Lemonade Recipe
Make Lemonade Recipe in just 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Lemonade Base
Finish & Garnish
Method
Lemonade Base
Make simple syrup
Combine 1 cup hot water and 3 tablespoons granulated sugar in a heatproof measuring cup or small saucepan. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool for 5–10 minutes. (This ensures the sugar mixes evenly into the cold drink.)
Juice lemons
While the syrup cools, juice fresh lemons until you have 1 cup of juice. Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove seeds and pulp if you prefer a clearer lemonade.
Combine and dilute
Add the cooled simple syrup to the pitcher with the lemon juice. Pour in 3 cups cold water and stir thoroughly. Taste and adjust: if too sweet, add up to 1/2 cup more cold water; if too tart, stir in an additional 1–2 tablespoons sugar dissolved in a little warm water (or more simple syrup).
Finish & Serve
Fill a large pitcher or individual glasses with ice cubes. Pour the prepared lemonade over the ice.
Garnish each glass or the pitcher with lemon slices and a few fresh mint leaves if using. Serve immediately.
Estimated leftovers/storage: Refrigerate unused lemonade in a covered container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving because separation may occur.