Wash the lemons thoroughly and cut them in half. Use a citrus juicer to squeeze enough lemons to make 1 1/2 cups of fresh lemon juice.

Strain the juice through a fine mesh strainer to remove seeds and excess pulp. Fresh lemon juice makes a huge difference in the final flavor, so this step is worth the effort.

Combine the sugar with 1 cup hot water in a bowl or small saucepan. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves.

Making simple syrup helps the lemonade taste smoother because the sugar blends evenly instead of sinking to the bottom.

Pour the lemon juice into a large pitcher. Add the simple syrup and cold water, then stir until fully combined.

At this point, the lemonade already smells incredibly fresh and citrusy.

Taste the lemonade before chilling. If you prefer sweeter lemonade, add a little extra sugar. If you love a stronger citrus flavor, squeeze in more lemon juice.

One of the best things about homemade lemonade is how customizable it is.

Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 1 hour before serving. Chilling helps the flavors blend together and makes the drink taste smoother and more refreshing.

Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour in the chilled lemonade. Garnish with fresh lemon slices or mint leaves for an extra refreshing touch.