Description
Refreshing lemonade sparkles with zesty citrus notes, promising cool relief on sweltering summer days. Crisp lemons, pure sugar, and crystal-clear water blend into a classic drink that quenches thirst and delights senses.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Ingredients:
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh raspberries or strawberries
Base Ingredients:
- 4 cups cold water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Garnish and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices
- Mint sprigs
Instructions
- Extract juice from fresh lemons into a large pitcher, ensuring no seeds remain.
- Pour cold water into the pitcher, creating a base for the lemonade.
- Gradually incorporate granulated sugar, stirring continuously until completely dissolved and creating a smooth liquid.
- Gently tear mint leaves to release their aromatic oils, then add them to the mixture.
- Optional: For an enhanced flavor profile, lightly crush mint leaves before introducing them to the lemonade.
- Consider adding vibrant raspberries or sliced strawberries to elevate the drink’s complexity and visual appeal.
- Refrigerate the lemonade for 30 minutes at 40°F, allowing ingredients to harmonize and develop a robust flavor.
- Fill serving glasses with ice cubes to create a chilled foundation.
- Carefully pour the lemonade over the ice, ensuring an even distribution.
- Garnish each glass with a delicate lemon slice and a fresh mint sprig for an elegant presentation.
- Give the lemonade a final gentle stir to blend the mint and potential fruit elements throughout the beverage.
- Enjoy the refreshing, nuanced drink that balances tartness, sweetness, and herbal undertones.
Notes
- Customize sweetness by gradually adding sugar and tasting until you reach the perfect balance for your palate.
- Muddle mint leaves gently to release more intense herbal essence without turning them bitter or bruised.
- Experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey, agave nectar, or stevia for different dietary needs and flavor profiles.
- Freeze leftover lemonade in ice cube trays to create flavorful cooling cubes for future drinks or cocktail enhancements.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Mocktails
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg