Lemonade Recipe

Inspired by Cowgirl

Time40m

Serves6

Make Lemonade Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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1
Combine sugar and water
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water.
2
Add zest (optional)
If using, add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the pan to infuse extra lemon flavor.
3
Heat to dissolve
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is clear, about 3–5 minutes. Do not let it boil vigorously; a gentle simmer is fine.
4
Cool and strain
Remove from heat. If you added lemon zest, let the syrup steep for 10 minutes, then strain out the zest into a heatproof container. Allow the simple syrup to cool to room temperature (about 20–30 minutes) before using or refrigerating.

5
Juice the lemons
Roll the lemons on the countertop to loosen juices, then cut in half and juice until you have 1 cup (about 4–6 lemons) of fresh lemon juice. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and excess pulp if you prefer a clear lemonade.
6
Mix liquids
In a pitcher, combine the 1 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 cup cooled simple syrup, and 3 cups cold water. Stir well and taste.
7
Adjust sweetness and strength
If the lemonade is too tart, add up to 1/4 cup more simple syrup, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring and tasting between additions. If too sweet, add additional cold water 1/4 cup at a time until balanced.
8
Chill and serve
Add 2 cups of ice to the pitcher or fill glasses with ice. Pour the lemonade over ice, garnish with lemon slices and mint sprigs if using. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days (store syrup separately for longer freshness).