Best Homemade Lemonade Recipe

Looking for the perfect homemade lemonade? This easy and refreshing lemonade recipe is just what you need on a hot summer day. With the perfect balance of sweet and tart, it’s made from real lemons and just a few basic ingredients you likely already have at home.

Why You’ll Love This Lemonade

This classic lemonade is fresh, simple, and full of flavor. It uses a quick homemade simple syrup that blends smoothly with lemon juice and cold water. No grainy sugar at the bottom of your glass, just smooth, crisp lemonade every time.

Ingredients You Need

You only need four main ingredients to make this refreshing lemonade:

• White sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness
• Water: Used to make the simple syrup and mix the lemonade
• Fresh lemons: For bold, natural lemon flavor
• Ice: Keeps your drink cold and refreshing

Tip: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best, but bottled lemon juice will work if needed.

How to Make Fresh Lemonade

Follow these simple steps to make your own homemade lemonade:

• Make the Simple Syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 ¾ cups of sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves. Stir often, then set aside to cool slightly.
• Juice the Lemons. Roll 9 medium lemons on the counter to loosen the juice. Cut them in half and squeeze the juice into a measuring cup. Keep the pulp, but remove the seeds. You’ll need about 1 ½ cups of juice with pulp.
• Mix the Lemonade. In a large pitcher, pour 7 cups of ice-cold water. Add the lemon juice and pulp, then stir in the cooled simple syrup. Mix well to combine.
• Serve Cold. Add ice just before serving. For a special touch, garnish each glass with a lemon slice or a sprig of fresh mint.

How to Store Homemade Lemonade

Store your lemonade in a covered pitcher in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 5 to 7 days. Add ice right before serving to avoid watering it down.

You can also make the simple syrup ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to one month. When ready to serve, mix with lemon juice and cold water as directed.

Best Homemade Lemonade

This easy and refreshing homemade lemonade is the perfect drink to cool down on hot days. Made with fresh lemon juice, a simple syrup, and ice-cold water, it’s sweet, tart, and simple to make. Serve it at summer parties, BBQs, or enjoy it anytime you need a thirst-quencher.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 10 glasses

Course: Beverages

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Lemonade Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups white sugar
• 1 cup water for simple syrup
• 9 medium lemons about 1 ½ cups juice with pulp
• 7 cups cold water
• ice as needed for serving

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Measuring cup
• Pitcher
• Juicer (optional)

Method

 

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 ¾ cups of sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Roll 9 medium lemons on the counter to release their juice. Cut them in half and squeeze the juice into a measuring cup. Add the pulp if desired and remove any seeds. You should have about 1 ½ cups of juice with pulp.
3. In a large pitcher, pour 7 cups of cold water. Add the lemon juice and pulp, then stir in the cooled simple syrup. Mix until well combined.
4. Add ice just before serving. For extra flair, garnish each glass with a lemon slice or a sprig of mint.

Notes

To make ahead, prepare the simple syrup and store it in the refrigerator for up to one month. Mix with lemon juice and water when ready to serve. Avoid adding ice too early to prevent dilution.