Home Made Lemonade Recipe

Time50m

Serves8

Make Home Made Lemonade Recipe in just 50m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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1
Make simple syrup
Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar fully dissolves and the liquid becomes clear (about 3–5 minutes). Do not boil. Remove from heat and let cool to warm (5–10 minutes).
2
Juice lemons
While the syrup cools, roll the lemons on the countertop with firm pressure to loosen juices, then cut in half and juice until you have 1 1/2 cups (about 6–8 medium lemons). Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup to remove seeds and excess pulp.
3
Combine and dilute
In a 2-quart pitcher, pour the strained lemon juice and the cooled simple syrup. Add 4 cups of cold water and stir well. Taste and adjust: for stronger lemonade add up to 1/2 cup more lemon juice; for sweeter add up to 1/4 cup more simple syrup or 2 tablespoons sugar dissolved into a little warm water.
4
Chill
Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. If you need it immediately, serve over plenty of ice (about 1/2 cup per glass) and expect mild dilution.

5
Prepare garnish
Lightly clap or bruise the mint leaves between your palms to release aroma. Reserve thin lemon slices and zest.
6
Serve
Fill glasses halfway with ice (about 1/2 cup ice per 8-oz glass). Pour lemonade over ice. If using sparkling water, top each glass with a splash (about 2–3 oz) and gently stir. Add a sprig of mint, a lemon slice, and a pinch of lemon zest to each glass for garnish.
7
Storage
Store leftover lemonade in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If stored, give it a quick stir before serving; add fresh ice and sparkling water only as desired.