Description
This refreshing homemade lemonade recipe combines freshly squeezed lemon juice with a simple syrup made from sugar and water, resulting in a perfectly balanced, tangy, and sweet beverage. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an ideal drink to cool down on warm days and serves 8 people.
Ingredients
For the Simple Syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
For the Lemonade
- 1 1/2 cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice (about 6-8 lemons)
- 2 cups cold water
- Ice cubes (for serving)
- Optional garnishes: lemon slices, fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Make the Simple Syrup: Combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove the syrup from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Mix the Lemonade: In a chilled pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice with the cooled simple syrup. Add 2 cups of cold water and stir thoroughly. Taste the lemonade and adjust by adding more lemon juice if a stronger citrus flavor is desired.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the lemonade over the ice and garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately for best refreshment.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice can alter the taste.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar in the simple syrup according to your preference.
- For a fizzy version, replace cold water with sparkling water before serving.
- Store any leftover lemonade in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for freshness.
- Chill the pitcher beforehand to keep the lemonade cold longer without diluting it with too much ice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
