▢1½ cups sugar ▢8 cups water divided ▢1½ cups freshly squeezed lemon juice from about 8 lemons
To get the most juice from the lemons you will want to soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes.
While the lemons are soaking, make the syrup: Combine sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir until sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
Once syrup has reached room temperature, cover, and place in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes.
Remove lemons from the hot water and allow them to cool enough to handle. Firmly roll each lemon on the countertop a few times. Cut lemons in half and juice them. Remove all the seeds but leave the pulp. Set juice aside until syrup has chilled.
To mix the lemonade, combine chilled syrup, lemon juice, and remaining 7 cups water in a pitcher. Stir and serve over ice.