Lemon Juice is a simple, refreshing drink perfect for hot summer days. This homemade beverage is great for quenching thirst and offers health benefits like aiding weight loss, detoxifying, and soothing sore throats when enjoyed without sugar.
Begin by cutting four lemons in half to prepare for juicing.
Using your preferred method, whether it's a fork, lemon skewer, handheld squeezer, or citrus press, squeeze the lemon halves over a bowl equipped with a fine-mesh strainer. This ensures that any seeds and pulp are caught, leaving you with pure, smooth juice.
To extract every last drop of juice, gently press the collected pulp in the strainer with the back of a spoon or spatula.
Now, transfer the freshly squeezed lemon juice to a spacious pitcher or bowl. Here's where you can customize your Lemon Juice to your taste preferences: add cold water to dilute the intensity, and if you prefer a sweeter taste, stir in some sugar until it dissolves completely. Give it a good mix to blend all the flavors. Once your Lemon Juice mixture is well combined, pop it into the refrigerator to chill until you're ready to serve.
When it's time to enjoy, grab your serving glasses and fill them with ice cubes for a refreshingly cold drink. Don't forget to add a few lemon slices to each glass for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Serving
Serve the refreshing Lemon Juice over ice with lemon slices for the perfect summer thirst-quencher or as a delightful refreshment at parties and gatherings.
Notes
To enhance your Lemon Juice, here are a few handy tips:
Choose the Right Lemons: For the most flavorful juice, use fresh, ripe lemons. Look for lemons that are bright in color and slightly soft to the touch, indicating ripeness and juiciness.
Health Benefits: To maximize the health benefits, consider omitting sugar. If you prefer a little sweetness, try a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup in small amounts.
Temperature Matters: Serve your lemon juice chilled or with ice cubes for a truly refreshing experience. You can also store lemons in the fridge before juicing to get them extra cold.
Get Maximize Juice Yield: To get the most juice out of your lemons, roll them on the counter with your hand before cutting and juicing. This breaks down some of the fibers and makes the lemons easier to squeeze.
Lemon Juice Yield Per Lemon: The amount of juice you can get from a lemon depends on its size and type. On average, a medium-sized lemon yields about 2-3 tablespoons. Remember this when planning your recipes or when a specific amount of juice is needed!
Enhance with Herbs: Add a sprig of mint, basil, or rosemary to your lemon juice for an aromatic twist. Herbs complement the tanginess of the lemon and can add a sophisticated flavor profile.
Adjust the Tartness: If your lemon juice is too tart, balance it with a pinch of salt instead of sugar. This can enhance the natural sweetness without adding calories.