My recipe tutorial for how to make lemonade from scratch is a slightly more sophisticated and mature take on the drink while still being just as easy to put together. Whether it’s for a party, a front yard stand, or just to cool off in the summer heat, this delicious summer drink with real lemon will knock your socks off.
Pour the water into a large pitcher and squeeze in the lemon juice. Some lemons will have more juice than others so start out with a few, adding more to taste.
Add the sugar and vanilla extract to the pitcher.
Stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Serve in individual glasses with ice. You can add some basil leaves to serve, if you wish.
Notes
Adjusting to taste. You can adjust to your taste by adding more water, lemon juice and/or sugar. Sometimes I will add strawberry-flavored sparkling water, so you could even give that a try.
Make it strong. The secret to a good lemonade is to make it strong so that you can serve it nice and chilled over ice. It will remain full of that sweet, lemony flavor when the ice starts to melt into the drink.
Ice tip. Don't add ice to the pitcher. Add it to individual glasses when serving for best results.
Storage. Lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Catch the seeds. To avoid getting seeds in the pitcher: 1) either use a citrus juicer or 2)squeeze the juice through a small metal strainer 3) squeeze the juice through your clean hand with fingers slightly spread. Your hand will catch the seeds and the juice will pour through.