Homemade Lemonade Recipe (Serves 4)
Homemade lemonade recipe: It’s made with a quick sugar syrup, lemon peel and zest for aroma, and fresh lemon juice for brightness. Chill it before serving so the flavors settle and the drink stays refreshing.
Ingredients
1. For the sugar syrup
2. For lemon flavor
Step-by-Step Method
Make the simple syrup
Add the water and sugar to a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves, then simmer gently for 1–2 minutes.
Infuse with lemon peel
Turn off the heat. Stir in the lemon peel and zest, then let it steep for about 5 minutes so the citrus aroma transfers to the syrup.
Strain and cool
Remove and strain out the peel. Let the syrup cool slightly; for a quick cool-down, set the pot in a bowl of cold water.
Combine with lemon juice
Pour the lemon juice into a pitcher. Add the warm (not hot) syrup and stir until fully mixed.
Adjust and chill
Add the remaining water and taste. If you want it lighter, splash in a bit more cold water. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
Serve
Fill glasses with ice and pour in the lemonade. A thin lemon slice is optional if you like a simple garnish.