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–+ servings
classic lemonade

The Best Refreshing Classic Lemonade at Home

5 from 1 vote
A perfectly balanced, sweet and tart homemade beverage made with fresh citrus and a quick simple syrup. Ready in minutes and guaranteed to refresh you on a hot afternoon.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 glasses
Course: Drink
Cuisine: American
Calories: 135
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups freshly squeezed lemon juice Requires about 8 to 10 medium lemons
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Creates a clean, neutral sweetness
  • 1 cup water For the simple syrup base
  • 4 cups cold water Filtered water tastes best
  • ice cubes For serving

Equipment

  • 1 Saucepan For making the syrup
  • 1 Citrus juicer For extracting the juice
  • 1 Fine mesh strainer For removing the pulp
  • 1 glass pitcher For mixing and storing

Method
 

  1. Combine the sugar and one cup of water in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Stir the mixture gently until the sugar completely dissolves and the liquid turns totally clear.
    stirring simple syrup in a saucepan
  3. Roll each lemon firmly on the countertop under the palm of your hand to soften them.
  4. Slice the fruits in half and press them over a juicer until you have extracted all the liquid.
    rolling a fresh yellow lemon on a counter
  5. Pour the freshly squeezed juice through a fine-mesh strainer to catch any stray seeds or heavy pulp.
  6. Pour the slightly cooled sugar syrup and the strained lemon juice into a large glass serving pitcher.
    pouring simple syrup and lemon juice into a pitcher
  7. Add the remaining cold water to the pitcher and stir everything to blend the flavors.
  8. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator for at least an hour to ensure the drink gets exceptionally cold.

Nutrition

Serving: 240gCalories: 135kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 0.2gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 34gVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.1mg

Notes

Keep your pitcher covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. Do not store the beverage with fresh lemon slices inside, as the rinds will make the drink bitter over time.

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