Maple Lemonade

This is a chilled lemonade built from fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, cold water, and ice. The maple adds a rounder sweetness than plain sugar without changing the drink into a syrupy refresher.

By Julienne

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 count lemons juiced
• 80 ml maple syrup none
• 600 ml cold water divided
• 1 g fine salt optional, to brighten flavor
• 120 ml cold water divided
• 240 ml sparkling water chilled, optional for a fizzier version
• 300 g ice for serving
• 4 count lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Juice the lemons until you have the full yield, then strain out seeds and excess pulp if you want a smoother drink. You have a clean bowl or measuring jug of lemon juice.
2. In a 1.5 L pitcher, combine the lemon juice, maple syrup, 600 ml of the cold water, and the optional salt. Stir until the maple is fully dissolved. The liquid looks even and no streaks of syrup remain.
3. Taste, then adjust with the remaining 120 ml cold water if you want a slightly softer, less tart drink. If using sparkling water, stir in 240 ml just before serving instead of the remaining still water. The flavor tastes balanced: bright lemon, noticeable maple, and enough dilution to drink chilled.
4. Fill 4 glasses with the ice, pour in the lemonade, and garnish with lemon slices if using. Each glass is cold and evenly filled, with a fresh lemon aroma.