Ingredients
Syrup
- 2 cups water (to heat in pot)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
Lemonade
- 4 lemons (or 1 cup of lemon juice)
- 4 cups water (for pitcher)
Garnish & Serving
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
- Lemon slices (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Make Sugar Syrup: In a medium-sized pot, combine 2 cups of water with 2 cups of granulated sugar. Warm the mixture on the stove over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved and the water thickens slightly to create a syrup.
- Juice Lemons: While the syrup is heating, juice the lemons using a juicer or by hand. Strain the juice through a sieve to remove any seeds or pulp, collecting about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the fresh lemon juice into a large pitcher. Add the prepared sugar syrup to the lemon juice.
- Add Water: Pour the remaining 4 cups of cold water into the pitcher and stir the lemonade mixture thoroughly until it is well combined and evenly mixed.
- Serve: Add ice cubes, lemon slices, and fresh mint leaves to the pitcher or individual glasses for garnish as desired. Serve chilled and enjoy your refreshing homemade lemonade.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar syrup according to taste.
- To make the lemonade more tart, increase the amount of lemon juice.
- For a sparkling version, substitute cold water with club soda or sparkling water.
- Use organic lemons for a fresher, more vibrant flavor.
- Keep the lemonade refrigerated and consume within 2-3 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
