How to Make THE BEST Lemonade
User Reviews
5
How to Make THE BEST Lemonade
Description
To prepare this lemonade, sugar is dissolved into water over heat to form a simple syrup, which is then cooled. Freshly squeezed lemon juice from either regular or Meyer lemons is mixed with the simple syrup and cold water in a large pitcher. The recipe advises tasting and adjusting water quantity to balance sweetness and tartness according to preference. Lemon slices add visual appeal and additional citrus notes. Serving over ice keeps it chilled and refreshing.
This homemade lemonade offers control over sweetness and tartness, differing from store-bought options. Meyer lemons require careful syrup addition due to their inherent sweetness. The recipe can be refrigerated for several days, making it convenient to prepare ahead and enjoy chilled. Leftover syrup can be saved for cocktails or other uses.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¾ cup water
- 1 cup lemon juice from about 2 pounds of regular lemons or 1 ½ pounds of Meyer lemons, freshly squeezed
- 3-5 cups water cold
- 2 lemon ends cut off, thinly sliced (seeds discarded, plural
Instructions
- Add the sugar and ¾ cup water to a medium-sized pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a simmer and stir occasionally, cooking until the sugar has completely dissolved (this should only take about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and let simple syrup cool.
- To a large pitcher, add 1 cup lemon juice, 1 cup of the simple syrup, and 3 cups of cold water. Stir well, then taste. If this is the level of sweetness you’d prefer, stop here. If it’s a little too sweet for your tastes, add 1 ½ - 2 cups more of water. I find for me, 5 cups of water is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. You may have a little bit of simple syrup leftover (save and refrigerate for a cocktail if you like). Add some of the the lemon slices and stir. Serve over ice, adding a lemon slice or two to each glass. Store lemonade in the refrigerator (it should keep for several days).
Notes
- When using Meyer lemons, add simple syrup gradually to avoid overly sweet lemonade due to their natural sweetness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 110 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 110kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 0.3g | 1% |
| Fat | 0.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.02g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.03g | 0% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.003g | 0% |
| Sodium | 8mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 67mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 26g | 52% |
| Vitamin A | 6IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 25mg | 28% |
| Calcium | 12mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.2mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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