CLASSIC LEMONADE

When the hot summer days roll around, the only thing on my mind when it comes to drinks is: fresh lemonade. Lemonade, shikanjbeen, limun paani or nimbu pani...

While the names are many, the ingredients are few and very basic. Sugar, water, lemon juice. Easy peasy, right? Not so much.

The key to a good glass of lemonade is a balanced acidity and sweetness. Which is why I have come up with these precise measurements (tried, tweaked & tested many times) so you don't have to go through all the >taste >add >taste >addmore >blah! trouble.

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CLASSIC LEMONADE

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INGREDIENTS:

1 cup superfine sugar
5 cups water (4 c chilled, 1 c warm, 250ml each)
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (5-6 big lemons)
A dash of rock salt (for added flavor, to taste)
1 cup crushed ice*

*NOTES:

In case you don't to want to use ice (WHYY NOT? it's crazy hot outside!) add another cup of cold water as an alternative.

DIRECTIONS:

Make a simple syrup by combining 1 cup sugar with 1 cup warm water, stir to dissolve. You can carry out this step in a small saucepan on medium heat to speed up the process. Set aside.
Juice lemons so that you have about 1 cup lemon juice. Pour through a mesh strainer to remove sneaky seeds n pulp. (that is if you want a clear lemonade, otherwise keep the pulp if you like to)
Now stir together the simple syrup, lemon juice in a large pretty pitcher and add 5 cups of chilled water.
Serve over ice if you wish, garnish with lemon slices and enjoy!