Japanese Fruit Drink 2

Ingredients

• 4lemons or oranges
• 100 gsugar
• 1 Lwater
• as neededice

Method

1. Begin by preparing the citrus fruits. Take 4 lemons or oranges and wash them thoroughly under running water to remove any wax or impurities. Use a sharp knife to cut each fruit in half, then squeeze the juice into a bowl, ensuring you remove any seeds. The fresh juice will form the base of your drink, providing a vibrant and refreshing flavor.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine 100 g of sugar with 1 L of water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir gently with a wooden spoon until the sugar completely dissolves. You will know it's ready when the liquid is clear and no sugar granules are visible at the bottom of the pan.
3. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. This step is crucial as adding the citrus juice to hot syrup can alter its fresh flavor. Let it cool until it's just warm to the touch, ensuring the balance of flavors remains true to tradition.
4. After the syrup has cooled, gently stir in the freshly squeezed citrus juice. Pour the juice slowly into the saucepan while stirring continuously to ensure the flavors meld without losing the delicate citrus aroma. This gentle combination is key to maintaining the drink's refreshing quality.
5. Transfer the mixture to a pitcher and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling process allows the flavors to marry and develop, resulting in a more harmonious and refreshing drink. Ensure the pitcher is covered to prevent any external odors from affecting the drink.
6. When ready to serve, fill traditional glassware with ice as needed. Pour the chilled fruit drink over the ice, allowing the cold to enhance the citrus flavors. Serve immediately to enjoy the drink at its most refreshing, perfect for sharing around the table as is customary in Japanese home dining.