Sep 11 2026
RestaurantsSoul Food by CatherineLemonade Large Recipe

Lemonade Large Recipe

Time25m
Serves8

Make Lemonade Large Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Simple Syrup

Method

Simple Syrup

  1. 1

    Combine sugar and water

    In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water.

  2. 2

    Heat to dissolve

    Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture becomes clear, about 3–5 minutes. Do not boil vigorously—just bring to a gentle simmer if needed.

  3. 3

    Cool

    Remove the saucepan from heat and let the simple syrup cool to room temperature. Transfer to a heatproof container and refrigerate if not using immediately; it will keep for up to 2 weeks.

Lemonade

  1. 4

    Juice the lemons

    Roll the lemons on the counter to loosen juices, then cut in half and juice until you have 1 cup (about 4–6 medium lemons) of fresh lemon juice. Strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve into a measuring cup to remove seeds and excessive pulp if you prefer a clear lemonade.

  2. 5

    Combine lemon juice and syrup

    In a large pitcher (at least 2-quart capacity), add 1 cup fresh lemon juice and 1 cup cooled simple syrup. Stir to combine.

  3. 6

    Dilute with cold water

    Add 4 cups cold water to the lemon-syrup mixture. Taste and adjust: if too sweet, add more lemon juice or reduce syrup next time; if too tart, add up to 1/4 cup more simple syrup or a bit more sugar dissolved in warm water. The listed ratio yields a balanced, medium-sweet lemonade.

  4. 7

    Optional seasoning

    If desired, stir in a pinch (about 1/8 tsp) of salt to brighten the flavors. Mix thoroughly.

  5. 8

    Chill and serve

    Fill glasses with ice cubes (about 1/2 cup to 1 cup ice per glass). Pour lemonade over ice. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a mint sprig if using.

  6. 9

    Make ahead and store

    Store leftover lemonade in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Stir or shake before serving as separation may occur.

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