Classic Homemade Lemonade
Perfectly balanced, fresh-squeezed lemonade with a hint of honey. Refreshing, bright, and made from scratch in minutes.
Ingredients
Lemonade
- 6 large lemons, freshly juiced (about 1.5 cups juice)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or honey for a natural version)
- 1 cup water (for simple syrup)
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint & lemon slices to garnish
Instructions
Make Simple Syrup
Combine the sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 3 minutes. Do not boil. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Juice the Lemons
Roll the lemons on the counter to loosen the juice, then cut and squeeze them. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp.
Combine
In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, cooled simple syrup, and 4 cups of cold water. Stir well.
Taste and Adjust
Taste the lemonade and adjust as needed — add more syrup for sweetness or more lemon juice for tartness. This is the most important step.
Chill
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The cold intensifies the flavors and makes it far more refreshing.
Serve
Pour over a tall glass packed with ice. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of fresh mint for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Facts
* Based on a 2,000 calorie diet.