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Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
Ben Carraoli

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

There’s nothing more refreshing than a glass of homemade lemonade on a hot summer day. This version is light, hydrating, and made with natural sweetness instead of refined sugar. The balance of tart lemons and maple syrup creates a perfect flavor you’ll want again and again.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Drinks
Calories: 90

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice – squeeze juice from about 6 lemons; fresh juice is far more vibrant than bottled.
  • 1 ½ cups filtered water – filtered gives a cleaner taste compared to tap water.
  • 1 ½ cups crushed ice – helps dilute the tartness and makes it extra refreshing.
  • 2 –3 tablespoons pure maple syrup – adds natural sweetness; start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
  • Lemon wedges and fresh mint sprigs – garnish for a fresh look and burst of flavor.

Method
 

  1. Begin by washing your lemons thoroughly. Slice them in half and use a lemon squeezer to extract the juice. Keep squeezing until you have about half a cup of fresh lemon juice. Using fresh lemons makes the drink bright and flavorful, while bottled juice tastes flat and dull.
  2. Pour the lemon juice into a blender along with filtered water, crushed ice, and two tablespoons of maple syrup. Blend for a few seconds until the mixture looks smooth and the ice has broken down. Blending ensures the syrup distributes evenly, giving you consistent sweetness in every sip.
  3. Taste your lemonade and decide if it needs more sweetness. If it feels too tart, add one more tablespoon of maple syrup. You can also splash in extra water if the flavor is too strong. Adjusting ensures your drink suits your personal preference perfectly.
  4. Fill a pitcher or glasses with extra ice cubes and pour the lemonade over top. Add lemon wedges and fresh mint sprigs as garnish. This step not only makes the drink visually appealing but also adds a refreshing aroma and flavor boost. Serve right away while it’s chilled.