Ingredients
Units
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (6 to 8 lemons)
- 3/4 cup sugar (see Notes below if you like very sweet lemonade)
- 3/4 cup water, for the sugar syrup
- 1 cup fresh berries
- 2-3 cups cold water (for the lemonade)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and mint leaves (optional), for serving
Instructions
- Process 1/3 of the berries in a small blender or mash in a bowl with a fork (it will be chunky).
- For the syrup combine the sugar and 1 cup of water in a medium saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat when it starts to boil, and let the syrup cool to room temperature. The sugar will have dissolved, and you'll have a clear, simple syrup. You can store it in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and keep it in the fridge almost indefinitely.
- Juice lemons to make 1 cup. You might find an electric citrus juicer handy for this task.
- Combine 3/4 cup of lemon juice, 1/2 cup of cold syrup, 2 cups of cold water, and a cup of ice cubes in a large pitcher (about 6 cup capacity).
- Add the fresh and mashed berries and stir until you get a pink hue.
- Taste and adjust to your palate. I use the whole amount of lemon juice and syrup, but the first time it's better if you mix less of each and then adjust. You might want more sweetness and less lemon or the other way around.
- If not using ice cubes, chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Pour into glasses with a few ice cubes and lemon slices.
Notes
- Simple sugar syrup: I like it much better than using sugar because the latter sometimes doesn't dissolve completely or you have to stir frequently. Making the syrup takes about 5 minutes and keeps in the fridge almost indefinitely. Always in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Berries: you can use strawberry or raspberry juice and no whole berries.
- Sweeter lemonade:Â if you generally like very sweet drinks, use 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water to make the syrup. Don't add it all at once, but you'll have extra if you need to add more.
- Freezing lemonade:Â it keeps for a month.
- Stir before serving:Â The ingredients can settle at the bottom of the jar or pitcher over time. Give it a good stir before serving to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Store it in an airtight container:Â transfer your lemonade from the pitcher to a clean container with a tight-fitting lid or cover.
- Keep it refrigerated: it should be in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. This will help prevent bacterial growth and keep it fresh.
- Check for signs of spoilage:Â If your lemonade looks cloudy, has an off odor or taste, or shows signs of mold, discard it immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: International