Ingredients
7 medium Fresh Lemons
7 cups Filtered Water
0.75 cup Granulated Sugar
As needed Ice Cubes
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash and firmly roll each lemon on a hard surface for 10-15 seconds to maximize juice extractio
- Slice each lemon in half crosswise and extract all the juice using a reamer, handheld, or electric juicer. Strain to remove any seeds, aiming for 1 to 1.5 cups of juice
- In a large pitcher, combine 0.75 cup granulated sugar with 1 cup hot filtered water. Stir vigorously until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a simple syrup
- Pour the fresh lemon juice into the pitcher with the simple syrup. Add the remaining 6 cups of cold filtered water and stir everything thoroughly
- Taste the lemon juice and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed by adding more sugar (stir until dissolved) or a splash more water
- For optimal flavor, chill the lemon juice in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Serve cold over plenty of ice, garnished with a fresh lemon slice or mint sprig
Notes
For best results, choose bright yellow, firm lemons that feel heavy for their size. Warmer lemons release juice more easily.
Customize sweetness with honey, maple syrup, stevia, or omit sugar entirely. For a bubbly drink, use sparkling water.
Infuse with fresh mint, cucumber, ginger, berries, or other fruit juices for variations. To intensify lemon flavor, zest 1-2 organic lemons into the sugar-water mixture.
Store homemade lemon juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3-4 months.
This versatile drink pairs wonderfully with light lunches, BBQs, brunch, desserts, or as a refreshing snack.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 85 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg