Nothing says summer quite like a tall, chilled glass of fresh lemonade. Tart, sweet, and wonderfully refreshing, this classic drink is easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. By using fresh lemon juice and a homemade syrup, you get the perfect balance of bright citrus flavor and natural sweetness. Add a touch of mint for a delightful twist, and you’ll have a drink that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup sugar
2 cups drinking water
6 – 7 lemons
6 cups cold drinking water
1 cup drinking water
Reserved lemon rinds
Optional: Fresh mint sprigs
METHOD:
Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup drinking water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
Squeeze juice from lemons into a bowl, reserving lemon rinds. Strain lemon juice into a large pitcher. Stir in the cooled sugar-water mixture and 6 cups cold drinking water and chill.
Bring 1 cup of drinking water to a boil. Place lemon rinds in a bowl and add boiling water. Let stand until the water is cold. Discard rinds. Add water to the pitcher and stir well.
Refrigerate until well chilled.
VARIATION:
For a refreshing lemon-mint flavor, add a small bunch of mint to the lemon rinds, then pour over boiling water. After the mixture has cooled, strain, and add to the lemon juice mixture. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs.
YIELD: 2-1/2 quarts
