Lemonade
Ingredients
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- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water – for syrup
- 6 medium lemons – juiced
- 4 cups water – cold
- lemons – sliced (for serving)
- ice cubes – for serving
Instructions
1. Combine the granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the syrup is clear, 2–3 minutes; remove from heat and let cool 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, roll the lemons on the counter, halve, and juice them until you have about 1 cup (240 ml) lemon juice; strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and excess pulp.
3. In a 2-quart pitcher, stir together the cooled simple syrup, strained lemon juice, and 4 cups cold water until evenly mixed.
4. Chill the pitcher until cold, 30–60 minutes.
5. To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes (for serving), pour in the lemonade, and add lemon slices (for serving).
Lemonade is a bright, refreshing drink built on the simple balance of fresh lemon juice, sugar, and water. Its appeal lies in a crisp sweet-tart profile, a clean citrus aroma, and a cooling finish that makes it a warm-weather staple. Served icy cold, it pairs well with picnics, cookouts, and everyday meals, offering straightforward, thirst-quenching satisfaction.
The drink’s roots trace back to medieval and early modern lemon beverages in the Middle East and North Africa, later blossoming into the still lemonades and clear, carbonated versions popular across Europe. In the United States, hand-squeezed, still lemonade became a fairground and porch tradition, often sold by street vendors and at community events. Over time, countless variations emerged, but the foundational ratio of lemon, sugar, and water remains a defining constant.