2 cups of freshly squeezed lemon juice)
Lemon Slices (For Garnish, optional)
Ice Cubes (For Serving)
Instructions
Combine 2 cups of water and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar in a medium saucepan.
Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Avoid boiling; the goal is dissolution, not caramelization.
Remove from heat and let the simple syrup cool completely.
In a large pitcher, combine the cooled simple syrup with the juice of the 8 medium fresh lemons.
Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water.
Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar dissolved in a little hot water, or tartness by adding more lemon juice, if desired.
Serve chilled over ice.
Garnish with fresh lemon slices if desired.
Notes
Filtered water enhances clarity.
Meyer lemons offer a slightly sweeter, floral note.
Adjust the sugar and lemon juice quantities to your personal preference for sweetness and tartness.
For a more concentrated flavor, reduce the final amount of cold water and let guests dilute with more water or ice themselves.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Summer Desserts
- Method: No-Cook (mostly)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg