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As the sun shines brighter and the temperatures begin to rise, the craving for refreshing beverages becomes almost irresistible. Among the myriad of options, homemade lemonade stands out as a classic favorite, evoking memories of sunny days, family gatherings, and backyard picnics. There's something magical about a chilled glass of lemonade that can instantly uplift spirits and provide a much-needed respite from the heat.

Refreshing Homemade Lemonade

Discover the ultimate summer refreshment with our Zesty Citrus Splash Lemonade recipe! This homemade delight combines freshly squeezed lemons, invigorating citrus flavors, and a hint of mint for a drink that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients like lemon zest, homemade simple syrup, and cold water, you can create a healthier and tastier alternative to store-bought beverages. Dive into our step-by-step guide and enjoy a burst of citrus goodness this summer!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)

1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

4 cups cold water

Zest of 1 lemon

Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

Ice cubes

Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by washing the lemons thoroughly under running water. Roll them on the counter with your palm to get the juices flowing more easily. Cut the lemons in half and use a citrus juicer to extract 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Strain the juice to remove seeds and pulp if desired.

    In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves, forming a simple syrup. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

      Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the lemon zest. Allow the syrup to cool slightly.

        In a large pitcher, combine the remaining 3 cups of cold water with the cooled lemon syrup. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more sugar or water if needed.

          Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

            To serve, fill a glass with ice cubes, pour the refreshing lemonade over the ice, and garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves. Enjoy the zesty citrus refreshment!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 40 minutes (including chilling) | 4 servings