Freshly Squeezed Lemonade Recipe

Time20m

Serves6

Make Freshly Squeezed 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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1
Juice the lemons
Roll each lemon on the counter with the palm of your hand to loosen juices. Cut lemons in half and use a citrus reamer or juicer to extract juice until you have about 1 to 1 1/4 cups (from roughly 8 medium lemons). Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup to remove seeds and excess pulp.
2
Make the simple sugar solution
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely and the liquid is clear. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. (Alternatively, use 3/4 cup prepared simple syrup from the Optional section and skip this step.)
3
Mix the lemonade
In a 2-quart pitcher, combine the strained lemon juice and the cooled simple syrup. Add the remaining 4 cups cold water and stir. Taste and adjust sweetness or dilution: add more water if too strong, or additional simple syrup/sugar if too tart.
4
Chill and serve
Add 4 cups of ice to the pitcher or fill glasses with ice and pour lemonade over. Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves if using. Serve immediately.

5
Using granulated sugar directly
If you prefer not to make a hot simple syrup, dissolve 1 cup granulated sugar directly in the lemon juice by stirring vigorously while gradually adding 1/2 cup warm water to help dissolution, then add remaining cold water. Note granulated sugar may settle—stir before serving.
6
Using honey as sweetener
Warm 2 tablespoons honey with 1/4 cup hot water and stir until dissolved; add to lemon juice and continue with remaining water. Honey will give a different flavor and should be adjusted to taste.
7
Adding a pinch of salt
Stir 1/4 teaspoon salt into the lemonade to round flavors—especially useful if your lemons are very tart.
8
Mint infusion
Lightly bruise mint leaves by clapping them between your hands or gently muddling in the bottom of the pitcher to release oils. Add to the finished lemonade and let sit 5–10 minutes for a subtle mint aroma before serving.