State Fair Lemonade
Classic Lemonade is a refreshing beverage perfect for quenching thirst on a hot summer day. This simple yet timeless drink is made with freshly squeezed lemons, resulting in a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. The lemons are juiced and then mixed with cold water and sugar to achieve the desired sweetness. Often served over ice with a garnish of lemon slices or mint leaves, this drink can be easily customized by adding various fruits or herbs for an extra twist. An all-time favorite at picnics, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings, Classic Lemonade represents the essence of summer in a glass. Description by ChatGPT.
Welcome to the nostalgic and refreshing world of homemade State Fair Lemonade! This cherished beverage, crafted by Chef John from Food Wishes, brings the authentic, vintage taste of lemonade right into your home. By infusing the natural oils from lemon zest into the sugar, this recipe delivers unparalleled depth and zing. Ideal for sizzling summer days, backyard BBQs, or whenever you need a quintessential thirst-quencher.
Ingredients:
- 6 large, high-quality lemons, thoroughly washed
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 5 cups cold, fresh water
Prep Time: 15 minutes (exclusive of resting time)
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: At least 2 hours and 20 minutes
Servings: Makes about 6 cups of lemonade.
Equipment:
- Vegetable peeler
- Large bowl
- Stirring utensil
- Cover or plastic wrap for the bowl
- Saucepan
- Strainer
- Lemon squeezer (optional)
- Pitcher for serving
- Refrigerator
Cooking Tips:
- If the lemons appear waxy, scrub them well under hot water before zesting.
- Adjust sugar and lemon according to taste; Chef John suggests tweaking for a more tangy or sweeter flavor profile.
- Refrigerate the lemonade until it is very cold for the best serving results.
### Instructions:
1. Using a vegetable peeler, carefully peel the zest from all the lemons, avoiding peeling too deeply—no need to remove all the white pith, a little is okay.
2. After zesting, reserve the peeled lemons for later use.
3. In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Stir thoroughly until the zest and sugar are well mixed.
4. Cover the bowl and let it rest at room temperature for 2 to 12 hours. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it will become.
5. Place the cold water in a saucepan over high heat and bring it to a boil.
6. Once boiling, turn off the heat and immediately add the sugar and lemon zest mixture. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
7. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes to ensure all the sugar is dissolved, then strain back into the bowl.
8. Let the lemon-sugar-water mixture cool down to room temperature.
9. While waiting for the mixture to cool, cut the lemons in half and squeeze the juice through a strainer into the cooled sugar water. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to taste.
10. Transfer the lemonade into a serving pitcher, cover, and refrigerate until it's well chilled.
11. Serve the lemonade over ice, savoring the harmonious blend of fresh, tangy lemon and rich, oily zest that makes this drink a cut above the rest.
Chef John's Pro Tip: This State Fair Lemonade is so superior to traditional lemonades that you might find it hard to enjoy any other lemonade after tasting it!
This luscious lemonade recipe is a creation by Chef John from the Food Wishes YouTube channel. Discover more culinary inspiration by visiting https://www.youtube.com/@foodwishes
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