Description
This recipe for the Best Homemade Lemonade Ever offers a refreshing and perfectly balanced lemon drink with just the right amount of sweetness. Made from freshly squeezed lemons, a simple syrup, and cold water, it’s easy to prepare and ideal for hot summer days. Customize it with fresh mint or lemon slices, and enjoy a classic American beverage that’s both vegan and delightfully thirst-quenching.
Ingredients
Scale
Lemonade Base
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 cup ice cubes
Garnish (Optional)
- Lemon slices
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Make Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar with 1 cup of water. Stir constantly until all the sugar has dissolved completely, which should take about 2–3 minutes. Once dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pitcher, pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the cooled simple syrup. Add the remaining 3 cups of cold water to the pitcher. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to ensure the lemonade is well mixed.
- Add Ice and Chill: Add 1 cup of ice cubes to the pitcher to help chill the lemonade. Refrigerate until you are ready to serve so the flavors meld and the drink stays refreshingly cold.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the lemonade into glasses filled with additional ice if desired. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a few fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a more tart lemonade, reduce the sugar quantity slightly to suit your taste.
- To create a sparkling version, substitute 1 cup of cold water with club soda just before serving.
- Experiment by infusing the simple syrup with fresh herbs like basil or lavender for a unique twist on the classic lemonade flavor.
