Homemade Lemonade
User Reviews
5
Homemade Lemonade
Description
Homemade Lemonade combines freshly squeezed lemon juice with a simple syrup prepared by dissolving sugar in water along with strips of lemon zest for aroma and subtle bitterness. The syrup is cooled before mixing with lemon juice and water in a pitcher. Adjusting sweetness is possible by altering the syrup amount. Adding ice chills the lemonade, making it a thirst-quenching beverage. The fresh lemon zest imparts depth beyond basic lemon juice and sugar mixes.
Preparing the lemons by microwaving slightly before juicing can increase yield, and rinsing them well removes wax coating for better zest flavor. Using a juicer or a fork to squeeze lemon juice will extract the necessary amount efficiently. The lemonade can be strained to remove pulp if smoother texture is preferred. Stirring before serving helps redistribute flavors and consistency after chilling.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups lemon juice about 6-8 lemons, fresh
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar or simple syrup
- ice
- water
- lemon for garnish, slices
Instructions
- Peel 3 long strips of zest off of the lemons.
- Combine sugar, 1 ½ cups water, and lemon zest in a small saucepan and bring just to a boil until sugar is dissolved. Cool completely.
- Cut the lemons in half and squeeze out the juice using a juicer. If you don't have a juicer, place a fork in the lemon and gently squeeze while rocking the fork back and forth. You will need 1 ¼ cups lemon juice.
- Place 1 ¼ cups lemon juice and 1 cup* of the simple syrup in a 2 QT pitcher.
- Add ice and 6 cups of cold water. Stir to combine.
- Taste and add more simple syrup if desired.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by starting with less simple syrup and adding more to taste.
- Microwaving lemons briefly can help extract more juice before squeezing.
- Rinse and scrub lemons to remove wax before zesting for better flavor.
- Use a juicer or fork method to efficiently extract lemon juice.
- Strain lemonade to remove pulp for a smoother texture if desired.
- Refrigerate lemonade and stir before serving to keep flavors balanced.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 129 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 129 | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 1mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 39mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 32g | 64% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 17% |
| Calcium | 2mg | 0% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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