Homemade Lemonade

Two mason jars filled with lemon slices and lemonade on a red and white checkered cloth.

Cool off and pour yourself a big old glass of my homemade lemonade recipe. Three ingredients and 30 minutes is all you need to make the best homemade lemonade around!

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Diet Low Fat

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Cooling Time 30

Total Time 55

Servings

Calories 319kcal

Author Katie

Equipment

1 Knife
1 Cutting Board
1 Juicer
1 Pot
Liquid Measuring Cups
1 Stove Top
1 Pitcher
1 Refrigerator

Ingredients

12 lemons juiced
6 cups of water divided
2 cups granulated sugar

Instructions

Slice lemons in half, and juice until all juice has been removed from the lemons. Do not discard the lemon rinds, set them to the side.
In a large saucepan combine 4 cups water and sugar. Mix on high until sugar is dissolved then add all the lemon rinds to the pot. Heat for 10 minutes then turn the burner off and let sit for 20 minutes.
Strain the lemon simple syrup into a pitcher then add in the fresh lemon juice and 2 cups of cool water. Chill until cold and serve over ice.

Notes

Lemons - When it comes to homemade lemonade, selecting the right lemons makes all the difference. Look for lemons that are firm, smooth, and bright yellow in color. The heavier the lemon, the juicier it tends to be. For an extra burst of flavor, consider using Meyer lemons, known for their sweeter taste.
Juicing - To extract the maximum amount of juice from your lemons, roll them on the countertop, applying gentle pressure before cutting. You can also microwave the lemons for 10-15 seconds to make them juicier. Squeeze the lemons using a manual juicer or invest in an electric juicer if you plan to make lemonade regularly. I use a hand-held lemon juicer to squeeze out the juice--so it takes a little bit of time, but totally worth it! If you have an electric one it will take you no time at all!
Sweetening - Finding the right balance of sweetness is crucial. Start by making a simple syrup by combining equal parts water and sugar, and heating until the sugar dissolves completely. Allow it to cool before using. Simple syrup ensures that the sugar mixes evenly throughout the lemonade, preventing any grainy texture.
Mixing and Serving - Combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and water in a pitcher. Stir well to ensure even distribution of flavors. For a fizzy twist, consider adding sparkling water or soda just before serving. Fill glasses with ice cubes and garnish with lemon slices, mint sprigs, or even edible flowers for a visually appealing presentation.

Nutrition