Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Preparation
- Roll the lemons firmly on a countertop before slicing them in half to maximize juice extraction.
- Juice the lemons using a citrus juicer or reamer until you have one cup of fresh lemon juice; remove any seeds.
Making the Simple Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar with one cup of cold water.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves, then remove from heat and let it cool.
Mixing and Chilling
- In a large pitcher, combine the cooled simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and the remaining three cups of cold water.
- Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined, then taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
- Refrigerate the lemonade for at least one hour, or until thoroughly chilled, for the best taste.
Serving
- Fill glasses with ice, pour the chilled lemonade over the ice, and garnish with lemon slices and mint sprigs if desired.
Notes
Tip 1: Always use fresh lemons for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice won't yield the same results. Tip 2: Adjust the sugar to your preference; some like it sweeter, others more tart. Tip 3: Chilling the lemonade for at least an hour really enhances the flavors and makes it more refreshing. You can also add other fruits like berries or sliced cucumbers for a variation.
