Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

There's nothing like fresh squeezed lemonade! This simple recipe comes together in no time at all and produces delicious results. It reminds me of the wonderful lemonade I get at our hometown fair!

Servings

Calories 137kcal

Author Sara

Ingredients

7-8 fresh lemons for 1 ½ cups of lemon juice
1 cup ice cubes
1 ½ cups white sugar
8 cups water divided
Extra ice cubes and lemon slices optional

Instructions

In a microwaveable bowl, combine the sugar and 1 cup of the water and heat for 1 minute 30 seconds or until the sugar is completely dissolved. Stir well.
Add the ice cubes to the bowl and allow mixture to come to room temperature.
Cover and refrigerate.
With a juicer, juice the lemons for 1 ½ cups of juice.
In a 2-quart pitcher, stir together the sugar mixture, lemon juice and remaining 7 cups water.
Add a couple extra ice cubes to each glass before serving and garnish with lemon slices.

Notes

Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lemons to get the best flavor for your lemonade. Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides a bright, tangy taste that elevates the drink. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, as it may lack the freshness and vibrancy of freshly squeezed juice.
Simple Syrup Technique: Dissolving the sugar in water to create a simple syrup ensures that the sugar is evenly distributed throughout the lemonade, resulting in a smooth and consistent sweetness. Heating the water helps dissolve the sugar more quickly, but be sure to let the mixture cool to room temperature before combining it with the lemon juice to preserve the fresh flavor.
Chill for Refreshment: For the most refreshing lemonade, chill the mixture thoroughly before serving. Cooling in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld together and creates a crisp, cold beverage that's perfect for hot days. Adding extra ice cubes to each glass keeps the lemonade cold and refreshing, while lemon slices add a decorative touch and a hint of extra flavor.

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