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Lemonade Recipe

Best Homemade Lemonade

This easy and refreshing homemade lemonade is the perfect drink to cool down on hot days. Made with fresh lemon juice, a simple syrup, and ice-cold water, it's sweet, tart, and simple to make. Serve it at summer parties, BBQs, or enjoy it anytime you need a thirst-quencher.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 10 glasses
Course: Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Lemonade Ingredients
  • 1 ¾ cups white sugar
  • 1 cup water for simple syrup
  • 9 medium lemons about 1 ½ cups juice with pulp
  • 7 cups cold water
  • ice as needed for serving

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Measuring cup
  • Pitcher
  • Juicer (optional)

Method
 

  1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 ¾ cups of sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Roll 9 medium lemons on the counter to release their juice. Cut them in half and squeeze the juice into a measuring cup. Add the pulp if desired and remove any seeds. You should have about 1 ½ cups of juice with pulp.
  3. In a large pitcher, pour 7 cups of cold water. Add the lemon juice and pulp, then stir in the cooled simple syrup. Mix until well combined.
  4. Add ice just before serving. For extra flair, garnish each glass with a lemon slice or a sprig of mint.

Notes

To make ahead, prepare the simple syrup and store it in the refrigerator for up to one month. Mix with lemon juice and water when ready to serve. Avoid adding ice too early to prevent dilution.