Ultimate Homemade Lemonade Recipe: A Symphony of Citrus!

Ingredients:
• 4-6 lemons (depending on juiciness)
• 1 cup sugar (or your preferred sweetener)
• 4 cups water
• Fresh mint sprig (optional)
Instructions:
1. Squeeze Out the Sunshine: Wash and dry your lemons. Cut them in half and prepare to unleash the citrus symphony! Using a manual juicer or even a fork, extract as much juice as possible from those little yellow suns. Aim for about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice.
2. Sweetness Symphony: In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice with your chosen sweetener. Sugar is a classic, but honey or agave nectar can add a unique twist. Stir it all up until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Water, Glorious Water: Now, add 4 cups of cold water to the pitcher. You can adjust this amount for a stronger or weaker lemonade depending on your preference.
4. The Minty Touch (Optional): Feeling fancy? Wash a sprig of mint and give it a gentle muddle in the pitcher. This will release those refreshing minty oils and elevate your lemonade to a whole new level.
5. Chill Out: Stir everything together one last time, then cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until nice and cold.
6. Serve it Up!: Fill a glass with ice and pour your homemade lemonade over it. Garnish with a lemon wedge or a sprig of mint for an extra touch of visual appeal (and maybe another flavor burst with the mint!).
Tips:
• For a perfectly balanced lemonade, taste and adjust the sugar or water content to your liking.
• Leftover lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Get creative! Experiment with adding other fruits like sliced strawberries, raspberries, or even muddled peaches for a fruity twist.
• Make it fizzy! Add a splash of club soda to your glass for a delightful bubbly surprise.