Homemade Lemonade

I have made homemade lemonade all my married life. During my married life (a hundred years ago) I cleaned house for a lady who had a nanny when she was growing up that use to make lemonade for her as a child. This lady told me how her nanny would make the lemonade and they would drink it and she just added more sugar on top of the lemons, added water and made more lemonade.

I don’t know why I never tried this while my kids were little, but last year I thought I’d give it a try. It made the best lemonade!! So I thought I’d share my recipe.

For 1 gallon of lemonade you need:

4 large lemons

1/2 cup sugar (you can substitute honey)

Wash lemons and roll on counter to soften (room temp lemons work best. Slice lemons in thick slices and place in the bottom of a 1 gallon pitcher (do not squeeze), pour sugar or honey on top of lemons and let sit for about 10 minutes. Add 4 cups hot water and stir until sugar or honey is dissolved. Fill pitcher with cool water. Refrigerate & enjoy.

Once that pitcher of lemonade is consumed, put the same amount of sugar/honey on top of the lemons and let it sit for another 10 minutes and repeat the remaining steps. The second pitcher is better than the first.

I have only reused the lemons once in this manner, but I think next time I might try for a third pitcher. I wouldn’t be wasting anything but a little sugar if it’s not good.

I haven’t tried this with stevia or other sweeteners. The sugar draws out the juice of the lemons as it sits on them. I know it is still a sugary drink, but it’s better than a lot of drinks that kids get.

This is also, an excellent way to stretch your dollars, and control what you give your children. You can work with the recipe until it meets your needs.

Enjoy a cool glass!

Mae