Homemade Lemonade Recipe
Lemonade has been a popular drink for centuries, with its origins tracing back to the medieval Middle East. Early versions of lemonade were made with lemons, sugar, and water and were enjoyed as a cooling drink. By the 17th century, lemonade had become a favorite in Europe, particularly in France, where vendors sold it in the streets.
Equipment
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Saucepan
- Measuring cups
- Spoon or whisk
- Pitcher
- Glasses
Ingredients
- 6 fresh lemons (about 1 cup of lemon juice)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 cups cold water
- Ice cubes (optional, for serving)
- Lemon slices or mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Juice the LemonsStart by rolling the lemons on a countertop to release the juices. Cut each lemon in half and use a citrus juicer to extract the juice. Strain the juice to remove any seeds or pulp if you prefer a smoother drink. You’ll need about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice.
- Make the Sugar SyrupIn a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 cup of water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Remove the syrup from the heat and let it cool.
- Mix the LemonadeIn a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice, cooled sugar syrup, and 4 cups of cold water. Stir well to mix. Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness or tartness to your liking by adding more sugar syrup or water as needed.
- Chill and ServeRefrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled lemonade over them. Garnish with lemon slices or fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of elegance.