Description
A classic and refreshing homemade lemonade made with freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and chilled water—perfect for summer days.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 lemons (enough to yield approximately 1 cup of lemon juice)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 cups water (1 cup for simple syrup + 4 cups cold water)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Roll the lemons on the counter to release more juice. Cut in half and juice into a bowl, straining out seeds.
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely. Let cool.
- In a large pitcher, mix the lemon juice and cooled simple syrup.
- Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water. Stir well.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar or lemon juice as desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.
- Serve over ice in glasses. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint if desired.
Notes
- For a fruity twist, add fresh strawberries or raspberries.
- Use sparkling water instead of still for a fizzy version.
- Infuse with herbs like basil or rosemary for a gourmet touch.
- Sweeten with honey or agave syrup for a natural alternative.
- Add cucumber slices for extra refreshment.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (cooling simple syrup)
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop + Refrigeration
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg