Simple and refreshing lemon juice recipe are fresh lemon juice, sugar, salt, ice cubes, cold water, and a small amount of lemon peel (yes, that's the secret!). Just mix everything together and serve immediately. That's all. It has a lot of flavor and is really simple to make. While we usually boil sugar syrup or filter the juice for lemonades, this method keeps everything raw and full of flavor, especially with that small portion of peel that adds a subtle bitterness and flavor.
Lemon Juice
I love lemon juice. I have already posted a lemonade recipe. This version is amazing, you taste the real taste of lemon in this. I am not so sure whether you have heard of adding a small piece of lemon peel in your juice, I am sure it may sound weird. But my uncle taught me this method and it taste absolutely delicious.
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The one thing you have to keep in mind is drink this immediately, because if you keep this for a while, then the bitterness from the lemon just penetrates into the juice and make it really bitter, so make it fresh and have it fresh.
Table of Contents
About Lemon Juice
This lemon juice recipe isn't your average lemon drink; it brings back memories of summertime vacation when the temperature got hot and we were in the kitchen trying to find something cool to drink. I remember watching my grandparents, usually my grandmother, squeeze lemons and pour everything into a big steel tumbler.
To make this recipe a little different, my grandma once gave me a simple tip: add a small piece of lemon peel to the blender. At first, I found it odd. But after tasting it, I could understand why—the juice had a subtle bitterness and a more lemony punch from the small amount of peel. It nearly reminds me of those street-side lemon drinks you get in the summer.
But you have to drink this as soon as you make it. The peel produces more bitterness the longer it rests, which can overpower the flavor. Pour it into a cold glass and enjoy it right away after preparing it fresh. It is crisp, cool, and instantly energizing.
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Why This Recipe Works
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple and quick it is to follow. You don't need to create any sugar syrup or filter anything. The ingredients are added straight to the blender: water, ice, sugar, salt, fresh lemon juice, and a small amount of peel. That's all. Simple and neat. It has a balanced flavor. To counterbalance the sugar's sweetness and the lemon's acidity, a small pinch of salt is added. It's not too bitter or bland, making it a perfect flavor for a warm day.
Why I Like This Recipe - Since it's simple, only needs a few ingredients, and tastes so refreshing, this is one of those drinks that I always make. My grandma used to mix lemon juice and ice in a steel tumbler and offer it to us during the summers when I was a child, which is why I like it so much. When I'm tired or have guests over, I still make this in a few minutes. Because of the frothy consistency that forms when combining, my relatives often call it "Akka's fizzy juice" even though it doesn't include any soda! It's basic, soothing, and simple. It's the kind of drink you keep going back to. Sometimes that's all you need, and it feels like a little break in the middle of a busy day.
There are no artificial ingredients, such as soda or concentrates. It's just the way natural ingredients work. The lemon peel, in particular, adds a mild scent that isn't overpowering but serves perfectly. After blending, the ice provides the drink a slightly mushy, frothy texture in addition to chilling it, making it a very enjoyable beverage to drink. Particularly during the summer, this ice and lemon combo is soothing.
Ingredients
● 2 medium-sized lemons – They form the base of the whole juice. For that zesty, lemony taste, you'll need a lot of juice, so squeeze them fresh. The juice has a nice kick from its natural sourness..
● 2 cups of ice cubes – This drink is really refreshing and relaxing because of the ice. Blending it results in a little mushy texture that adds refreshingness to each cup. Particularly refreshing after being out of the sun or on hot days.
● 1 cup water – This balances the intensity and helps in adjusting the juice's thickness. The best way to keep the juice tasting good is to use cold or chilled water. If you like a lighter version, you can add a bit more..
● 3 tablespoons sugar (or to taste) – The sugar balances the acidity of the lemon. Start with three spoons, mix, taste, and adjust as needed, depending on how sour your lemons are. It's important to find the perfect ratio of sour to sweet.
● ½ teaspoon salt – It may seem odd, but a little salt improves the flavor of a drink. It adds a savory flavor and more balance to the juice. It makes a huge difference, do not miss it out..
● 1 small piece of lemon peel – This little ingredient makes the drink special. Citrus oils and a subtle undertone of bitterness are added by a small amount, which improves the flavor. A small amount is good; do not add too much.
Hacks
Add Mint for a Cooling Twist
You may put some fresh mint leaves in the blender with the lemon juice and other ingredients for a cool, refreshing version. The mint gives a subtle freshness and blends well with the lemon flavor without overpowering it. It's a great option if you want something a little more soothing on extremely hot days.
Adjust Sweetness to Your Liking
If you like your drink sweeter, add a little less salt and another tablespoon of sugar. Because the sourness of lemons might vary, it's perfectly okay to taste as you go and adjust the balance. This way, the drink can be made to your exact preferences without being overly acidic or bitter.
Add a Street-Style Touch
To give it an Indian street-side taste, add a pinch of chat masala or black salt before blending. Large glasses of roadside lemonade come to mind when you taste the salty-spicy flavor it adds. This version is perfect if you like strong, tangy flavors.
Make It Fizzy
Once blended, you can add soda water instead of regular water to make the drink stronger. It is 100% natural and homemade, but because of its frothy texture, it tastes almost like a lemon soda. With this touch, you may serve guests or simply enjoy something fresh on a normal day.
Lemon Juice (Step by Step Pictures)
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Take all your ingredients |
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| Cut open some lemons |
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| Take a blender jar |
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| squeeze lemon juice |
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| all squeezed |
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| add a good amount of sugar |
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| a little salt |
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| lots of ice cubes |
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| little water |
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| now comes the weird and secret part, add a little piece of lemon skin |
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| time to blend |
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| blend it up |
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| it will be foamy |
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| serve immediately |
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| Enjoy.. |
Expert Tips
Storage
It is perfect to drink this lemon juice right away after blending, when it is still cold and bubbling. If left for a long time, the flavor may start to get a little bitter, especially if the peel is still there.
If you must make it in advance, skip the peel and store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 2 or 3 hours.
Serving
Serve the juice in cooled cups with extra ice cubes to keep it cool. A lemon slice or a mint leaf on top makes it appear more appetizing.It goes nicely with light meals like samosas, pakoras, or even a few cookies on a relaxed day.
Don’t over-blend
The soft foam on top is created by mixing everything together in around 30 seconds. Overdoing that can cause the ice to melt too much or cause the lemon peel release excess amount of bitterness. A quick blend works perfectly.
Prefer a smoother drink?
Before serving, you can drain the blended drink if you don't want any pieces or froth in your juice. While it's still good and refreshing, you may lose some of the citrus oils which add to the flavor and the airy texture.
FAQ
Q:Can I skip the lemon peel?
Yes, you may leave out the lemon peel if you prefer a milder flavor. However, even a tiny piece of peel gives the juice a deeper, more powerful lemony flavor because of the natural oils. Don't use too much; just a small amount will give the drink that extra kick without turning it bitter.
Q:Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemons are definitely a better option in this case. Bottled lemon juice sometimes lacks the natural freshness and brightness that come from squeezing your own lemon juice. Also, the flavor could seem a bit flat or artificial when compared to using fresh fruit.
Q:Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, honey can be used if you prefer a more natural sweetness. Blend for a little longer to make sure the honey is well combined, especially if the juice is thick. It will still taste great, but it will taste a little different—a touch softer and warmer.
Q:Can I add ginger or herbs?
Of course! A small pinch of fresh ginger can give the drink a spicy, warming flavour that goes well with lemon. You can also add herbs like mint, tulsi (holy basil), or even a tiny bit of rosemary for a refreshing herbal flavor. Just don't add too much as it dominates the lemon.
Variations
Orange Version: For a sweeter, milder citrus flavor, prepare this with freshly squeezed orange juice instead of lemons. Here, the same peel method works by simply adding in a tiny bit of orange peel. This gives a little zing and brings out a deeper orange flavor.
Lemon Mint Cooler: While blending the juice, add a handful of fresh mint leaves for a more refreshing twist. It makes the drink feel refreshing, making it perfect for summer afternoons. For a fresh look, you can also add more mint as a garnish.
Sweet Lemon Soda: Pour your regular lemon juice into a glass, then top it with soda water (not just water). It turns into a bubbly, foamy drink that looks like a homemade soft drink . Great for serving guests or when you want to add a little extra.
Spicy Version: Add a little piece of ginger or a tiny piece of green chilies while mixing. This gives the drink an intense tangy-spicy flavor. This is a fun variant for days when you want something a little stronger and different.
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📖 Recipe Card
Lemon Juice Recipe
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 2 medium Fresh Lemon
- 1 cup Water
- 4 tbsp Sugar or to taste
- ½ tsp Salt
- 2 cups Ice Cubes
Instructions
- Pre-Prep First, collect all the ingredients you'll need, such as water, ice, sugar, salt, lemons, and your blender. Cut lemons in half, then carefully squeeze out the juice, be careful to remove any seeds that can make the drink bitter. Also, prepare your ice cubes and water for mixing, and cut a small piece of lemon peel (a tiny bit will do).
- Blending the Drink - Now start by adding the lemon juice to your blender. Add the lemon peel, water, sugar, salt, and a good amount of ice cubes. Blend everything on high speed for about 30 seconds, or until the mixture looks light and frothy, meaning that everything has come together nicely. The oils from the lemon peel enhance the flavor of the fresh citrus fruit when mixed with ice.
- Serving Immediately - After blending, immediately pour the juice into glasses. It is important to serve the juice fresh because if it sits for too long, then the peel may release too much bitterness into the drink. Enjoy it while it's still cool and tasty, and for a nice touch, add extra ice or a slice of lemon as a garnish. This drink is best enjoyed immediately after it is prepared!
Nutrition
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Gopalakrishnan Pillai
Thanks alot. It is really nice. One of my friends had taught me this. The peel should be small, may be maximum 1/4 lemon (peel) for two lemon juice. If it becomes sour you can 'repair'it by adding some more juice and water. 🙂
Subha
Very nice pictures and good tips too.
A Veggie's Dairy
Nice refreshing lemon juice.