Lemonade Recipe
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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Simple Lemonade Base
Optional Finishes
Method
Simple Lemonade Base
- 1
Juice the lemons
Roll 4–6 medium lemons on the counter to loosen juices, cut in half and juice until you have 1 cup (240 ml) of fresh lemon juice. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup to remove seeds and excess pulp if desired.
- 2
Make sugar syrup
Combine 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1/2 cup (120 ml) hot water in a heatproof container. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved to create a concentrated syrup. (If you prefer, substitute 2 tablespoons prepared simple syrup and skip this step.)
- 3
Combine and dilute
In a pitcher, combine the strained lemon juice and the cooled sugar syrup. Add 3 1/2 cups (820 ml) cold water and stir thoroughly. Taste and adjust: for sweeter lemonade add up to 2 tablespoons simple syrup or more sugar syrup; for stronger lemon flavor add a few tablespoons more lemon juice.
- 4
Chill
Refrigerate the pitcher for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and to chill thoroughly. You can also serve immediately over ice, but chilling improves balance.
Optional Finishes
- 5
- 6
Garnish
Add a lemon slice to the rim or float it on top of each glass. Slap mint leaves between your palms to release aroma and add 1–2 leaves per glass if using.
- 7