Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
If there’s anything 2020 has taught me so far, it’s how to deal with a few lemons. By sharing this recipe, I don’t mean to give the false impression that I make homemade lemonade all the time or even some of the time. Squeezing the amount of lemons you need for a full gallon is tedious, and there are a lot of store-bought varieties now that are simple and tasty. But if you find yourself with a surplus of citrus or an occasion for a craft cocktail, the effort of making fresh-squeezed is worth it once in a while!
If you’re accustomed to juicing and have an electric juicer, the juicing step will be a breeze. If you’re like me and very protective of precious counter and cabinet space, a simple citrus press does the trick here. I start by halving about how much fruit I think I’ll need so I can just roll through pressing. Use a microplane to zest the fruit ahead of cutting it in half for some extra flavor.
Simple syrup, on the other hand, is truly the easiest thing you will ever make. Store bought versions of simple syrup are no where near worth it and I do typically have some in the fridge. All simple syrup is, is equal parts water and granulated sugar brought to a boil- that’s it. You can keep it in your fridge indefinitely and use it to sweeten any beverage.
This lemonade is refreshing over ice as is, or mixed with a little vodka or gin to liven things up. Instead of the lemon juice, you can also sub out any citrus juice (adjusting simple syrup amount slightly for a sweeter fruit like grapefruit).
Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 1 Quart Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
- 1 Quart Simple Syrup
- 2 Quarts Cold Water
- 2c Water
- 2c Granulated Sugar
Instructions:
- Measure sugar and water for syrup into a medium sized saucepan and stir to moisten all sugar. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat; turn off burner and allow to cool.
- Squeeze lemons (approximately 20) over a strainer, removing pith and seeds.
- In a large pitcher, pour lemon juice and simple syrup. Add cold water and stir to combine.
- Garnish with mint and lemon slices.
