I’m a firm believer that front porches are made for hosting. When I was little, I remember spending Sunday afternoons on the big front porch at my grandparents’ house. We would have lunch, drink iced tea and spend time together as a family. As I grew up, my mother made a point to instill the importance of hosting and making a guest feel welcome in my home. Often, that can be as simple as offering them something homemade.

lemon6

This recipe for Old Fashioned Lemonade is one of the simplest offerings, and it’s so delicious that it will delight your guests. It’s perfect for passing away hot summer days on the front porch, or put it in a pitcher and bring it to your next barbecue. Lemonade is great served with a salty snack – happy hosting!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 gallon cold water + 1 cup
  • 2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 8 large lemons)*
  • 1 gallon cold water
  • 3 lemon, sliced for garnish

Over medium heat, place the sugar and one cup of water in a small saucepan. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves to make simple syrup.

Combine the remaining gallon of water, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup in a large pitcher. Stir well.

Add two of the sliced lemons to the pitcher for garnish, and reserve the remaining lemon for garnishes on each glass. Serve over ice, and enjoy!

* You’ll get more juice from the lemons if you roll them across the counter a few times before trying to juice them

lemon2

X