How to Make Old Fashioned Lemonade Recipe
Introduction
Old Fashioned Lemonade is a timeless, refreshing drink that brightens any day with its vibrant citrus flavor. Made from fresh lemons and simple ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for cooling off during warm weather.
Ingredients
- Peel from about 3-4 lemons (avoid the white pith)
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 5-6 cups cold water (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel 3 to 4 lemons carefully, removing only the yellow zest without any of the bitter white pith to enhance the syrup’s lemon flavor.
- Step 2: In a saucepan, combine the fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, and lemon peels. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the lemon syrup to cool to room temperature, letting the lemon peels infuse fully.
- Step 4: Strain the syrup into a large pitcher, discarding the lemon peels. Add cold water and ice cubes to taste. Stir well, then adjust sweetness or water to preference.
- Step 5: Serve the lemonade immediately or chill it in the refrigerator. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves if desired for an extra touch.
Tips & Variations
- For a sparkling version, substitute cold water with sparkling water just before serving.
- Use honey or agave syrup instead of sugar for a different sweetness profile.
- Add a few fresh basil leaves or a splash of ginger juice for a unique twist.
- Adjust the water quantity to make the lemonade as tart or mild as you prefer.
Storage
Store leftover lemonade in a sealed pitcher or container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving again, and if desired, add fresh ice cubes or chill thoroughly. Fresh lemonade is best enjoyed cold and within a few days for the brightest flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
While bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, freshly squeezed lemon juice provides a brighter, fresher flavor that really makes this lemonade stand out.
How do I prevent my lemonade from being too sweet or too sour?
Start with the recommended sugar and water amounts, then adjust to your taste after mixing. Adding water will mellow sourness, while more sugar balances tartness.
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How to Make Old Fashioned Lemonade Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
Description
This Old Fashioned Lemonade recipe delivers a refreshing and tangy homemade beverage that balances fresh lemon juice with a sweet syrup infused with lemon zest. Perfect for hot days, this classic lemonade is easy to make and can be adjusted in sweetness and dilution to taste. Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves for a delightful presentation.
Ingredients
Lemon Syrup Ingredients
- Peel from about 3-4 lemons (yellow zest only, avoid the white pith)
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 4–6 lemons)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
Additional Ingredients
- 5–6 cups cold water (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Lemon Peel: Carefully peel 3 to 4 lemons, removing only the yellow zest and avoiding the bitter white pith. This zest will infuse the syrup with a strong lemon flavor.
- Make Lemon Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, and the lemon peels. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture becomes hot but does not boil. This allows the lemon peels to infuse their flavor into the syrup.
- Cool and Strain Syrup: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. Once cooled, strain the mixture through a fine sieve or strainer into a large pitcher, discarding the peels to ensure a smooth lemonade base.
- Add Water and Ice: Add 5 to 6 cups of cold water to the pitcher along with plenty of ice cubes. Stir well to combine, then taste and adjust sweetness or dilution by adding more sugar or water if desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the lemonade immediately over ice or chill it in the refrigerator until cold. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh lemon slices and mint leaves before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sugar and water to suit your preferred level of sweetness and tartness.
- Be careful not to include the white pith when peeling lemons to avoid bitterness in the syrup.
- For extra flavor, allow the syrup to infuse longer with the lemon peels before straining.
- This lemonade is best served cold and consumed within 2-3 days if refrigerated.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: old fashioned lemonade, homemade lemonade, lemon juice, lemon syrup, refreshing drink, summer beverage
