Homemade Lemonade

Wash lemons thoroughly with soap or vegetable spray, and warm water. Roll lemons firmly on the counter until they become soft. This will help them to release their juice.

Cut and juice the lemons using a citrus juicer.

Strain the lemon juice into a pitcher to remove any seeds and excess pulp.

Dissolve the sugar by stirring it into the fresh lemon juice until fully combined.

Add 8 cups of water to the lemon syrup (about 2 cups), mix well. Taste it and add more sugar or lemon juice if necessary. Serve over ice.

You can garnish the lemonade in the pitcher with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves.

Optional method: Instead of juicing the lemons, place the sliced lemons in a bowl with the sugar and mash them until all the juice is extracted. This method releases the fragrant citrus oils from the lemon peel and gives the lemonade an even bolder, more vibrant flavor. Strain the lemon syrup, then add water and stir.