"My son loves this homemade lemonade, especially since he squeezed the lemons he picked at his father's house in Tunisia. Here, we enjoy the freshness of fresh lemons and, in Quebec, the subtle sweetness of maple syrup. A real delight!"
— Marilyn
Get ready to transform your hot summer days into refreshing moments with this homemade lemonade recipe! Forget the artificial flavors of store-bought or restaurant lemonades, which are often tinged with a chemical taste reminiscent of dish soap. This recipe highlights the true taste of fresh lemon, combined with the natural sweetness of sugar or, for a Quebecois touch, maple syrup. Perfect for the whole family, this lemonade is especially suitable for children, who can even participate in its preparation for a fun and educational activity. Whether you prefer the classic version or the one with maple syrup, this recipe is simple, quick, and guaranteed to deliver delicious results.
Why choose homemade lemonade?
Commercial lemonades often contain artificial flavors or preservatives that alter their taste. Using fresh lemons gives you a pure, natural drink with no unpleasant aftertaste. Plus, making this lemonade with your kids is a great way to introduce them to cooking while spending quality time together.
A touch of originality with maple syrup
For those who want to avoid refined sugar, maple syrup offers a healthy, locally sourced alternative. Maple syrup adds a caramelized note that pairs perfectly with the acidity of lemon, while remaining natural and delicious.
| Summary | |
|---|---|
| 🔍 Information | Details |
| ⏱️ Preparation time | 10 minutes |
| 🍳 Cooking time | 5 minutes |
| ⏲️ Total time | 15 minutes |
| 🔧 Difficulty level | Easy |
| 🍽️ Servings | 6–8 |
| 🔥 Calories (approximate) | ~100 kcal per serving |
| Ingredients |
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Tips and Tricks
- Lemon temperature: Take them out of the fridge 30 minutes before and roll them under the palm of your hand to release even more juice.
- Choosing the best lemons: Choose juicy, firm, and bright yellow lemons. Ripe lemons produce a more flavorful, less acidic juice.
- Storage: Lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Stir before serving to blend the flavors.
- Personalization: Add mint leaves, rosemary, strawberries, or even a little lavender for a unique lemonade.
- Sparkling version : Replace up to half of the water with sparkling water just before serving.
- Kids' Activity: Involve children by giving them simple tasks like squeezing lemons (with a suitable juicer) or mixing ingredients. This makes the experience fun and educational.
- Avoid artificial flavor: Use only fresh lemon juice to avoid chemical flavors often found in commercial products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Although fresh lemon juice is recommended for optimal taste, you can use bottled juice if it is 100% pure and without additives. However, the taste may be slightly less vibrant.
Can I replace sugar with honey?
Yes, honey is a great alternative to sugar. Start with 1/2 cup (120 ml) of honey and adjust to your desired sweetness, as it is sweeter than sugar.
How long does lemonade last?
Homemade lemonade can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Use a carafe or airtight container to preserve freshness and stir before serving.
How to avoid the artificial taste of commercial lemonades?
Artificial flavor often comes from synthetic flavors or preservatives. Using fresh lemons and natural ingredients like sugar or maple syrup will give you an authentic flavor.
Can I freeze lemonade?
Yes, you can freeze the lemon juice and syrup mixture (simple or maple) in a freezer bag for up to 5 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and add cold water before serving.