Description
This refreshing State Fair Lemonade recipe combines fresh lemon juice with a homemade simple syrup, creating a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy drink. It’s easy to make, ideal for hot days, and can be garnished with lemon slices and fresh mint for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Simple Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Lemonade
- 1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
- Fresh mint (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water with the granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved completely. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Juice the Lemons: While the simple syrup is cooling, squeeze the lemons to get about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Make sure to strain the juice to remove any seeds or pulp.
- Mix the Lemonade: In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lemon juice with the cooled simple syrup. Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water and stir well to blend.
- Chill the Lemonade: Add ice cubes to the pitcher and stir again to chill the lemonade. Optionally, refrigerate for about 30 minutes for a colder beverage.
- Serve: Pour the lemonade into glasses filled with ice. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing taste.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar in the simple syrup according to your taste preference.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add lemon zest to the simple syrup while heating and strain it out before mixing.
- This lemonade is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Add sparkling water instead of still water for a fizzy lemonade variation.
