¾cup(180 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice,from 3-4 large lemons
fresh lemon slices, optional(from an extra lemon)
ice cubes and/or mint sprigs, optional
Instructions
Put the water into a large pitcher (2 litres/2 quarts or larger).
Add the sugar and stir vigorously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Juice the lemons (cut them in half crosswise and squeeze them, use a lemon reamer, or a handheld lemon juicer) and measure to get ¾ of a cup (180 ml) of juice. (Tip: Set a strainer over the measuring cup to catch seeds and pulp.)
Add the lemon juice to the sweetened water, and stir to combine. Add lemon slices if using them. Cover and chill the lemonade. Add ice cubes and mint sprigs at serving time, if desired.
Makes ~8 cups (2 litres) of lemonade.
Notes
You can substitute the sugar with your sweetener of choice: honey (~½ cup) or a sugar substitute.To make Fresh Limeade, use fresh lime juice instead of lemon juice.