Description
Perfect Lemonade is a refreshing and simple homemade drink made by combining freshly squeezed lemon juice with a homemade simple syrup and cold water. This classic summer beverage balances sweet and tart flavors perfectly, with tips to customize sweetness and intensity to your liking.
Ingredients
Scale
Simple Syrup
- 1 cup sugar (can reduce to 3/4 cup for less sweetness)
- 1 cup water
Lemonade
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately 4–6 medium lemons)
- 2 to 3 cups cold water, to dilute
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Sliced lemons, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Make the simple syrup: Place the sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Stir continuously until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove the syrup from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Juice the lemons: While the syrup heats, juice 4 to 6 lemons until you have 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Strain if desired to remove seeds and pulp for a smoother lemonade.
- Mix the lemonade: Pour the lemon juice and cooled simple syrup into a large pitcher. Add 2 to 3 cups of cold water, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust dilution or sweetness by adding more water or lemon juice as preferred.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the lemonade for 30 to 40 minutes to allow flavors to meld and for it to become refreshing. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices if desired.
Notes
- For a more intense lemon flavor, grate the zest of one lemon and steep it in the simple syrup after removing from heat, then strain before combining with lemon juice.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup or adjust based on the natural sweetness of your lemons, especially if using Meyer lemons.
- The lemonade naturally dilutes further when served over ice, so factor that into your initial dilution.
- You can make simple syrup ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Lemon juice can be frozen for future use if you have excess lemons.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: lemonade, summer drink, simple syrup, refreshing drink, homemade lemonade, citrus beverage, fresh lemon juice