Lemonade Fresh Citrus Drink (Printable version)
A bright, refreshing lemon drink combining fresh citrus and sweet balance, ideal for hot days or parties.
# What you need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 - 1 cup granulated sugar
02 - 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately 4 to 6 lemons)
03 - 5 cups cold water
→ Optional Garnishes
04 - Lemon slices for serving
05 - Fresh mint leaves for serving
06 - Ice cubes as needed
# How To:
01 - In a small pitcher or large bowl, mix the granulated sugar with freshly squeezed lemon juice until the sugar is completely dissolved.
02 - Stir in the cold water thoroughly. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or tartness by adding additional sugar or lemon juice as preferred.
03 - Fill glasses with ice cubes to chill the drink before serving.
04 - Pour the lemonade into the prepared glasses and garnish each with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It tastes like actual lemons, not a powder or a cartoon version of citrus.
- You can make it as sweet or as tart as you want without guessing.
- It comes together in minutes and feels like a small victory on a hot day.
02 -
- If the sugar doesn't dissolve, the bottom of your pitcher will turn into sweet sludge and the top will taste sour.
- Using warm water instead of cold makes the ice melt too fast and waters everything down before you finish your first glass.
03 -
- Let the lemon juice sit with the sugar for a full minute before you start stirring, it helps the sugar break down faster.
- Chill the pitcher in the fridge for ten minutes before serving if you have time, it makes a bigger difference than you'd expect.