Homemade Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade

These hot days of summer call for something cool, refreshing and hydrating. What could be better than relaxing at the end of a long summer day than an ice-cold glass of lemonade? Its a perennial favorite in our house and it can be in yours as well.

FRESH-SQUEEZED LEMONADE

4 large Lemons

1 1/2 Cups of Sugar

1 Cup Ice

Water

Roll each lemon back and forth a few times on a clean counter top or cutting board with the palm of your hand. This will make them easier to juice. Cut each lemon in half and squeeze the juice out of it using a juicer or by hand. Pour the juice (you can strain the pulp and seeds out if you prefer) into a gallon container. Add sugar to the juice adding more or less to your taste. Add about 1 Cup of ice and a quart of water; stir or shake to dissolve sugar completely. Add enough water to make a full gallon of lemonade. You can add lemon slices or the empty halves for garnish and more lemon flavor if desired. Serve cold, store in refrigerator.