State Fair Lemonade: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink
This State Fair Lemonade bursts with the tangy, sweet flavor of fresh lemons and a perfectly balanced sweetness. A true summer experience, it’s perfect for gatherings, backyard barbecues, or on a hot, lazy day when you need a refreshing chill.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 120kcal
Ingredients
- 8 fresh lemons (scrubbed, rinsed, and dried)
- 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 4 cups hot water
- 2 cups cold water
Instructions
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Firmly roll each lemon on the countertop with your palm to release the natural juices.
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Zest 6 lemons using a fine grater, making sure to only take the yellow outer layer and avoid the white pith.
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In a small bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest. Stir and press the zest into the sugar to release the citrus oils. Cover and let sit at room temperature for 2 hours.
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After 2 hours, transfer the lemon sugar mixture to a large heat-safe bowl. Add the hot water and stir until the sugar fully dissolves, forming a sweet lemon syrup.
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Cover the syrup and refrigerate for 2 hours to cool.
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While the syrup is chilling, juice the remaining 6 zested lemons, straining out the seeds.
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Once the syrup is chilled, stir in the cold water and the strained lemon juice to make a refreshing lemonade.
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Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving, if desired.
Notes
For a more intense flavor, let the sugar and zest sit at room temperature for up to 4 hours before dissolving. You can use glass bottles or jars to store the syrup in the fridge for up to a week. For extra freshness, serve the lemonade over ice with lemon slices or fresh mint garnish.
