When life hands you lemons… but you only have a bottle of lemon juice concentrate, don’t fret! You can still whip up a refreshing batch of lemonade. Knowing just how much concentrate to use is the key to achieving that perfect balance of sweet and tart. Let’s unlock the secrets to creating amazing lemonade with lemon juice concentrate.
The Convenience of Concentrate
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is fantastic, but let’s face it, sometimes convenience wins. Lemon juice concentrate is a readily available, shelf-stable option that ensures you can enjoy lemonade any time of year. It’s made from the juice of real lemons, bottled without added sugar, making it a versatile ingredient.
Understanding the Ratio
The basic formula for lemonade involves lemon juice, water, and a sweetener. When using concentrate, the ratio can vary depending on the brand and your personal taste preferences. However, a good starting point is:
- 1 part lemon juice concentrate
- 1 part sugar (or to taste)
- 13 parts water
This is just a guideline; feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your palate. Some like it sweeter, others prefer a more tart and tangy flavor.
Recipes Using Lemon Juice Concentrate
Let’s explore a couple of methods to make lemonade using concentrate:
Simple Lemonade Recipe
- Combine water, ReaLemon® lemon juice, and sugar.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Serve over ice.
This recipe makes 1 gallon (3.8 L) of lemonade, or 15 (8 oz/ 250 mL) servings. For this recipe, you will need 13 cups (3.25 L) of water, 2 cups (500 mL) of lemon juice concentrate such as ReaLemon®, and 2 cups (500 mL) of sugar.
Individual Serving
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ cup hot water
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice concentrate, such as Concord Foods Lemon Juice
- ¾ cup cold water
- Ice
- Fruit to garnish (strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, etc.)
In a 2 or 4 cup measuring cup, stir together the sugar and hot water until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the lemon juice and cold water. Fill a large glass with ice. Pour lemonade, garnish and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Lemonade
- Quality of Concentrate: Not all concentrates are created equal. Opt for brands that use high-quality lemons and avoid those with artificial additives.
- Sweetener Choice: Granulated sugar is a classic choice, but you can experiment with honey, agave, or even sugar substitutes. If using honey, dissolve it in warm water first for easier mixing.
- Adjust to Taste: Taste as you go! Add more concentrate for a tangier lemonade or more sweetener if you prefer it sweeter.
- Water Quality: Use filtered water for the best flavor.
- Chill Time: Allow the lemonade to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Garnish: Add slices of fresh lemon, berries, or mint sprigs for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Concentrate vs. Fresh: Is There a Difference?
While fresh lemon juice is often touted as superior, lemon juice concentrate has its advantages. The most notable is convenience. You don’t have to squeeze a dozen lemons to get the juice you need. Also, concentrate has a longer shelf life, reducing waste.
However, fresh lemon juice offers a brighter, more complex flavor profile. If you’re aiming for the ultimate lemonade experience, freshly squeezed is the way to go. If you’re short on time or simply want a hassle-free option, concentrate is a worthy substitute.
Making a Lemonade Concentrate for Later
Want to prep ahead? You can create your own lemonade concentrate using lemon juice concentrate. Here’s how:
- Combine equal parts lemon juice concentrate, water, and sugar. For example, 1 cup lemon juice concentrate, 1 cup water, and 1 cup sugar.
- Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- When ready to serve, dilute with water to your desired strength. A good starting point is 1/4 cup of concentrate mixed with 3/4 cup of water, but adjust as needed.
Large Batch Lemonade for a Crowd
When serving a large group, making lemonade from concentrate is incredibly efficient. Here’s a formula for making a concentrate for 100 servings:
- 6 3/4 cups lemon juice concentrate
- 8 cups water
- 10 1/2 cups sugar
Instructions:
- Pour the water and sugar into a large pan or stockpot. Whisk to mix sugar.
- Bring mixture to a boil, and continue boiling for 2-3 minutes. Remove pan from heat and let cool a bit.
- Add the lemon juice.
- Stir until mixed well.
- When mixture is cooled, pour into gallon Ziplock bags, about 8 cups per bag, remove excess air and seal. Store in refrigerator, cooler, or freezer.
- When ready to use concentrate, let thaw and mix each bag with 4 cups cold water and ice. Each gallon bag will yield approximately 24-4 oz servings in 8 oz cups filled with ice, or about 11-12 8 oz servings in 16 oz cups filled with ice.
The Sweetener Factor
The type of sweetener you choose can significantly impact the final flavor of your lemonade.
- Granulated Sugar: This is the standard choice, providing a clean, neutral sweetness.
- Simple Syrup: Making a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves) ensures the sugar mixes evenly into the lemonade, especially when using cold water.
- Honey: Honey adds a floral note and a richer sweetness. As mentioned earlier, mix it with warm water first to dissolve it properly.
- Agave: Agave nectar is a liquid sweetener with a neutral flavor. Use it sparingly, as it’s sweeter than sugar.
- Sugar Substitutes: If you’re watching your sugar intake, experiment with sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol. Keep in mind that these can sometimes have an aftertaste.
Beyond Basic Lemonade
Lemonade is a fantastic base for other creative concoctions. Consider these variations:
- Strawberry Lemonade: Muddle fresh strawberries and add them to your lemonade.
- Raspberry Lemonade: Use raspberry syrup or muddled raspberries for a vibrant twist.
- Lavender Lemonade: Infuse simple syrup with lavender flowers for a floral and fragrant drink.
- Sparkling Lemonade: Top your lemonade with sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy treat.
- Spiked Lemonade: Add a splash of vodka, rum, or gin for an adult beverage.
The Copywriting Angle
Crafting the perfect glass of lemonade is a bit like writing compelling copy. You need to grab attention, deliver value, and leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re selling a product or mixing a drink, focus on the experience and the benefits. With lemonade, it’s the refreshing taste, the nostalgic memories, and the simple joy of a perfect summer beverage.