How to Make Lemonade

Once you learn how to make lemonade with these easy instructions, you'll never go back to store-bought lemonade again.

The first step is gathering your ingredients for the lemonade recipe.

You will need:

• 1-1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 6 cups cold water, divided
• 5-8 lemons

In addition, you will need:

• a strainer
• reamer (optional)
• 1- or 2-cup liquid measuring cup
• pitcher

Pour the sugar and 1 cup of the water into a saucepan. Over medium heat, bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and stir until all the sugar has dissolved.

Now you have a simple syrup. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate while you juice the lemons.

Roll the lemons to warm them and get the juices flowing. Cut in half.

Place a strainer over a liquid measuring cup. I like to use a 2-cup liquid measuring cup because the strainer fits easily over it.

Now juice the lemons over the strainer, allowing the liquid to flow into the measuring cup. Continue juicing until you have 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. You may need 5 lemons; you may need up to 8 lemons.

Mix the refrigerated simple syrup and the remaining 5 cups of cold water. Add the fresh lemon juice. Mix well.

Enjoy your lemonade! For variety, try garnishing with fresh mint, fresh lemon slices or a fresh strawberry.

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Kids' drinks can be fun and colorful, but try to use natural sweeteners when possible. Natural fruits, especially in season, add great sweetness and flavor. The riper the fruit, the less sugar you will need to add, possibly none at all!