Ingredients
6-8 medium Fresh lemons (yielding 1 cup juice)
¾ cup Granulated sugar
4 cups Cold water (plus more to taste)
Ice cubes (for serving)
Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Juice: Roll lemons on the counter to release juices, then cut and squeeze to get 1 cup of juice. Strain if desired.
2. Syrup: In a small saucepan, heat ¾ cup sugar with ¼ cup water until dissolved into a clear syrup. Let cool slightly.
3. Combine: In a pitcher, combine the lemon juice and the simple syrup. Stir well.
4. Dilute: Add 3 cups of cold water, stirring to blend.
5. Taste & Serve: Sample the lemonade and add the reserved cup of water or more syrup to reach your preferred sweetness. Chill for 30 minutes, then serve over ice with lemon slices.
Notes
Pro-Tips:
• Make a simple syrup by dissolving sugar in warm water before adding to the juice—this prevents the drink from being gritty.
• Adjust sweetness to your liking; tartness can vary by lemon variety and ripeness.
• Roll your lemons on the counter with gentle pressure before cutting to maximize the juice yield.
Variations:
• Herbal: Muddle fresh mint, basil, or thyme in the bottom of each glass before pouring.
• Sparkling: Replace half the water with club soda or sparkling water for a fizzy treat.
• Fruit Infused: Muddle strawberries, raspberries, or ginger slices into the base for added flavor dimensions.
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: American