Lemonade
A classic, refreshing, and quintessential summer beverage, lemonade is a simple homemade drink made from fresh lemon juice, sugar, and water, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Prepare simple syrup (or dissolve sugar)
In a saucepan, combine 1 cup (240 ml) granulated sugar with 1 cup (240 ml) of the cold water. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not boil. Let this simple syrup cool completely.
💡 Tips:
- •Using simple syrup ensures the sugar dissolves fully and integrates smoothly into the cold drink.
Juice lemons
While the simple syrup cools, juice enough fresh lemons to yield 1 cup (240 ml) of lemon juice. Strain the juice to remove any seeds or excessive pulp.
💡 Tips:
- •Freshly squeezed lemon juice is crucial for the best lemonade flavor. Rolling lemons on a counter before juicing can help yield more juice.
Combine ingredients
In a large pitcher, combine the cooled simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and the remaining 3 cups (720 ml) of cold water. Stir well to combine.
💡 Tips:
- •Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness if desired by adding more sugar syrup or lemon juice.
Chill and serve
Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to ensure it's thoroughly chilled. Serve over 1 serving of ice in individual glasses, garnished with 1 lemon wheel or slice.
💡 Tips:
- •The colder the lemonade, the more refreshing it will be.
- 💡Adjust the ratio of lemon juice, sugar, and water to your personal preference for sweetness and tartness.
- 💡For a sparkling lemonade, replace some or all of the still water with chilled club soda or sparkling water.
- 💡Add fresh berries, mint, or cucumber slices to the pitcher for flavored lemonade variations.
- 💡For adult versions, add a splash of vodka, gin, or bourbon for a 'Spiked Lemonade'.
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