Creating traditional lemonade is a quintessential summer refreshment, blending the bright zest of lemons with a hint of mint and the crispness of mineral water. This classic recipe from Love with Recipes promises a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 4 lemons
- 3/4 cup caster sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 bunch of fresh mint
- 3/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 cups mineral water
Instructions:
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Prepare the Lemons:
- Start by thinly slicing two lemons and placing them into a large serving jug. This will infuse the lemon flavor into the drink as it sits.
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Make the Sugar Syrup:
- Using a vegetable peeler, thinly peel the rind from the remaining two lemons, ensuring to avoid the bitter white pith. Place the lemon rinds in a saucepan with the caster sugar and water. Stir over low heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
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Infuse with Mint:
- Once the sugar is dissolved, bring the mixture to a boil. Add the fresh mint to the pan and simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes. This step infuses the syrup with the refreshing essence of mint. Allow the mixture to cool down to room temperature.
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Combine and Strain:
- Strain the cooled sugar syrup into the serving jug with the sliced lemons. Press the mint leaves against the strainer to extract all the flavorful oils. Discard the mint leaves and lemon rinds after straining.
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Add Lemon Juice:
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice into the jug with the sliced lemons and sugar syrup. This adds a vibrant citrusy tang to the lemonade.
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Finish and Serve:
- Just before serving, pour in the chilled mineral water and add ice cubes to the jug. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly.
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Presentation:
- Optionally, you can garnish each glass with a slice of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint for a visually appealing touch.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 357.6
- Fat: 0.7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 12.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 106.2g
- Fiber: 10.7g
- Sugar: 77.1g
- Protein: 3g
Tips for Making Perfect Traditional Lemonade:
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. Organic lemons are ideal since you’ll be using the peel.
- Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less sugar syrup.
- For a stronger mint flavor, you can crush the mint leaves lightly before adding them to the sugar syrup.
- Serve the lemonade chilled over ice for a refreshing experience, perfect for hot summer days.
This traditional lemonade recipe not only quenches thirst but also offers a healthier alternative to store-bought versions, boasting low cholesterol and protein while being easy to prepare in under an hour. Enjoy this delightful beverage with friends and family, savoring the vibrant flavors of citrus and mint with every sip.
