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+ servings

California Style Homemade Lemonade Recipe

A refreshing homemade lemonade recipe made with California Meyer lemons and a simple syrup, perfect for hot days.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Beverage, Quick Meals
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Simple Syrup
  • 1 cup white sugar 200 grams
  • 1 cup water 8 fluid ounces
Lemonade
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice from about 6-7 Meyer lemons
  • 4 cups cold water 32 fluid ounces
  • ice as needed
  • lemon slices for garnish

Method
 

Make the Simple Syrup
  1. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and 1 cup of water. Place over medium-low heat and stir occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 10-15 minutes.
Juice the Lemons
  1. While the simple syrup cools, juice the Meyer lemons using a citrus juicer until you have 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Adjust the number of lemons based on their size.
Mix and Serve
  1. In a large pitcher, combine 1 cup of the cooled simple syrup with the fresh lemon juice. Stir well to make the lemonade concentrate.
  2. Add 4 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir. Fill the pitcher with ice and garnish with lemon slices. Serve immediately over ice.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 46gSodium: 10mgSugar: 44g

Notes

For a sweeter lemonade, use up to 1 1/4 cups of simple syrup. For a tarter version, reduce to 3/4 cup. Meyer lemons are naturally sweeter; if using regular lemons, you may want to add a bit more sugar. Store any leftover lemonade in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; stir before serving as the syrup may settle. To make ahead, prepare the simple syrup and lemon juice separately and combine when ready to serve. Avoid over-juicing lemons with too much pressure, as it can release bitterness from the pith.

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