Perfect Lemonade Real Lemons and Sugar
Quench your thirst with the ultimate summer refresher: Perfect Lemonade made with real lemons and sugar. This easy, 20-minute recipe showcases the timeless balance of tangy citrus and natural sweetness, featuring freshly squeezed lemon juice and a homemade simple syrup. With just four basic ingredients—lemons, sugar, water, and ice—you’ll create a classic beverage that’s perfect for sunny afternoons or casual gatherings. Customize the flavor to suit your taste by tweaking the tartness or sweetness, and elevate your presentation with optional lemon slices and fragrant mint leaves as garnishes. Whether served chilled from the pitcher or poured over ice, this homemade lemonade delivers a burst of pure, zesty goodness every time.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 medium Fresh lemons
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 6 cups Water
- 2 cups Ice
- 3 slices Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
- 5 leaves Mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Roll the lemons on a countertop with your palm to help release their juices. Cut each lemon in half and juice them using a manual or electric juicer. Strain the lemon juice through a fine mesh sieve into a measuring cup to remove pulp and seeds. You should have about 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar to create a simple syrup. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, the cooled simple syrup, and 4 cups of cold water. Stir thoroughly to mix.
Add 2 cups of ice to the pitcher to chill the lemonade, or refrigerate the lemonade until ready to serve.
Taste the lemonade and adjust sweetness or tartness to your liking by adding more sugar or lemon juice, respectively.
Pour the lemonade into glasses filled with additional ice. Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade lemonade!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
907 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1.4 g | 2% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2 g | 1% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 54 mg | 2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 246.5 g | 90% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.9 g | 50% | |
| Total Sugars | 212.6 g | ||
| Protein | 5.6 g | 11% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 220 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 689 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
