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Lemonade with Fresh Lemon Juice

A refreshingly tart and sweet homemade lemonade made with real lemon juice, sugar, and cold water, perfect for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice about 6 to 8 medium lemons
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 cups cold water
  • 2 to 3 cups ice for serving
  • Lemon slices optional, for garnish
  • Fresh mint optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife or citrus knife
  • Citrus juicer or manual lemon squeezer
  • Liquid measuring cups
  • Large mixing pitcher
  • Wooden spoon or mixing spoon
  • Strainer or fine-mesh sieve
  • Glasses for serving
  • Ice maker or ice cube tray

Method
 

  1. Roll lemons on the counter under your palm for 10 seconds each to release juices.
  2. Cut lemons in half and juice them with a citrus juicer or manual squeezer into a bowl.
  3. Strain the lemon juice through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove pulp and seeds.
  4. Pour 4 cups of cold water into a large mixing pitcher.
  5. Add 1 cup granulated sugar to the water and stir continuously for about 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves.
  6. Pour in the strained lemon juice and stir well to combine.
  7. Taste the lemonade and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar or lemon juice as desired.
  8. Fill glasses with 2 to 3 cups of ice and pour the lemonade over the ice.
  9. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice or sprig of fresh mint and serve immediately.

Notes

For fully dissolved sugar and extra smooth texture, prepare a simple syrup by dissolving sugar in 1 cup hot water, cool completely, then combine with lemon juice and remaining cold water.