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Classic Homemade Lemonade2
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Classic Homemade Lemonade

This classic homemade lemonade recipe is a refreshing, easy-to-make beverage using freshly squeezed lemons, simple syrup, and cold water. Perfect for warm days and customizable with various flavors.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy, Quick, Refreshing, Summer, Vegan
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 4-6 medium lemons
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 5 cups cold water
  • Ice cubes for serving
  • Lemon slices optional, for garnish
  • Fresh mint leaves optional, for garnish

Instructions

  • Start by rolling your lemons on the countertop with your palm to soften them up — this makes juicing easier and yields more juice. Cut the lemons in half and use a citrus juicer or reamer to extract the juice into a measuring cup. Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp for a smooth, clean lemonade.
  • In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Once the mixture is clear and free of sugar crystals, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
  • In a large pitcher, pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add the cooled simple syrup and the remaining 4 cups of cold water. Stir well to combine. Taste your lemonade — if it’s too sweet, add a bit more lemon juice or water to balance it out. If it’s too tart, add a little more simple syrup.
  • Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and to chill thoroughly. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes, pour in the lemonade, and garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves if desired.

Equipment

  • Citrus Juicer
  • Small Saucepan
  • Fine Mesh Sieve
  • Large Pitcher

Notes

Choose ripe lemons for best flavor. Don’t skip the simple syrup to avoid gritty texture. Adjust sweetness to taste. Use filtered water for better taste. Serve chilled over ice. For sparkling lemonade, replace some or all water with sparkling water or club soda before serving. Variations include strawberry, mint, ginger, lavender, honey lemonade, and frozen lemonade pops. Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3-4 days and stir before serving.