Lavish Lemonade Recipe

Name: Back Porch Brewing Inc.s Lavish Lemonade Recipe
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cups fresh lemon juice; 3 tbs granulated sugar; 3 cups cold water (for mixing); 2 cups ice cubes; 1 cups sparkling water or club soda; 1 tsp honey (optional for rounding sweetness); 10 to taste fresh mint leaves; 6 slices thin lemon slices (for garnish); 6 to taste edible flower petals (optional garnish); 6 tbs vodka; 2 tbs elderflower liqueur (optional)

Inspired by Back Porch Brewing Inc.

Time20m

Serves4

Make Lavish Lemonade Recipe in just 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Lemonade Base

1 cups fresh lemon juice

3 tbs granulated sugar

3 cups cold water (for mixing)

2 cups ice cubes

Lavish Enhancements

1 cups sparkling water or club soda

1 tsp honey (optional for rounding sweetness)

10 to taste fresh mint leaves

6 slices thin lemon slices (for garnish)

6 to taste edible flower petals (optional garnish)

Optional Cocktail Add-ins (per pitcher or 4 servings)

6 tbs vodka

2 tbs elderflower liqueur (optional)

Method

Lemonade Base

Juice and sweeten

Roll lemons on the counter to loosen juices, then cut and juice until you have 1 cup (about 4–6 lemons depending on size). Strain juice through a fine mesh sieve into a measuring cup to remove seeds and excess pulp.

Make simple syrup-style mix

In a heatproof measuring cup or small saucepan, combine 3 tablespoons granulated sugar with 1/4 cup of the cold water. Stir until sugar is mostly dissolved. If using honey, warm 1 tablespoon of water and dissolve 1 teaspoon honey into it, then add to the sugar-water mixture and stir to combine. (Warming only the honey small amount makes it incorporate easily.)

Combine base

In a pitcher, combine the strained lemon juice, the sugar/honey mixture, and the remaining cold water (about 2 3/4 cups). Stir vigorously until fully incorporated and taste. Adjust sweetness by adding up to 1 tablespoon more sugar dissolved in a little water, or another 1/2 teaspoon honey, if desired.

Chill with ice

Add 2 cups of ice cubes to the pitcher and stir briefly to cool the lemonade quickly. Allow to sit 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld and the mixture becomes thoroughly chilled.

Lavish Enhancements

Add fizz and herbs

Pour 1 cup sparkling water or club soda into the pitcher gently to preserve carbonation. Clap or lightly bruise the mint leaves between your palms to release oils and add them to the pitcher; stir once gently to distribute without flattening the bubbles.

Garnish

Add 6 thin lemon slices into the pitcher for visual appeal and extra lemon aroma. If using edible flowers, sprinkle petals on top of each poured glass or float a few in the pitcher just before serving.

Optional Cocktail Finish

Make it boozy (optional)

If preparing alcoholic Lavish Lemonade, add 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) vodka and, if desired, 2 tablespoons elderflower liqueur directly to the pitcher after the sparkling water. Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust: add a little more vodka for a stronger drink or more sparkling water to soften alcohol concentration.

Serve

Fill glasses with ice. Pour lemonade into glasses, ensuring each gets mint and a lemon slice. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint and an edible flower petal if using. Serve immediately so sparkling water remains fizzy.