Homemade Lemonade

There is nothing quite as refreshing as an ice-cold pitcher of homemade lemonade. With just a little advanced preparation and simple ingredients, you, too, can have this easy drink all summer long. It is perfect for pool parties, family reunions, and neighborhood shindigs.

Super Refreshing Lemonade

Summers get fairly warm in this neck of the woods. I love to have some refreshing drink recipes for family and friends who might stop by. Cool off this summer with a refreshing glass of homemade lemonade! Learn how to make the perfect blend of tangy and sweet flavors with this easy summer staple recipe. It is so easy to make flavor variations of this refreshing drink by adding strawberries or raspberries or substituting limes in place of lemons. If you like this recipe, try blueberry lemonade, strawberry lemonade, Italian cream sodas, and fresh peach tea.

Only Two Simple Ingredients

Just two simple ingredients if you don’t include water, ice, and garnishes

How to Make Homemade Lemonade

It is so incredibly easy to make that you will wonder why you have not done it for years. Start by simmering the water and sugar until the sugar dissolves completely. Stir several times to ensure that the sugar dissolves quickly. Then, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. This liquid is known as simple syrup.

Combine the mixture with the fresh lemon juice and cups of water. Then add the lemon slices and plenty of ice. Finally, add plenty of ice to the glasses and pour. Garnish with fresh lemon slices or mint.

Recipe Tips

• That is a double batch pictured in the beverage dispenser.
• To help prepare the lemonade for an event, simmer the simple syrup the day before. Then cool to room temperature and chill in the fridge overnight.
• It takes about 6-8 lemons to make 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice.
• Always use fresh lemons. Extract the juice using a citrus reamer, fork, or an electric juicer.
• For less cloudy, clearer lemonade, strain the lemon juice through a fine mesh strainer to remove the pulp.
• This lemonade is good on the counter at room temperature for about 2 hours. Then, it should be refrigerated. Consume the lemonade within 5 days.
• Adjust the sweetness and tartness with more or less sugar or water.

Recipe variations

• Limeade – replace the lemon juice and lemons with lime juice and limes.
• Raspberry Lemonade – Puree 1 cup of raspberries in a blender or food processor. Run the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds. Add at the same time as the lemon juice.
• Strawberry Lemonade – Puree 1 1/2 cups strawberries in a blender or food processor. Run the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds. Add at the same time as the lemon juice.

How long does lemonade last? Homemade lemonade stays good for about 5 days stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. As always, if there are signs of spoilage, like changes in color, smell, or taste, throw it out.

Can I use bottled lemon juice? Yes, most bottled lemon juice is of good quality. I like using fresh lemons because bottled lemon juice contains additives and preservatives, and I am already picking up fresh lemons to add to the pitcher and glasses.

More Lemon Recipe

Are you on the hunt for more delicious recipes? Follow Small Town Woman on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf