Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup filtered water (for simple syrup)
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 6-8 large lemons)
3 cups cold filtered water (for mixing)
Lemon slices for garnish
Ice
Instructions
Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 cup of filtered water.
Step 2: Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not boil vigorously. Remove from heat and let the simple syrup cool completely to room temperature.
Step 3: While the simple syrup cools, juice approximately 6-8 large, fresh lemons to get 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp and seeds.
Step 4: In a large pitcher (at least 2-quart capacity), combine the cooled simple syrup, the fresh lemon juice, and 3 cups of cold filtered water. Stir well to thoroughly mix all ingredients.
Step 5: Taste the lemonade and adjust sweetness or tartness as desired. Add more simple syrup for a sweeter taste or a splash more lemon juice/water for a tarter, lighter drink.
Step 6: Fill the pitcher with ice and garnish with fresh lemon slices. Serve immediately in chilled glasses and enjoy your perfectly balanced classic homemade lemonade!
Notes
For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and good quality filtered water. You can prepare the simple syrup a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Adjust the sweetness to your personal preference; some prefer it sweeter, others tarter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks, Snacks & Holiday Treats
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240ml)
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.05 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg