Classic Homemade Lemonade

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 4 cups cold water

• 1 cup ice cubes

• Lemon slices for garnish

• Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

1. Make simple syrup
   In a small saucepan combine sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat over medium heat while stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.

2. Prepare lemon juice
   Cut lemons in half and squeeze them until you obtain about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Strain to remove seeds and pulp.

3. Mix the drink
   In a large pitcher combine the lemon juice and the cooled simple syrup.

4. Add water
   Pour in the remaining 3 cups of cold water and stir well.

5. Taste and adjust
   Add more water if the lemonade is too strong or more sugar if you want it sweeter.

6. Add ice
   Add ice cubes directly to the pitcher or to individual glasses.

7. Garnish and serve
   Add lemon slices and mint leaves for aroma and decoration. Serve chilled.