Lemon Recipe
Make Lemon Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Whole Fruit
Juice & Zest
Optional Simple Syrup
Finishing & Serving
Method
Whole Fruit
- 1
Select and prepare lemons
Choose 4 firm, bright yellow lemons with fragrant skin. Rinse under cool water and pat dry. Roll each lemon on the counter with gentle pressure using your palm to loosen juices inside.
Juice & Zest
- 2
Zest lemons
Using a microplane or fine grater, zest lemons until you have 2 tablespoons of zest total. Avoid grating into the bitter white pith. Collect zest in a small bowl and set aside.
- 3
Juice lemons
Cut lemons in half crosswise. Using a handheld or electric juicer, extract juice into a measuring cup until you have 1 cup (about 4 lemons). Strain juice through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp if desired.
Optional Simple Syrup
- 4
Make simple syrup
Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. (For a lighter syrup, use 3/4 cup sugar to 1 cup water.)
Finishing & Serving
- 5
Combine and taste
In a pitcher, combine 1 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons lemon zest, and 1 cup cooled simple syrup (or 3/4 cup honey or to taste). Stir to combine. Add 4 cups cold water or sparkling water and mix. Taste and adjust: add more water if too tart, more syrup if too sharp, or a pinch of salt to round flavors.
- 6
- 7
Serve
Fill glasses with ice, pour lemonade over ice, garnish with mint leaves and a thin lemon wheel if desired. Serve immediately.