Citrus Refresh Lemonade
Brighten your day with this delightful Citrus Refresh Lemonade, a zesty concoction that combines the vibrant flavors of fresh lemons and oranges. Originally inspired by the Spring '09 Taste of Home Cooking School, this refreshing beverage is perfect for warm weather gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying at home. The homemade syrup infuses a sweet and tangy taste that is sure to please. Although I haven't tried it yet, this recipe is a great response to those looking for a revitalizing drink. Be sure to have extra water on hand to dilute the concentrate as needed!
12
Servings
200
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
1 3/4 cups (granulated)
Water
2 1/2 cups (for sugar syrup)
Fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 cups (squeezed from about 8-10 lemons)
Fresh orange juice
1 1/2 cups (squeezed from about 8-10 oranges)
Grated lemon peel
2 tablespoons (finely grated)
Grated orange peel
2 tablespoons (finely grated)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, combine 1 3/4 cups of sugar and 2 1/2 cups of water.
2
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar completely dissolves.
3
Remove from heat and allow the syrup mixture to cool to room temperature.
4
Once cooled, vigorously stir in 1 1/2 cups of fresh lemon juice, 1 1/2 cups of fresh orange juice, 2 tablespoons of grated lemon peel, and 2 tablespoons of grated orange peel.
5
Cover the saucepan and let the mixture infuse at room temperature for one hour.
6
After an hour, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a clean container to remove any pulp and peels.
7
Store the citrus syrup in a covered container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
8
To prepare the lemonade for drinking, mix an equal part of the syrup with cold water, adjusting to taste. Serve over ice for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition Information
54g
Carbs
21g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Refresh Lemonade?
Citrus Refresh Lemonade is a zesty and vibrant beverage that combines fresh lemon and orange juices with a homemade infused syrup.
How many servings does this lemonade recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include granulated sugar, water, fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice, and grated lemon and orange peels.
How do I prepare the syrup for the lemonade?
Combine 1 3/4 cups of sugar and 2 1/2 cups of water in a saucepan, heat until the sugar dissolves, and then allow it to cool.
How long should the citrus mixture infuse?
The mixture should be covered and allowed to infuse at room temperature for one hour.
How many lemons are required for the juice?
You will need approximately 8 to 10 lemons to obtain 1 1/2 cups of fresh juice.
How many oranges are needed for the juice?
You will need approximately 8 to 10 oranges to obtain 1 1/2 cups of fresh juice.
Should I strain the mixture before serving?
Yes, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a clean container to remove any pulp and peels.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
Is this beverage alcoholic?
No, this is a non-alcoholic citrus beverage.
How much sugar is used in the entire recipe?
The recipe uses 1 3/4 cups of granulated sugar to make the concentrate syrup.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 54 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in a single serving?
Each serving contains 21 grams of sugar.
How should I store the lemonade syrup?
The citrus syrup should be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator.
What is the recommended serving method?
Mix equal parts of the chilled syrup with cold water and serve over ice.
Can I adjust the strength of the lemonade?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of water added to the syrup to suit your personal taste preferences.
What amount of lemon peel is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of finely grated lemon peel.
What amount of orange peel is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of finely grated orange peel.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was originally inspired by the Spring 2009 Taste of Home Cooking School.
Does this recipe contain any fat?
No, the nutritional information indicates there is no fat in this recipe.
Does this recipe contain any protein?
No, there is no protein content listed for this beverage.
Is there any sodium in this drink?
The nutritional data indicates the sodium content is null or negligible.
Can I use bottled juices instead of fresh?
While fresh juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled juice can be substituted if necessary.
Is the lemon and orange peel necessary?
The peels provide essential aromatic oils and zest that significantly enhance the citrus flavor during the infusion process.
Can I use sparkling water instead of plain water?
Yes, mixing the syrup with sparkling water is a great way to create a fizzy citrus soda.
What type of sugar should I use?
Granulated white sugar is recommended for a clean, sweet taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients used to make the lemonade concentrate.
Is this a good drink for summer parties?
Yes, it is described as a refreshing beverage perfect for warm weather gatherings and picnics.
Do I add the juice to the hot syrup?
No, you should allow the sugar syrup to cool to room temperature before stirring in the juices and peels.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the syrup can be prepared in advance and kept refrigerated until you are ready to serve.