Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade

A summertime classic that's the perfect blend of sweet and tangy

My favorite part of our apartment is our private back patio, and specifically, our lemon tree. As an avid cook and someone who actually enjoys going grocery shopping, it’s even more exciting to actually grow and harvest my own produce. The problem is that sometimes we have more lemons than I know what to do with and if I neglect picking our ripe lemons they will eventually shrivel, rot, and attract hungry insects (ew). Last weekend I spent a good hour pruning our tree, picking all the lemons, and juicing them into mass quantities of lemonade. There’s nothing more refreshing than a cool glass of the stuff, and spiking it with some vodka has become an easy and delicious cocktail favorite. When life gives you lemons, you really should make lemonade.

More Lemon Recipes:
- Fava Bean, Meyer Lemon, & Parmesan Farro
- Lemon Yogurt Cake
- Lemon Chicken & Spinach Orzo Soup

Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade:*

• Bring 3/4 c. sugar and 3 c. water to a simmer and stir until sugar dissolves. Let cool.
• Meanwhile, juice enough lemons to equal 4 c. of lemon juice.**
• Stir together the lemon juice and simple syrup and test for balance.
• Let lemonade cool in the fridge, then pour into glasses and serve.

Serves ten or more people

*This recipe can easily be halved.

**I juiced about 10-12 lemons.