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Easy Simplest Lemonade Recipe for Perfect Refreshing Summer Sips

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A quick and easy lemonade recipe using fresh lemons, sugar, and water that delivers a perfectly balanced tart and sweet refreshing drink ideal for summer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium-sized fresh lemons
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 5 cups (1.2 liters) water
  • Ice cubes (optional)
  • Optional fresh mint leaves
  • Pinch of salt (about 1/8 teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. Roll the lemons on your countertop with light pressure to loosen the juices.
  2. Cut each lemon in half and juice them using a citrus juicer or by hand, aiming for about 1 cup (240 ml) of fresh lemon juice. Strain through a fine mesh strainer if you want to skip seeds and pulp.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup (240 ml) of water with 1 cup (200 grams) of granulated sugar. Heat over medium, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely. Do not let it boil. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  4. In a pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, the cooled simple syrup, the remaining 4 cups (960 ml) of cold water, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and taste. Adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more water or lemon juice if desired.
  5. Add ice cubes to the pitcher or directly to glasses. Optionally, garnish with fresh mint leaves or thin lemon slices.
  6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days. Stir again before serving if flavors settle.

Notes

Roll lemons before juicing to maximize juice extraction. Use room temperature water for making simple syrup to dissolve sugar faster. A pinch of salt enhances flavor. Adjust sweetness and tartness to taste. For sparkling lemonade, replace part or all of the water with club soda before serving. Store lemonade in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and stir before serving again.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemonade, summer drink, refreshing, easy lemonade, simple syrup, fresh lemons, homemade lemonade