Ingredients
Scale
Gathering your ingredients is like preparing your canvas before painting a masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–5 large lemons)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, swap out the granulated sugar for honey or agave syrup for a different yet delightful sweetness. The mint leaves are optional, but they add a refreshing twist that reminds me of the wild herbs growing around our Devon cottage.
Instructions
- Start by juicing your lemons to get about one cup of fresh lemon juice. I find that rolling the lemons on the counter before juicing helps release more juice, a little trick my mum swore by.
- In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice and sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. This step is crucial for ensuring a smooth, sweet lemonade without any gritty bits.
- Add the cold water to the pitcher and stir well. Taste and adjust the sweetness if necessary by adding more sugar or water according to your preference.
- Fill your glasses with ice cubes, then pour the lemonade over the ice. Garnish with lemon slices and a sprig of mint if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing taste of summer in a glass.
Remember, the key to a great lemonade is balance. Too much sugar, and you lose the lovely tartness of the lemons; too little, and it might be a bit too sharp for some tastes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International