Lemonade Recipe
Make Lemonade Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Simple Syrup
Lemonade
Method
Simple Syrup
- 1
Combine sugar and water
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water.
- 2
- 3
Cool syrup
Remove from heat and let the simple syrup cool to room temperature (15–20 minutes). Transfer to a clean jar and refrigerate if not using immediately. Makes about 1 cup.
Lemonade
- 4
Juice the lemons
Roll the lemons on the counter to soften them. Cut lemons in half and juice until you have 1 cup (240 ml) fresh lemon juice. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup to remove seeds and excess pulp, if desired.
- 5
Combine ingredients
In a 2-quart pitcher, combine 1 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 cup cooled simple syrup, and 4 cups cold water. Stir thoroughly and taste.
- 6
Adjust sweetness and acidity
If the lemonade is too sweet, add up to 1/2 cup more cold water. If it's too tart, add up to 1/4 cup more simple syrup. Optionally stir in a pinch of salt to enhance brightness. Taste and adjust until balanced.
- 7
Chill
Refrigerate the pitcher for at least 30 minutes to chill and allow flavors to meld. If serving immediately, add ice to individual glasses rather than the pitcher to avoid diluting the batch.
- 8
- 9
Make-ahead and storage
Store leftover lemonade in a covered pitcher or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir before serving; add fresh ice and garnishes as desired.