This easy homemade lemonade is the perfect summer drink or any time you need a party drink!RECIPE TIP: Add a little lemon zest to the top of the drink along with slices of lemon, especially if you like it on the tart side!
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Cook Time5 minutesmins
Total Time25 minutesmins
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10
Calories: 124kcal
Author: LittleCooksReadingBooks.com
Ingredients
1 1/2cupsfresh squeezed lemon juicearound 8-10 medium lemons or around 6 large lemons
8cupswater
1 1/2cupswhite granulated sugar
Lemon slicesmint, or berries for garnish (optional)
Ice for glasses
Instructions
TO MAKE THE SYRUP:
In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, stirring the entire time to dissolve the sugar. Remove from heat and cool. Cover and refrigerate to chill.
PREPARING AND JUICING LEMONS:
Roll each lemon on the counter, pressing down lightly.
Place a strainer over a 1 cup measuring cup or small bowl. Carefully cut a slit in the lemon and squeeze into strainer to extract as much juice as you can.
Repeat with each lemon until you have 1 1/2 cups of fresh lemon juice. (If you like pulp in your lemonade, discard lemon seeds from the strainer and add any pulp remaining back into the juice.)
MAKING LEMONADE:
In a large pitcher, stir together remaining water, lemon juice and chilled syrup. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding a little more sugar if necessary.
Garnish with lemon slices and serve immediately over ice, or cover and chill homemade fresh lemonade in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or until ready to serve.
Notes
We actually like our lemonade a little more tart so we tend to add less sugar. You may want to start light on the sugar and taste as you go along, adding a little at a time until you get the desired sweetness or tartness to your liking.Some people swear by Meyer lemons for a home made lemonade for the best flavor. However, you can use any lemon you have available.