Old Fashioned Lemonade Recipe

Granulated sugar: This is used to sweeten the lemonade and create a simple syrup.

Water: Used both for making the syrup and diluting the lemon juice.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed from lemons, it provides the tartness and essential flavor for the lemonade.

When making simple syrup for your lemonade, ensure that the sugar is completely dissolved in the water before removing it from the heat. This will prevent any graininess in your final drink. Additionally, allow the syrup to cool completely before mixing it with the lemon juice and cold water to ensure a well-balanced and refreshing beverage.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile that complements the lemon.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup is a natural sweetener that dissolves easily and has a mild flavor.

• syrup water - Substitute with coconut water: Coconut water adds a subtle tropical flavor and natural sweetness.

• syrup water - Substitute with sparkling water: Sparkling water can add a refreshing fizz to the lemonade.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar tartness and citrus flavor.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice offers a slightly bitter and tangy flavor that can be a unique twist.

• cold water - Substitute with iced tea: Iced tea can add a different flavor dimension and make a refreshing Arnold Palmer.

• cold water - Substitute with chilled herbal tea: Herbal teas like mint or chamomile can add a unique flavor and aroma.

• To store your lemonade, pour it into a clean, airtight container or a pitcher with a lid. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
• Place the container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, your lemonade will stay fresh for up to 5-7 days.
• If you want to keep your lemonade for a longer period, consider freezing it. Pour the lemonade into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top as the liquid will expand when frozen.
• For easy serving, you can also freeze the lemonade in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can pop a few cubes into a glass of water for a quick, refreshing drink.
• When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen lemonade, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Give it a good stir before serving to ensure the flavors are well mixed.
• If you notice any separation after thawing, don’t worry. Just stir or shake the lemonade to bring it back to its original consistency.
• For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding some fresh lemon slices or mint leaves to your lemonade before storing or freezing. This will infuse the drink with additional refreshing notes.

• Pour the lemonade into a heat-safe container, such as a glass measuring cup or a small saucepan.
• Gently warm the lemonade on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Avoid bringing it to a boil to preserve the fresh lemon juice flavor.
• Alternatively, microwave the lemonade in a microwave-safe container. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired temperature.
• For a unique twist, add a few slices of fresh lemon or a sprig of mint while reheating to infuse additional flavors.
• Once warmed, serve the lemonade in a mug or heat-resistant glass. Optionally, garnish with a lemon wedge or a cinnamon stick for an extra touch of warmth and aroma.

• Small saucepan: Used to combine sugar and water, bringing them to a boil to create the syrup.

• Stirring spoon: Essential for stirring the sugar and water mixture until the sugar is dissolved.

• Pitcher: Used to mix the lemon juice, cooled syrup, and cold water together.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the sugar, water, and lemon juice.

• Citrus juicer: Helps in extracting fresh lemon juice efficiently.

• Ice cube tray: Used to make ice cubes for serving the lemonade.

• Serving glasses: For serving the lemonade over ice.

• Knife: Useful for cutting the lemons before juicing.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the lemons.

Make simple syrup ahead: Prepare the syrup in advance and store it in the fridge. This way, you can quickly mix up a batch of lemonade whenever you want.

Use bottled lemon juice: If you're short on time, use high-quality bottled lemon juice instead of squeezing fresh lemons.

Pre-chill ingredients: Keep your water and lemon juice in the fridge so your lemonade is cold and refreshing right away.

Batch preparation: Make a larger batch of lemonade and store it in the fridge for easy access throughout the week.