homemade lemonade

lemonade kind of reminds me of granola, chex mix, and cookies. 

how you ask?? homemade is always better. and once you move 

to the homemade version, you'll never want to go back!

homemade lemonade is where it's at. and the perfect lemonade (to me) is one that's 

refreshing, just barely sweet enough, and keeps the original bitterness of the lemon juice intact.

i love making a big pitcher of this and drinking it all week long.

this is money. have some this weekend!

personally, i hate drinking caloric beverages, so i make this lemonade with splenda 

(producing an almost calorie free beverage). if splenda isn't your thing - you can follow the exact same recipe with real sugar. more calories, but still amazing. i've had both and can vouch for both.

modified slightly from the food network

ingredients

2 cups sugar OR splenda

2 cups water

1 gallon cold water

2 cups fresh squeezed lemon juice
roughly 16 lemons, but definitely grab more just in case

1-2 extra lemons sliced for garnish

directions

1. make simple syrup by bring 2 cups water and 2 cups sugar to a boil over low heat.

stir until the sugar dissolves. remove from heat and set aside to cool.

note: if you are using splenda, no need to make the simple syrup over the stove.
you'll just be able to stir your splenda into warm water and stir. super easy.

2. in a large pitcher, combine a gallon of cold water and lemon juice.
add lemon slices and simple syrup to taste.

first, every single lemon is totally different - some super juicy and some that seem to have 
like 6 drops of lemon juice. just grab a bunch of lemons and you should be good. (hello costco!)

also, i kept stirring in my simple syrup until i loved the taste of my lemonade. 
this recipe is close to perfect for me, but just keep adding until it tastes just right!

3. stir well. and serve over ice!