Fresh Lemonade
Bright, refreshing, and perfectly balanced — this classic fresh lemonade is made the right way with a simple syrup base that dissolves completely for smooth sweetness in every sip. No grainy sugar, no shortcuts, just real lemons, water, and a touch of sweetness. It's the kind of lemonade that disappears fast at picnics, backyard BBQs, and lazy summer afternoons.
6 servings · Prep 10 min · Cook 5 min · Total 15 min
Beverage
Ingredients
Open in recipe scaler →Simple Syrup
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
Main
6 whole lemons juiced (about 1 cup fresh lemon juice)- 4 cup cold water
2 cup ice
Garnish
3 slices lemon thin rounds, for garnish
4 bunch fresh mint for garnish
Equipment
Stovetop
Saucepan
Mixing Bowl
Pitcher (Large)
Glasse
Pitcher
Wooden Spoon
Measuring Cups
Cutting Board
Saucepan (1 Quart)
Citrus Juicer
Sieve
Instructions
- Make the simple syrup: Combine 1 cup of @[Granulated Sugar] and 1 cup of @[Water] in a small #[Saucepan] over ^[medium heat]. Stir gently until the @[Granulated Sugar] fully dissolves, about ~[3–4 minutes]. Do not let it boil vigorously — just a gentle simmer is all you need. Remove from heat and let it cool for at least ~[5 minutes].
- While the syrup cools, juice your @[Lemons]. Roll each @[Lemon] firmly on the countertop with your palm before cutting — this breaks down the internal membranes and yields significantly more juice. Cut in half and juice until you have 1 full cup of fresh @[Lemon Juice]. Strain out seeds and pulp if desired.
- In a large #[Pitcher (Large)], combine the fresh @[Lemon Juice] and the cooled simple syrup. Stir to combine.
- Add 4 cups of @[Cold Water] and stir well. Taste and adjust — if you'd like it sweeter, add a splash more simple syrup; if you'd like it more tart, squeeze in an extra half @[Lemon].
- Fill the #[Pitcher (Large)] with @[Ice] and stir once more. Serve in glasses over @[Ice], garnished with a thin @[Lemon] round and a sprig of fresh @[Mint] if desired.
