Ginger Free Sweet Classic Lemonade
Bright, tangy, and refreshingly simple, this classic lemonade is the kind of drink that instantly makes any afternoon feel like a celebration. It starts with a homemade simple syrup — just sugar and water stirred together until silky smooth — which gives the final drink a clean, balanced sweetness that store-bought versions rarely nail. Fresh-squeezed lemon juice, strained to remove seeds and pulp, brings a pure citrus punch that tastes like sunshine in a glass. For anyone avoiding ginger, this recipe is a total safe harbor — there's nothing hidden here, just lemons, sugar, water, and ice. So many flavored drinks and lemonades sneak in ginger for a "zing," but this one keeps it beautifully straightforward without sacrificing any of the flavor. A few lemon slices and fresh mint sprigs on top make it look stunning for a backyard gathering or a quiet afternoon on the porch. Mix up a pitcher, taste as you go, and adjust to your perfect sweet-tart balance — it's that easy.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the simple syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
For the lemonade
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 6–8 lemons)
- 3 cups cold water
For serving
- ice, for serving
- lemon slices, for serving (optional)
- fresh mint sprigs, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool for 15 minutes until it reaches room temperature.
- 2
Juice the lemons through a fine-mesh strainer set over a measuring cup until you have 1 cup of strained juice, discarding any seeds and pulp.
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