Homemade Lemonade is the perfect summer treat! With just fresh lemons, sugar, and water you can make this great drink that is the best balance of tart and sweet.
My kids love lemonade. It is one of their favorite treats when we go out eat, but this homemade version is just about as good as it gets. With only three simple ingredients, lemons, sugar, and water, you probably just need to add some lemons to your grocery list. You will want to make this refreshing drink all summer long, it is perfect on a hot summer day.
How to Make Lemonade
Step 1: Squeeze Lemons
Fresh-squeezed lemon juice is the key to amazing lemonade! The difference between fresh and bottled lemon juice is very noticeable in this recipe. I recommend rolling the lemons and microwaving them for 30 seconds to get the most juice from them possible. I love using a juicer to juice them and then strain them to make sure there are no seeds.
Step 2: Make Simple Syrup
Bring water and sugar to a simmer in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolves while stirring often. We are making a simple syrup. Transfer to a pitcher and move to the refrigerator to chill.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Once the syrup is cooled, add the lemon juice and three cups of cold water to the pitcher. Stir until well combined. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Using Sugar in Homemade Lemonade
There is a whole cup of sugar in this recipe for lemonade. It is part of what makes this drink a summery treat. We do treats in moderation in our house, but truly enjoy what we make.
I would not suggest that you cut back on the sugar. Lemons are incredibly acidic and tart. In the culinary world, sugar balances acidic and tart. This drink is meant to be sweet, so we are balancing it with a lot of sugar. If you were to cut back, I don’t think you will be satisfied with the results.
Variations
- Make Strawberry Lemonade: My kids love this version just as much as the original; both make perfect summer drinks.
- Make Basil Lemonade: In step 2 when your simple syrup is done, throw in a handful of fresh basil leaves. Leave them in while the syrup cools, then strain them out. Garnish the final drink with more fresh basil.
- Make Mint Lemonade: Just like with the basil lemonade, add in fresh mint leaves to the hot completed sugar. Remove the leaves before moving on.
- Vodka Lemonade: Make the recipe as written, but add in a little bit of vodka for the adults before serving. I especially love this with the basil version on a hot day!
- Arnold Palmer: Combine this lemonade with iced tea for a delicious non-alcoholic beverage.
Storing Lemonade
Keep your fresh lemonade in the refrigerator so that it stays chilled. Store it for up to one week. As with all recipes, use your best discretion. If you don’t think your crew will drink a whole pitcher you can cut the recipe in half or you can freeze half of it. Lemonade lasts in the freezer for ages.
Make a Summer Picnic
If lemonade is just one part of your summer spread, consider these great recipes for the perfect summer dinner.
- Grilled Chicken Legs: My family loves these. They are easy to make, messy to eat, absolutely delicious, and a total crowd pleaser.
- Grilled Corn: My kids can never get enough of grilled corn. It is so easy to make!
- Watermelon Salad: Our family goes through so many watermelons each summer, but if you are look to mix it up, make this salad, its beyond refreshing.
If you try this fresh lemonade recipe or any of my other recipes, please let me know what you think by leaving a comment!
Homemade Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice 6 to 8 medium lemons, see note 1
- 1 cup granulated sugar see note 2 (198 grams)
- 4 cups water divided (236.59 ml)
Instructions
- Squeeze 6 to 8 fresh lemons to make 1 1/2 cups of fresh lemon juice. See my notes for the best methods to do this.1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Combine sugar and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring consistently until the sugar is completely dissolved, about 8 minutes.1 cup granulated sugar
- Transfer to a large pitcher and put in the refrigerator. Once cooled, add the lemon juice and 3 cups of water. Stir until well combined.
- Enjoy right away in glasses over ice with a fresh lemon slices or mint. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to one week.
Recipe Video
Notes
- I like to roll the lemons on the counter and microwave them each 30 seconds before juicing. This helps get the most juice out of them possible. For easy juicing, use a juicer. After juicing, I strain the juice with a metal sieve to remove all the seeds and pulp.
- The amount of sugar called for is important to balance the tartness of the lemonade in this recipe. I think if you cut back you wouldn’t enjoy it as much. Instead, you can consider using a sugar substitute such as monk fruit. Look for one that you can replace sugar with 1 for 1. Follow the recipe as written.
Paul says
Good morning Lisa!
Made your slow cooker lazagna twice now and everyone loves it 💕
Thanks so much!
I’m so glad to hear that, Paul!