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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Simple Lemonade
Method
Simple Lemonade
- 1
Make simple syrup
Combine the granulated sugar and 0.25 cups water in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved (about 2–3 minutes). Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. This ensures the sugar integrates smoothly into the lemonade.
- 2
Juice the lemons
If you haven't already, juice fresh lemons until you have 1 cup of lemon juice (typically 4–6 medium lemons). Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup to remove seeds and excess pulp.
- 3
Combine and dilute
In a pitcher, pour the strained 1 cup lemon juice and the cooled simple syrup. Add 4 cups cold water and stir thoroughly. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity: for sweeter lemonade add 1 tablespoon sugar or syrup; for more tartness add up to 2 tablespoons lemon juice. If using lemon zest, stir in 1 teaspoon now for extra brightness.
- 4
Chill and serve
Add 2 cups of ice to the pitcher or fill individual glasses with ice. Pour the lemonade over ice, garnish each glass with lemon slices and a sprig of mint if using. Serve immediately. Leftover lemonade can be refrigerated in a covered pitcher for up to 3 days; stir before serving because separation may occur.