Lemonade

As far as I'm concerned, the secret to amazing lemonade is using the lemon zest. :D

This is the lemonade recipe that I've been using forever - it includes a really easy-to-make lemon zest simple syrup that pushes it above and beyond regular lemonade!

• 3 ripe lemons (they need to be a little soft!)
• 1 cup sugar
• 8 cups water

You'll also want a 2 cup measuring cup, a small strainer, a citrus reamer, and a paring knife.

You need between 1/2 and 2/3 cup of lemon juice. Juice them and pour the pulp, juice and seeds into a strainer. Press the pulp to get out all the liquid. :)

Then pour that into the pitcher.

Pour one cup of sugar into your glass measuring cup and add one cup of water on top. Take a paring knife and cut off sections of zest from one of your lemon halves. Pop them in the cup and then put the mix in the microwave for four minutes.

Once it's out, stir to dissolve all the sugar and take out the zest.

Once you pour the simple syrup over the lemon juice, add enough water to fill the pitcher. Stir and you're ready to go :D

I never put ice in the pitcher, just in the individual glasses. That way it doesn't get watered down.