State Fair Lemonade: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink
This State Fair Lemonade bursts with the tangy, sweet flavor of fresh lemons and a perfectly balanced sweetness. A true summer experience, it’s perfect for gatherings, backyard barbecues, or on a hot, lazy day when you need a refreshing chill.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 120kcal
Ingredients
- 8 fresh lemons (scrubbed, rinsed, and dried)
- 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 4 cups hot water
- 2 cups cold water
Instructions
- Firmly roll each lemon on the countertop with your palm to release the natural juices.
- Zest 6 lemons using a fine grater, making sure to only take the yellow outer layer and avoid the white pith.
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest. Stir and press the zest into the sugar to release the citrus oils. Cover and let sit at room temperature for 2 hours.
- After 2 hours, transfer the lemon sugar mixture to a large heat-safe bowl. Add the hot water and stir until the sugar fully dissolves, forming a sweet lemon syrup.
- Cover the syrup and refrigerate for 2 hours to cool.
- While the syrup is chilling, juice the remaining 6 zested lemons, straining out the seeds.
- Once the syrup is chilled, stir in the cold water and the strained lemon juice to make a refreshing lemonade.
- Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving, if desired.
Notes
For a more intense flavor, let the sugar and zest sit at room temperature for up to 4 hours before dissolving.
You can use glass bottles or jars to store the syrup in the fridge for up to a week.
For extra freshness, serve the lemonade over ice with lemon slices or fresh mint garnish.
You can use glass bottles or jars to store the syrup in the fridge for up to a week.
For extra freshness, serve the lemonade over ice with lemon slices or fresh mint garnish.