Lemonade Recipe

Simple Lemonade

1. 1

   Make simple syrup

   Combine 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is clear, about 3–5 minutes. Do not boil vigorously. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature (10–15 minutes).

2. 2

   Juice the lemons

   While the syrup cools, roll lemons on the counter to loosen juices, then cut and juice until you have 1 cup fresh lemon juice. Strain seeds and pulp through a fine mesh sieve if you prefer a clear lemonade.

3. 3

   Combine and dilute

   In a pitcher, combine the 1 cup fresh lemon juice and the cooled simple syrup. Add 3 cups cold water and stir well. Taste and adjust: add more water if too tart, or 1–2 more tablespoons simple syrup (or sugar) if too sour. If using, stir in 1 teaspoon lemon zest and a pinch of salt to brighten the flavor.

4. 4

   Chill or serve

   Add 2 cups ice to the pitcher or pour lemonade over ice-filled glasses. Garnish each glass with lemon slices and a sprig of fresh mint if desired. Serve immediately. For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld; stir before serving.

5. 5

   Refills

   To refill, keep remaining simple syrup refrigerated (up to 1 week) and top off the pitcher or glass with prepared lemonade or make a fresh batch following the same proportions (1:3 ratio of lemon juice to total water including syrup). Adjust sweetness to taste.