Description
This classic State Fair Lemonade recipe delivers a perfectly balanced, refreshing homemade lemonade made with fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. Its bright, tangy flavor is ideal for hot summer days and gatherings, garnished with lemon slices and fresh mint for an extra touch of freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Simple Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Lemonade
- 1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
- Fresh mint (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Juice the Lemons: While the simple syrup cools, squeeze the lemons to obtain about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Strain the juice to remove seeds and pulp for a smooth lemonade.
- Mix the Lemonade: In a large pitcher, combine the cooled simple syrup with the fresh lemon juice. Add 4 cups of cold water and stir well to blend all flavors evenly.
- Chill the Lemonade: Add ice cubes directly into the pitcher and stir again to cool. For a colder beverage, refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Pour the lemonade into glasses filled with ice. Garnish each glass with lemon slices and fresh mint if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing homemade treat.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your taste.
- Straining the lemon juice ensures a smooth texture free of pulp and seeds.
- Refrigerating the lemonade enhances the chill and flavor melding.
- Fresh mint garnish adds a subtle aromatic freshness but is optional.
- For a sparkling version, substitute some cold water with sparkling water before serving.
