French lemonade is the quintessential refreshing summer drink, perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day. This delightful beverage combines the bright tartness of fresh lemons with a hint of sweetness, resulting in a zesty lemonade that transports you straight to a sunny café in France.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons, preferably organic)
1 cup granulated sugar
4 cups water (filtered water is recommended)
Fresh mint leaves (for garnish and infusion)
Fresh basil (for a unique twist that complements the citrus)
Club soda or sparkling water (to taste, for a bubbly finish)
Instructions
Begin by rolling the lemons on the countertop to soften them. Cut the lemons in half and juice them using a manual juicer or a citrus press. Strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve to remove any seeds or pulp.
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 cup of water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring consistently until the sugar dissolves completely.
Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and allow the syrup to cool. In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lemon juice, the simple syrup, and the remaining 3 cups of cold water. Stir well to combine.
Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 1-2 hours to chill thoroughly.
When ready to serve, pour the chilled lemonade into glasses filled with ice. For sparkling lemonade, top each glass with club soda or sparkling water.
Add fresh mint or basil leaves to each glass for a lovely visual touch and aromatic flavor.
