Homemade Lemonade is simple, natural, and absolutely refreshing. It’s easy to customize to your desired sweetness and tartness, and it’s free of artificial flavors or preservatives. Whether you’re serving it as-is, making it sparkling, or adding herbs or fruit for a twist, this lemonade is the perfect thirst-quencher for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
fresh lemons granulated sugar cold water optional: ice, lemon slices, mint, or berries for garnish
Directions
Juice the lemons: Roll lemons on the counter to release more juice, then slice and juice until you have the desired amount. Strain out seeds and pulp if preferred.
Make a simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. Let cool.
Mix the lemonade: In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and the remaining cold water. Stir well to combine.
Taste and adjust: Add more lemon juice or sugar to suit your taste.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate until cold. Serve over ice with lemon slices or fresh mint if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings (1.5 quarts or 6 cups). Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time (simple syrup): 5 minutes Total time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time, if desired)
Variations
Sparkling Lemonade: Use sparkling water instead of still water for a fizzy twist.
Strawberry Lemonade: Blend fresh or frozen strawberries and strain before mixing with the base.
Lavender Lemonade: Infuse the simple syrup with dried lavender for a floral note.
Mint Lemonade: Add crushed mint leaves to the pitcher or muddle in glasses before serving.
Honey Lemonade: Replace sugar with honey for a more natural, floral sweetness.
Herbal Infusions: Add rosemary, basil, or thyme for a subtle herbal flavor.
Lemon Limeade: Mix in fresh lime juice for a citrusy blend.
Frozen Lemonade: Blend the finished lemonade with ice for a slushy drink.
Sweetener Swap: Use agave syrup, maple syrup, or stevia for alternative sweeteners.
Storage/Reheating
Store lemonade in a sealed pitcher or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir or shake before serving, as natural lemon juice may settle. Lemonade is best served chilled and does not require reheating. You can also freeze lemonade in ice cube trays to chill drinks without dilution or to use later in smoothies.
FAQs
How many lemons do I need for lemonade?
You’ll need about 6–8 medium lemons to yield 1 cup of juice, depending on their juiciness.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
Do I have to make a simple syrup?
No, but it helps the sugar dissolve evenly. You can stir granulated sugar directly into the water and lemon juice, though it may take longer to dissolve.
How do I make it less sweet or more tart?
Simply reduce the sugar or add more lemon juice to taste.
Can I make lemonade ahead of time?
Yes, homemade lemonade can be made a day or two in advance and kept chilled in the fridge.
Can I freeze homemade lemonade?
Yes, store it in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! It’s a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen and a delicious drink for all ages.
What’s the best way to juice lemons?
Use a citrus juicer or reamer for efficiency. Rolling lemons on the counter before juicing helps release more juice.
Can I use other citrus fruits?
Yes, try mixing in lime, orange, or grapefruit juice for a fun citrus twist.
How long does homemade lemonade last?
It lasts about 4–5 days refrigerated. Always store it in a sealed container and give it a good stir before serving.
Conclusion
Homemade Lemonade is a classic, refreshing drink that’s incredibly easy to make with just a few fresh ingredients. Whether you keep it traditional or experiment with fun flavors, it’s a perfect beverage for summer days, special occasions, or any time you need a cool, revitalizing sip. Once you try it homemade, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
Homemade Lemonade is a classic, refreshing drink made with fresh lemon juice, sugar, and water. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, ideal for hot days, parties, or whenever you need a cool, revitalizing sip.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:5 minutes
Total Time:15 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Category:Beverage
Method:Stirred
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegan
Ingredients
1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6–8 lemons)
1 cup granulated sugar
5 cups cold water (divided)
Optional: ice, lemon slices, fresh mint, or berries for garnish
Instructions
Roll lemons on the counter to release juice. Cut and juice them until you have 1 cup. Strain to remove seeds and pulp if desired.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of water and the sugar. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved to make a simple syrup. Let it cool.
In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice, cooled simple syrup, and the remaining 4 cups of cold water. Stir well.
Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness with more sugar or lemon juice if needed.
Refrigerate until chilled, then serve over ice. Garnish with lemon slices, mint, or berries if desired.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.Adjust sweetness to your preference—start with less sugar and add more as needed.For sparkling lemonade, replace still water with sparkling water after the syrup and lemon juice are mixed.Chill thoroughly before serving for the most refreshing taste.Freeze leftover lemonade into ice cubes for a flavorful chill without dilution.
