First-Rate Lemonade - Cooks Illustrated

Published July 1, 1998.

Put the juicer away. Mashing sliced lemons with sugar gives lemonade a subtle sweetness and full lemon flavor.

The Problem

Fewer things are better on a hot summer day than a tall, cool glass of homemade lemonade. But homemade lemonade often turns out too harsh, too sweet, too watery, too pulpy, or too gritty (from undissolved sugar).

The Goal

We wanted a smooth lemonade with full lemon flavor, balanced by just the right amount of sugar.

The Solution

Mash sliced lemons with sugar until a syrup is produced (thereby releasing all of the citrus oils and fully dissolving the sugar), then combine the lemon mixture with the correct amount of water.

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