Lemonade may be associated with sultry summer days, but lemons actually come into season during the winter months. Take advantage of the abundance of lemons in December, January, and February to make and freeze fresh lemonade concentrate. Enjoy some fresh lemonade during the cold winter months and dream of the warmth to come.
Freshly Squeezed Lemonade
- water
- white sugar
- freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Juice the lemons. Lemons vary tremendously in size, flavor intensity, and the amount of juice in each lemon, so it's difficult to define the number of lemons necessary to make a pitcher of lemonade. It's better to err on the side of abundance—after all, extra can be frozen to enjoy later! For a basic batch, start with at least two cups of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Make a simple syrup. A simple syrup is merely equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar is dissolved and a sweet solution is created. Again, the lemonade is going to to be made to taste, so err on the generous side. Extra can be stored for weeks in the refrigerator. Start with at least two cups of water and two cups of sugar.
- Mix the lemonade together. Start with proportions of one part lemon juice, one part simple syrup, two parts water. Taste the lemonade, and adjust as desired.
- Garnish with a slice of fresh lemon and enjoy!
Lemonade Variations
Try limeade! Or a mix of lemons, limes, and grapefruit makes a delicious citrus punch.
Want to make the lemonade extra special? Try adding a sophisticated note to your simple syrup by infusing the solution with herb flavors. Simply add a few sprigs of herbs or spices to the sugar and water as it's heating and dissolving. Let steep, then strain the flavoring out of the simple syrup. Try making:
- lavender lemonade
- thyme lemonade
- mint lemonade
- basil lemonade
- ginger lemonade (great in the first trimester of pregnancy to help deal with morning sickness!)
Mix the flavored simple syrup with lemon juice and water as with regular lemonade. Garnish with a sprig of the fresh herbs for a stylish, easy accent.
Wondering what to do with all those leftover lemon rinds? Use the zest to make delicious limoncello, a delightful lemon Italian liquor.
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