One of my favorite things about The Bagel Deli is the fresh-squeezed lemonade. I worked there the summer after my husband and I got married and I can attest to its fresh-sqeezedness because I made those lemonades myself! I got so addicted (and spoiled) to fresh-squeezed lemonade that summer that I became something of a lemonade snob. If it's not straight from the lemon, I don't want it.
This isn't the Bagel Deli's recipe because, alas, I don't have a soda fountain that keeps sugar water mixed at all times, but when I made this recipe, it tasted remarkably close (unless I add mint). One thing I like about making my own lemonade is that I can adjust the sweetness. Just like any fruit, lemons can vary in their tartness, so I like that I can tweak the sweetness and concentration according to my mood.
One other thing--the mint isn't necessary, and it can be expensive if you don't have your own herb garden (and I'll be the first to admit that I don't; unlike Sara, who apparently is bad at nothing, I kill plants just by thinking about them.) It's good, and it adds a unique flavor, but sometimes, all you want is a simple, good old-fashioned lemonade and if that's what you're after, don't feel guilty for leaving the mint out. People will probably be so impressed that you're squeezing your own lemonade that they won't think any less of you for a minty absence.
Recipe by Our Best Bites
2 c. sugar
1 c. fresh lemon juice (about 5-6 large lemons)
1/4 c. fresh lime juice
1/2 c. loosely packed fresh mint leaves (optional)
8 1/2-10 1/2 c. water, divided
Ice cubes
Combine 2 1/2 c. water and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar has dissolved and then simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool about 20 minutes. Add lemon and lime juices to the sugar syrup. If desired, place mint leaves in a lidded pitcher or large, lidded storage bowl. Pour lemon-lime mixture into container. If not using mint, refrigerate. If using mint, allow to stand 1 hour and then strain mixture and store until ready to serve.
When ready to serve, mix lemonade base with 6-8 c. cold water. Start with 6 c. and then adjust according to your taste. 6 c. will be very sweet, 8 c. will border on watery. But I promise, however you like it, it will be delicious!
So who's ready for warmer weather??
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Oh, yummy. It's warm here! I'll have to try this soon.
I think this post should always stay right at the top of this section because it matches our blog design so well!
I didn't know you put lime in it too, I'm going to have to make it- it looks so good!
And here in Idaho we keep getting teased with warm weather; I'm hoping one of these days it will actually stick around for good.
It does not get any better than a fresh squeezed glass of lemonade! Nice recipe.
oooh, and while we're on the subject of super secret recipes, how about the Bagel Deli's garlic cream cheese?? C'mon Teeny, I know you're reading this!
I'm right there with ya on being a lemon(ade) snob! My in-laws froze a ton of strawberries and blackberries from their garden last year. I take a bag of frozen berries,puree it and add it to the fresh lemonade. Mmm, strawberry lemonade is my ABSOLUTE FAV!
FYI-I judge a deli on how good it is by their lemonade...yeah I am a snob!
I flipped my recipe and did it with limes, pureed the berries and had a choice of blackberry or strawberry lemonade or limeade. Everyone chose a different mix and they were all great!
After a weekend teaser of 65 degrees (woohoo!) it is snowing again here :(
I am so excited for summer and I am definitely going to try this. I have never thought of adding lime juice... what a GREAT idea!
OK, yeah - I just TOTALLY had a "Oh, that's who she is!" moment. Seriously - you've got to write to me. I think I might have taken photos at your wedding. Which brother did you marry??! LOL
I too love the lemonade at the deli. Auntie Anne's is my other favorite. If I ever remember to buy lemons I'll definitely have to make this. I wish spring would hurrry up and get here!
Mmmmm! This recipe looks really good. Here in KS we are having wacky spring weather (like usual).
I would also looooove the recipe of the super secret garlic cream cheese! That sounds awesome! Of course, it has garlic in it so you can't really go wrong. You should have a garlic week! Followed by a mint week!
This screams spring and summer and I'm all for that!
Sounds great. It reminds me of the Italian lemonade recipe from the food network site (Giada's, I think). It calls for a simple syrup with basil leaves. This sounds very refreshing too.
Yep, just looking at that picture almost makes the snow melt outside!
I made some of this tonight, and it is SO good!! Love it.
Kara M.
Kara, did you use mint or no? Either way, I'm glad you liked it!! :)
Oh my! That just makes me ache for summer. Can't wait to try it!!
We leave the mint out but this is hands down the best lemonade we've ever had! I had no reamer/juicer the first time I made it and I literally squeezed the lemons and lime by hand for an hour and it was still worth the effort! :-)
So refreshing! I could go for a tall glass right now!
Yes, yes - I'm a bit late, but I'm a newcomer, and now a HUGE fan. I just made this lemonade for the second time...and it's DELISH!
I have to be honest, I had never made homemade lemonade before, because to me it was never worth the effort. But knowing that my husband LOVES lemonade, I thought I'd make it special for him. Now I am hooked. Thanks for posting this!
I made this to go with the Pete's lasagna recipe from this site for Father's day. Everyone loved it. I added in the strawberry sauce from this site, too. I hosted a large dinner for a group of women on Monday and had enough leftover to serve with dinner. It was a huge hit. I LOVE the strawberry sauce added into it. I used to almost exclusively get my internet recipes from the Pioneer Woman, but I'm finding myself using a lot more of your recipes. Thanks so much. They've all been wonderful!
I made this for a family reunion this weekend and I cannot get over how INCREDIBLE it was! I am a huge lemonade fan and this was probably the best I've ever had! And I made it - which was more exciting. My husband even requested it on more occasion if lemons are a good price at the market! Thanks!
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