State Fair Lemonade

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This State Fair Lemonade captures the quintessential summer experience in a refreshing glass. This classic beverage is known for its balance of tart and sweet, with the bright flavor of fresh lemons enhanced by just the right amount of sweetness.

A mason jar of State Fair Lemonade with a lemon slice on the rim of the jar.

For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe lemons. Store bought lemon juice won't give the same bright, fresh taste. Rolling the lemons on the countertop with a little bit of pressure helps loosen the juice.

A mis-en-place of the ingredients to make State Fair Lemonade.

Roll the lemons on the countertop to loosen the juice, then cut in half and juice them using a citrus juicer.

A wooden cutting board with 2 intact lemons and 2 that have been cut in have to make State Fair Lemonade.

A citrus squeezer on a white bowl of fresh squeezed lemon juice, surrounded by squeezed lemons.

In a microwavable container, heat 1 cup of water with 1 cup of sugar until the sugar dissolves. Mix really well.

A glass measuring cup of water and sugar.

If you have any pull or seeds, run the juice through a strainer. This should yield about 1 ¼ cups of fresh lemon juice.

A measuring cup of simple syrup and a class of fresh squeezed lemon juice.

Pour the fresh lemon juice and the sugar syrup into the pitcher. Stir well to combine. Then add the remaining 3 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar or water if needed.

A pitcher of lemon juice and simple syrup for State Fair Lemonade.

Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the lemonade over the ice, and garnish with a lemon slice.

A mason jar of State Fair Lemonade with a lemon slice on the rim.

State Fair Lemonade FAQS:

What will I need to complete this recipe?

You will need the following ingredients:
lemons, granulated sugar, water, ice cubes, lemon slices and mint leaves for garnish
You will need the following supplies:
a citrus squeezer, a sharp knife, a pitcher, microwavable container

What are the storage instructions?

Store any leftover lemonade in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving, as the ingredients may settle. Pour over ice before serving.

Should I eat these warm or cold?

This State Fair Lemonade is best served cold.

Notes:

For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe lemons. Store bought lemon juice won't give the same bright, fresh taste.

You can add a splash of vanilla extract to add a subtle depth of flavor that complements the tartness of the lemons. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Dissolving the sugar in hot water ensures a smooth, even sweetness throughout the lemonade. You can make a larger batch of simple syrup and store it in the fridge for up to a month for future use.

Add some sparkling water or tonic to the top of the glasses to make a sparkling version of this lemonade.

Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to the simple syrup. You can also experiment with other sweeteners like honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile.

To make an adult version of this lemonade, you can add an ounce of vodka, tequila or gin to a 12 ounce glass.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

State Fair Lemonade

Prep Time10

Total Time10

Course: Dessert, Drinks

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

5 large lemons, juiced (about 1 ¼ cups fresh lemon juice)
¾ cup granulated sugar
4 cups cold water
Ice cubes
Lemon slices and mint leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Roll the lemons on the countertop to loosen the juice, then cut in half and juice them using a citrus juicer. If you have any pull or seeds, run the juice through a strainer. This should yield about 1 ¼ cups of fresh lemon juice.
In a microwavable container, heat 1 cup of water with 1 cup of sugar until the sugar dissolves. Mix really well.
Pour the fresh lemon juice and the sugar syrup into the pitcher. Stir well to combine.
Add the remaining 3 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar or water if needed.
Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the lemonade over the ice, and garnish with a lemon slice.

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe lemons. Store bought lemon juice won't give the same bright, fresh taste.
You can add a splash of vanilla extract to add a subtle depth of flavor that complements the tartness of the lemons. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Dissolving the sugar in hot water ensures a smooth, even sweetness throughout the lemonade. You can make a larger batch of simple syrup and store it in the fridge for up to a month for future use.
Add some sparkling water or tonic to the top of the glasses to make a sparkling version of this lemonade.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to the simple syrup. You can also experiment with other sweeteners like honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile.
To make an adult version of this lemonade, you can add an ounce of vodka, tequila or gin to a 12 ounce glass.