Lemonade, with its delightful blend of sweet and sour, stands out as a classic summer refreshment. Prepared with fresh lemon juice, a simple sugar syrup, and water, it's typically served ice-cold. This homemade version is especially perfect for those hot summer days or anytime you're in need of a thirst-quenching, delicious drink.
In your saucepan, combine 2 cups of sugar with an equal amount of water.
Stir this well and bring it to a boil for about 2 to 3 minutes. Once done, take it off the heat and let this sweet syrup cool down.
Next, take all your lemons, cut them in half, and gather them in a bowl.
Now, over another bowl, place a fine-mesh strainer and squeeze out the juice from your halved lemons. You can use any tool you find easy – a fork, spoon, handheld squeezer, or even a citrus press. Aim for about 2 cups of lemon juice.
Don’t forget to press the pulp left in the strainer to get out all the juicy goodness.
In a large pitcher or bowl, pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, add your sugar syrup, and then mix in 2 cups of water. Stir it all together well and pop it in the fridge to chill.
When it's serving time, grab a glass, toss in a few ice cubes and some lemon slices, then pour over your refreshing, chilled homemade Lemonade. It's now ready for you to sip and savor!
To Serve
Enjoy this homemade Lemonade as a perfect thirst-quencher on hot days or as a refreshing drink for parties and gatherings. It's sure to be a summer favorite!
Notes
Tips to Make Perfect Lemonade:
Sugar Syrup: A 1:1 sugar to water ratio is typically ideal for that perfect sweetness. However, adjust the sugar based on how sweet your lemons are.
Lemon Juice: The amount of juice can vary depending on the size of your lemons. For this recipe, it's roughly 2 cups, but this could differ.
Water for Dilution: I've used 2 cups of filtered water to dilute the lemon juice, which suits our family's taste. Feel free to modify the amount to match your preference.
Refrigeration: Chilling the Lemonade for 1 to 2 hours enhances its refreshing quality, making it perfect for summer. Alternatively, you can store the sugar syrup and lemon juice separately and mix them with water when ready to serve.