Lemonade Recipe
Make Lemonade Recipe in just 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Lemonade Base
Garnish & Optional Flavors
Method
Make the Simple Syrup
Dissolve sugar
In a heatproof measuring cup or small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar (3 tbs) with the hot water (1 cup). Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool slightly for 5 minutes. (If you prefer sweeter lemonade, increase sugar to the optional 2 tbs listed under optional flavors or use pre-made simple syrup.)
Prepare Lemon Juice
Roll the lemons firmly on the counter to loosen juices, then cut and juice until you have 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove pulp and seeds if you prefer a clear lemonade.
Assemble Lemonade
To the pitcher with the strained lemon juice, add the cooled simple syrup. Stir to combine.
Add the cold water (3 cups) to the pitcher and stir. Taste and adjust sweetness or dilution: add up to the optional 2 tbs extra sugar (dissolved in a little warm water) or more cold water to reach your desired balance of sweet and tart.
Add ice cubes (about 2 cups) to the pitcher or to individual glasses just before serving to avoid diluting the batch too quickly.
Garnish & Serve
If using, gently clap the mint leaves between your palms to release aroma and add to the pitcher or to individual glasses. Float lemon slices in the pitcher or place a slice on the rim of each glass.
Serve chilled. Stir the pitcher briefly before pouring if it has sat, as natural separation may occur.