Classic Homemade Lemonade

Ingredients

• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 4-6 large lemons)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (or adjust to taste)
• 4 cups cold water
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices and fresh mint sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   1. Prepare Lemon Juice: Roll the lemons on a countertop to soften them, then cut them in half. Use a citrus juicer to extract 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp or seeds.

2. 2

   2. Make Simple Syrup (Optional but recommended): In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Do not boil. Let it cool completely. This prevents sugar from settling at the bottom.

3. 3

   3. Combine Ingredients: In a large pitcher or jug, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, the cooled simple syrup (or granulated sugar if not making syrup), and the remaining 3 cups of cold water.

4. 4

   4. Stir and Chill: Stir the mixture well until everything is thoroughly combined and the sugar (if not using syrup) is dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or lemon juice as per your preference. Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for optimal taste.

5. 5

   5. Serve: Fill glasses with plenty of ice cubes. Pour the chilled lemonade over the ice. Garnish each glass with a fresh lemon slice and a sprig of mint. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade classic lemonade!