Start by making a lemon simple syrup - place a small pot over medium/low heat on the stovetop. Pour in 1 cup water and 1 cup white sugar. Remove the rind from 1 lemon and place that in the pot as well. Give it a stir and let it warm for 10 minutes, stir occasionally.
Meanwhile juice 5-6 lemons until you have 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Remove the seeds from the juice, removing the pulp is optional.
Remove the lemon simple syrup from the stove and discard the lemon rind.
In a large pitcher combine the 1 cup fresh lemon juice, 4 cups cold water, and the lemon simple syrup.
Stir together and serve over ice!
Optional flavor add ins:
Mint Lemonade: add fresh mint sprigs in with the water, sugar and lemon rind. Serve each glass with a fresh mint sprig.Cherry Lemonade: serve each glass with a little grenadine and a maraschino cherry.
Notes
Storing: Keep leftover fresh lemonade in the fridge for up to a week.