How to Make Homemade Lemonade

Making homemade lemonade takes only a few minutes, and tastes so much better than store bought. We’ve had a pitcher of it in our refrigerator almost non-stop since Memorial Day. We drink it as is, or sometimes we mix it with Trader Joe’s Sparkling Coconut Water with Yuzu, which makes for a refreshing twist on traditional lemonade. My daughter has been the lemonade maker this summer, and this is her basic recipe.

HOMEMADE LEMONADE

8 large lemons

2/3 c. granulated sugar

2/3 c. water

6 c. water

Slice lemons in half crosswise. Juice them with a citrus juicer. Strain the juice into a serving pitcher.

To make a simple syrup:

Combine sugar and 2/3 c. water in a small saucepan. Place over medium heat and stir to mix. Heat until sugar dissolves, 2-5 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes.

Add cooled simple syrup to lemon juice in pitcher; stir. Add 6 cups of water to pitcher. Stir. Taste. Add additional lemon juice, water, or sugar to adjust flavor to suit your preference for tart, mellow, or sweet.

Makes 8-10, 8-oz. servings.

This is perfect for: a hot, summer day, get-togethers with family and friends, summer al fresco dinners, and lemonade stands! Enjoy!