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Classic Homemade Lemonade Recipe

Close-up of a tall, sweating glass filled with bright yellow lemonade, ice, lemon slices, and a mint sprig garnish.
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Make the best refreshing lemonade using freshly squeezed lemons and a simple syrup for a perfect sweet-tart balance. This recipe yields a large pitcher, ideal for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–6 large lemons)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water (for simple syrup)
  • 4 cups cold water (for mixing)
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon slices and mint sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the simple syrup: Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Do not boil. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  2. Squeeze the lemons to yield 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Strain the juice to remove pulp and seeds.
  3. Combine the cooled simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and 4 cups of cold water in a large pitcher.
  4. Stir well until everything is fully mixed. Taste the lemonade and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding a little more simple syrup or lemon juice, if needed.
  5. Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
  6. Serve the lemonade over ice. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice or a sprig of fresh mint.

Notes

  • For a larger batch, scale the ingredients proportionally. This recipe is easy to scale for a gallon lemonade recipe.
  • If you are looking for simple recipes for everyday meals, this is a great starting point.
  • You can substitute some of the cold water with sparkling water for a fizzy lemonade.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/best-homemade-lemonade-recipe/