Nothing beats a glass of homemade lemonade on a hot day. It's refreshing, tangy, and the perfect balance of sweet and sour.

Making lemonade from scratch is not only incredibly easy, but it also lets us control the sweetness and flavor, creating a beverage that's tailored to our taste. Let's walk through the simple process of making lemonade that will impress our friends and family.

<h3>Gathering Ingredients</h3>

The first step in making lemonade from scratch is gathering the ingredients. We'll need fresh lemons, sugar, water, and a pinch of salt for the perfect lemonade. By using fresh lemons, we ensure that our lemonade has a bright, natural flavor that's far superior to store-bought versions.

• <b>Lemons:</b>We need 6 to 8 medium-sized lemons. The amount may vary based on how tangy or sweet we want our lemonade. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is the key to getting that classic, fresh lemon flavor.

• <b>Sugar:</b> Sugar adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemons. We'll need about 1 cup of sugar, but this can be adjusted based on our preference for sweetness.

• <b>Water:</b> We will need both cold water and hot water. Hot water helps dissolve the sugar more efficiently, while cold water is perfect for making the lemonade refreshing.

• <b>Salt:</b> Just a pinch of salt helps enhance the flavors and smooth out the tartness of the lemons.

How to Make Homemade Lemonade Using Real Lemons

Video by The Stay At Home Chef

<h3>Making Lemonade Syrup</h3>

The first step in preparing our lemonade is to make a simple syrup. This will dissolve the sugar fully into the water, ensuring that we don't end up with undissolved sugar granules at the bottom of our drink.

In a saucepan, add 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved. This should only take a few minutes. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside to cool.

<h3>Squeezing the Lemons</h3>

While the syrup is cooling, we can squeeze the lemons. Roll each lemon gently on the countertop before cutting it in half. This helps release more juice. Using a citrus juicer or our hands, we'll extract the juice from each lemon, ensuring we remove any seeds.

We should aim to get about 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, but we can adjust the amount depending on how tart we like our lemonade.

<h3>Mixing the Lemonade</h3>

Once the simple syrup has cooled and the lemon juice is ready, it's time to mix everything together. In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice and syrup. Add about 4 to 5 cups of cold water, depending on how strong we want the lemonade to be. Stir everything well until the syrup and lemon juice are fully blended.

We can taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness or tartness to our liking. If it's too sour, we can add a little more sugar or syrup; if it's too sweet, adding a splash of lemon juice can balance it out.

<h3>Serving the Lemonade</h3>

Now that our lemonade is ready, it's time to serve it! Fill glasses with ice and pour the lemonade over it for a refreshing, chilled drink. For an extra touch, we can garnish each glass with a lemon slice or a sprig of mint. This adds a burst of color and an additional layer of flavor.

If we're making a larger batch for a group or event, we can double the recipe and serve it in a large pitcher or dispenser. Homemade lemonade is not only a refreshing treat, but it's also a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.

<h3>Tips for the Perfect Lemonade</h3>

• <b>Adjust sweetness:</b> The amount of sugar in lemonade can be customized to our preferences. If we prefer it less sweet, we can reduce sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or agave.

• <b>Experiment with flavors:</b> Lemonade is versatile! We can try adding flavors like berries, ginger, or herbs such as basil or thyme for a unique twist.

• <b>Make it fizzy:</b> If we like our lemonade with some bubbles, we can substitute some of the water with sparkling water or soda water for a refreshing, fizzy version.

Making homemade lemonade from scratch is quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. By using fresh lemons and simple ingredients, we can create a beverage that is both refreshing and customizable. Whether we're making a single glass for ourselves or a large pitcher for guests, homemade lemonade is a wonderful, timeless treat that brings a smile to everyone's face. So why not give it a try? With just a few ingredients, we can enjoy a glass of the best lemonade we've ever tasted!