Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
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Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
This fresh squeezed lemonade is bright, balanced, and made from just three ingredients. The key is a simple syrup, sugar dissolved in warm water before it ever meets the cold, so there is no gritty sugar settling at the bottom of the pitcher. Adjust the lemon and sugar to taste and you have a classic that beats any bottled version. This recipe makes about two quarts, enough for six tall glasses.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water, for the simple syrup
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6 to 8 lemons)
- 3 to 4 cups cold water, to taste
- Ice, for serving
- Lemon slices and fresh mint, for serving
Directions
- Make the simple syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and 1 cup water. Heat over medium, stirring, just until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool.
- Roll the lemons firmly on the counter, then juice them. Strain out the seeds. You want about 1 cup of juice.
- In a large pitcher, combine the simple syrup and lemon juice.
- Add 3 cups cold water and stir. Taste, then add more water for a milder lemonade or more lemon juice for a tarter one.
- Chill, then serve over ice with lemon slices and mint.
Tips and variations
- Roll the lemons on the counter and press firmly before juicing. Room-temperature lemons give noticeably more juice than cold ones.
- The simple syrup is what keeps the sugar from settling. Skip it and you get gritty lemonade.
- For a pink version, stir in a splash of cranberry juice or a few muddled raspberries.
- Make it ahead and store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before pouring since the juice can separate.
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Common questions
- How many lemons do I need for a cup of juice
- Plan on 6 to 8 medium lemons for 1 cup of juice. Larger juicier lemons need fewer.
- Can I use bottled lemon juice
- Fresh is far brighter and worth the squeeze. Bottled works in a pinch, but start with less and taste as you go since it can be sharper.
- How do I make it less sweet
- Hold back some of the simple syrup, or add more cold water. You can always stir in extra syrup, but you cannot take it out.
- Can I make a large batch for a party
- Yes. Double or triple everything and mix in a drink dispenser. Add the ice just before serving so it does not water down.
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