Sandra This Paula Deen Lemonade is a refreshing and easy recipe, which is made with fresh lemon juice and sugar. It’s the perfect drink for a summer party, ready in minutes.
Paula Deen Lemonade Recipe Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 cups fresh lemon juice
- 1 gallon cold water (minus the 1 cup hot water)
- 1 lemon, sliced for garnish
- Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
How To Make Paula Deen Lemonade
- Make the Sugar Syrup: In a large, one-gallon container or pitcher, pour in the sugar and the 1 cup of hot water. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved and the liquid is clear.
- Mix the Lemonade: Pour the fresh lemon juice into the pitcher. Add enough cold water to fill the container to the one-gallon mark.
- Stir and Serve: Stir well until everything is thoroughly mixed. Serve the lemonade over a glass full of ice, garnished with a fresh lemon slice and a sprig of mint.
Recipe Tips
- How to get the most juice from your lemons? Before you cut them, firmly roll the lemons on your countertop under your palm. You can also microwave a whole lemon for about 10-15 seconds to help release more juice.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! This is the perfect make-ahead party drink. You can mix the entire gallon and store it in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- How can I make it less sweet or more tart? This recipe is a great starting point. If you prefer a tarter lemonade, you can reduce the sugar to 1 ½ cups or add a little extra lemon juice. Taste as you go!
- Can I make sparkling lemonade? Yes. For a fizzy version, make the base with the sugar, lemon juice, and only half of the cold water. When you’re ready to serve, pour it over ice and top each glass off with chilled seltzer or club soda.
What To Serve With Lemonade
This is a quintessential Southern and summer beverage that is perfect on its own on a hot day. It also pairs wonderfully with classic cookout and picnic foods like:
- BBQ Pulled Pork or Ribs
- Crispy Fried Chicken
- Grilled Hamburgers and Hot Dogs
- A simple pasta or potato salad
How To Store Lemonade
- Refrigerate: Store the lemonade in a covered pitcher or a sealed gallon container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 7 days.
Paula Deen Lemonade Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 glass (12 oz)
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 0g
- Sugar: 48g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Yes, for the best, brightest, and most authentic flavor, you must use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice concentrate will not taste the same and can often have a bitter or chemical aftertaste.
Fresh-squeezed lemonade will naturally be a bit cloudy due to the pulp and oils from the lemons, which is a sign that it’s the real deal! Using hot water to dissolve the sugar also contributes to this.
Yes. You can experiment with other sweeteners like honey or agave nectar. You may need to adjust the quantities to your taste, as their sweetness levels can differ from granulated sugar.
Try More Recipes:
- Paula Deen Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Paula Deen Banana Split Cake Recipe
- Paula Deen Lemon Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Paula Deen Lemonade Recipe
Description
A classic, old-fashioned, Southern-style lemonade made simple and refreshing with just a few basic ingredients, perfect for a crowd.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a one-gallon pitcher, stir the sugar and hot water together until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add the fresh lemon juice to the pitcher.
- Top off the pitcher with cold water until it reaches the one-gallon mark.
- Stir everything well to combine.
- Serve over ice with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint.
Notes
- The most important tip for this recipe is to use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best possible flavor.
- Ensure the sugar is completely dissolved in the hot water before you add the cold water and lemon juice.
- This is the perfect make-ahead drink for a party; just give it a good stir before you serve it.
- For a fun variation, add a handful of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries to the pitcher to infuse the lemonade with a berry flavor.
