Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Lemonade is incredibly easy to make, and the taste is so much better than store-bought versions. The sweetness of the sugar perfectly balances the tartness of the lemons, creating a refreshing drink that’s both satisfying and energizing. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking and even make it ahead of time for parties or family gatherings. The best part? You can enjoy it year-round by using fresh lemons during the summer or keeping it on hand as a refreshing drink any time of the year.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 5 cups cold water

  • 1-2 lemon slices (for garnish, optional)

  • Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Making the Simple Syrup:

  1. Dissolve the sugar: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and the sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved. This creates a simple syrup, which will help sweeten the lemonade evenly.

  2. Cool the syrup: Remove the syrup from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.

Making the Lemonade:

  1. Juice the lemons: While the syrup is cooling, juice enough lemons to make 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. You can use a juicer or squeeze them by hand. Be sure to strain out any seeds.

  2. Combine the ingredients: In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lemon juice, simple syrup (once it’s cooled), and the remaining 4 cups of cold water. Stir until well mixed.

  3. Taste and adjust: Taste your lemonade and adjust the sweetness or tartness if necessary. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add a bit more sugar or syrup, and if you like it more tart, simply add more lemon juice.

Serving:

  1. Chill the lemonade: Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to chill it, or serve immediately over ice.

  2. Garnish: Pour the lemonade into glasses filled with ice, and garnish with a lemon slice and fresh mint leaves if desired.

Enjoy!

Sip and enjoy the refreshing, homemade goodness of your lemonade!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6-8

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Total Time: 40 minutes (including cooling time)

Variations

  • Sparkling Lemonade: For a fizzy twist, replace part or all of the water with sparkling water or club soda.

  • Herbal Lemonade: Add a sprig of fresh mint, rosemary, or basil to the lemonade for an herbal infusion. Let the herbs steep in the lemonade for about 10-15 minutes, then remove them before serving.

  • Berry Lemonade: Blend fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, and add the puree to the lemonade for a fruity twist. You can also use berry syrup or fresh fruit for garnish.

  • Lavender Lemonade: Add a tablespoon of dried lavender to the sugar syrup while it’s heating, then strain it out before adding the syrup to the lemonade. This gives the drink a subtle floral flavor.

  • Spicy Lemonade: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few slices of jalapeño to the lemonade for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store any leftover lemonade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavor will stay fresh and vibrant as long as it’s kept cold.

  • Freezing: You can freeze leftover lemonade in ice cube trays to make lemonade ice cubes for future use. This is perfect for chilling your next glass without diluting the flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this lemonade ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the lemonade ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld together nicely after a few hours of chilling.

Can I make the lemonade less sweet?

Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet lemonade, simply reduce the amount of sugar or simple syrup in the recipe. Start with half and taste as you go.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

While fresh lemon juice is ideal for the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the flavor may not be as fresh and vibrant as with freshly squeezed lemons.

How can I make this lemonade sugar-free?

To make sugar-free lemonade, you can substitute the sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol. Start with a small amount, taste, and adjust to your preference.

Conclusion

Homemade Lemonade is the perfect drink for any occasion, offering a refreshing, tangy, and sweet treat that’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a drink that tastes far superior to store-bought versions. Whether you prefer it classic or with a twist, this lemonade is sure to be a hit with family and friends. It’s light, refreshing, and customizable to suit any taste. Enjoy this homemade delight all year round!

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Homemade Lemonade

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings
  • Category: Summer Drinks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

Homemade Lemonade is a refreshing, tangy beverage made with fresh lemons, sugar, and water. This easy-to-make drink is the perfect way to cool off on hot summer days, offering a bright, vibrant flavor that beats store-bought versions. Customize the sweetness to your taste and enjoy a naturally refreshing treat anytime!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 5 cups cold water

  • 1-2 lemon slices (for garnish, optional)

  • Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  • Making the Simple Syrup:

    • Dissolve the sugar: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and the sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let the syrup cool to room temperature.

  • Making the Lemonade:

    • Juice the lemons: While the syrup cools, juice enough lemons to make 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Strain out any seeds.

    • Combine ingredients: In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lemon juice, cooled simple syrup, and the remaining 4 cups of cold water. Stir well.

    • Taste and adjust: Taste your lemonade and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or syrup for sweetness, or more lemon juice if you’d like it tarter.

  • Serving:

    • Chill the lemonade: Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to chill or serve immediately over ice.

    • Garnish: Serve with ice and garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves, if desired.

Notes

Make-Ahead: Make your lemonade ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days.Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.Variations: Add sparkling water for a fizzy twist, fresh herbs for a herbal infusion, or blend in fresh berries for a fruity twist.

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