When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade! But what happens when life gives you a bottle of lemon juice concentrate instead? Can you still create that refreshing, tangy drink we all love? Absolutely! Making lemonade from lemon juice concentrate is not only possible, it’s also incredibly convenient.
Why Use Lemon Juice Concentrate?
Let’s face it, sometimes fresh lemons aren’t readily available or juicing them feels like too much effort. That’s where lemon juice concentrate shines. It’s a readily available, shelf-stable option that provides a consistent lemony flavor. Plus, it eliminates the need to squeeze a mountain of lemons to get the juice you need.
What You’ll Need
The good news is, you probably already have everything you need in your pantry:
- Lemon Juice Concentrate: This is the star of the show.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar works perfectly, but you can also experiment with honey or other sweeteners.
- Water: Cold, filtered water is best for a crisp, clean taste.
The Basic Recipe
The beauty of using lemon juice concentrate is its simplicity. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
- 1 cup lemon juice concentrate
- 1 cup sugar (adjust to your taste)
- 6 cups cold water
Instructions
- Make a Simple Syrup (Optional): For the best results, especially if you’re using granulated sugar, create a simple syrup. Heat equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let it cool. This ensures the sugar dissolves evenly into the lemonade.
- Combine: In a pitcher, mix the lemon juice concentrate, simple syrup (or sugar), and cold water.
- Adjust: Taste and adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking. Add more sugar for a sweeter lemonade or more lemon juice concentrate for a tangier flavor.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Pour over ice and garnish with lemon slices or mint leaves, if desired.
Tips for the Best Lemonade
- Quality Matters: Choose a lemon juice concentrate that tastes good on its own. The better the concentrate, the better your lemonade will be.
- Sweetness is Key: Start with the recommended amount of sugar, then adjust to your personal preference. Some people prefer a sweeter lemonade, while others like it more tart.
- Filtered Water: Using filtered water can significantly improve the taste of your lemonade.
- Get Creative: Add other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a fruity twist. Muddle them before adding to the lemonade for maximum flavor.
- Infuse with Herbs: Experiment with herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary for a unique and refreshing flavor profile.
- Make it Bubbly: Add sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy lemonade.
Making Lemonade Concentrate for Canning
Want to enjoy homemade lemonade all year round? You can even use lemon juice concentrate to make a canning lemonade. Here are some tips for canning lemonade and lemonade concentrate:
- To make lemonade concentrate for canning, dissolve equal parts lemon juice and sugar by volume.
- Strain all the ingredients into a saucepan and gently warm the mixture to around 190 F. This should be barely simmering, but not boiling.
- Ladle the hot (but not boiling) lemonade into canning jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
- Process in a water bath canner.
Scaling Up for a Crowd
Lemonade is the perfect drink for parties and gatherings. Here’s how to easily scale up the recipe for a crowd:
- Use the basic ratio of 1 part lemon juice concentrate, 1 part sugar, and 6 parts water.
- For a large crowd (100 servings): pour 8 cups water and 10 1/2 cups sugar into a large pan or stockpot. Bring to a boil, and continue boiling for 2-3 minutes. Remove pan from heat. Let cool a bit then add 8 cups cold water and 6 3/4 cups lemon juice.
Variations to Try
- Pink Lemonade: Add a splash of cranberry juice or grenadine for a beautiful pink hue and a slightly different flavor.
- Sparkling Lemonade: Use sparkling water or club soda instead of still water for a bubbly, refreshing drink.
- Lemon-Limeade: Combine lemon juice concentrate with lime juice concentrate for a tangy twist.
- Herbal Lemonade: Infuse your lemonade with fresh herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary.
- Fruity Lemonade: Add muddled berries, sliced peaches, or other fruits to your lemonade for a burst of flavor.
The Bottom Line
Making lemonade from lemon juice concentrate is a simple, convenient way to enjoy this classic beverage. With a few basic ingredients and a little creativity, you can create a refreshing drink that’s perfect for any occasion. So, go ahead and grab that bottle of lemon juice concentrate and start mixing up a batch of homemade lemonade today!