Lemonade / Apple Juice Recipe
Make Lemonade / Apple Juice 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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Lemonade
Apple Juice
Method
Lemonade
- 1
Make simple syrup
Combine 1 cup water and 3 tablespoons granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and mixture just comes to a simmer (about 3–4 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- 2
Juice lemons
While the syrup cools, juice fresh lemons until you have 1 cup (about 6–8 medium lemons). Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and excess pulp if you prefer a clear lemonade.
- 3
Assemble lemonade
In a large pitcher, combine the cooled simple syrup and 1 cup fresh lemon juice. Add 3 cups cold water and stir well. Taste and adjust: add more water if too strong or an extra tablespoon of sugar (dissolved) if too tart.
- 4
Chill and serve
Add 2 cups of ice to the pitcher or fill glasses with ice. Pour lemonade over ice, garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves if using. Serve immediately.
Apple Juice
- 5
Wash and prepare apples
Wash the apples thoroughly. Core and cut apples into quarters. Peeling is optional; leaving the skin adds flavor and nutrients but may make the juice cloudier.
- 6
Extract juice
If you have a juicer: feed the apple pieces through the juicer, collecting juice in a container. If you don't have a juicer: place apple pieces in a high-speed blender with 1 cup cold water and blend until smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing with a spatula to extract as much liquid as possible.
- 7
Adjust sweetness and color
Stir in 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice to help preserve color and brighten flavor. Taste the juice and, if desired, dissolve 1 tablespoon sugar or honey into a tablespoon of warm water and stir into the juice until combined.
- 8
Chill and serve
Refrigerate apple juice until cold or pour over ice (use the 2 cups ice provided). Serve immediately. Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours; shake before serving as natural separation may occur.
