How to Make Lemonade

Lemonade, that classic summer quencher, can easily be made from scratch. The best version combines a simple sugar syrup and fresh squeezed lemon juice. This recipe serves two. Here are a few easy steps to creating a refreshing pitcher of lemonade.

Things You'll Need

• 1 c. sugar
• 1 c. water
• 1 large lemon
• 16 to 20 oz. cold water
• ice
• garnishes (optional): mint sprig, lemon slice, maraschino cherry
• Groceries
• Citrus Reamer
• Juicers
• Saucepans

Instructions

1. Make sugar syrup: Combine 1 c. sugar and 1 c. water in a saucepan and heat to boiling. Remove from heat, stir to dissolve sugar completely, and allow to cool. (You'll only use a couple of tablespoons per serving, but this is a good item to make ahead and store in the refrigerator, covered. It keeps for weeks.)

2. For each serving, combine the juice of half a lemon, 2 tbsp. of the sugar syrup and 8 to 10 oz. cold water in a tall glass.

3. Add ice and any of the garnishes (or all of them, if you're feeling festive). Serve immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• One lemon, depending on its size, will yield about 1/4 to 1/3 c. juice.

• For a quick microwave version, combine 2 tbsp. sugar and 2 tbsp. water in a tall, microwave-safe glass. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir to dissolve completely, cool a bit, then add fresh lemon juice, cold water and ice, if desired.

• Be extremely careful when handling hot sugar syrup. It can cause a nasty burn. A child can make the lemonade once the syrup is cooled, but an adult should do this first step.