Name: Homemade Lemonade Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice (seeds removed, pulp may remain); 5 cups water

Jump to Recipe

If sunshine were a drink, it would surely be this Homemade Lemonade Recipe! With its tangy brightness and just-right sweetness, every sip tastes like a happy summer day. Whether you’re cooling off after yard work or serving a crowd at a backyard barbecue, this simple yet delicious recipe brings out the very best in fresh lemons. Follow along and you’ll be amazed at how a few humble ingredients transform into a pitcher of pure refreshment. Trust me, this is one homemade treat you’ll come back to all year long!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Homemade Lemonade Recipe is all in its simplicity — just a handful of pantry staples and a little fresh-squeezing set the stage for lemonade that truly shines. Each ingredient pulls more than its weight to create the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and crisp flavors, plus that irresistible golden hue.

Water: Using both hot and cold water lets you fully dissolve the sugar, then chills the lemonade for instant sipping satisfaction.
Granulated sugar: The classic choice for lemonade, it blends easily for just the right level of sweetness every time.
Fresh-squeezed lemon juice: Accept no substitutes! Squeezing real lemons gives your lemonade unbeatable zest and a punchy citrus flavor that bottled juice just can’t match.

How to Make Homemade Lemonade Recipe

Step 1: Make the Simple Syrup

Start by whisking together 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Place it over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved — you’ll know it’s ready when the liquid turns clear instead of cloudy. This simple syrup not only sweetens your Homemade Lemonade Recipe, but ensures every glass is perfectly smooth with no grainy sugar at the bottom. Once dissolved, remove from heat and let your syrup cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Juice the Lemons

While your syrup cools, grab your fresh lemons and start squeezing! It takes approximately 4 to 6 medium lemons to get a full cup of juice. Pour the juice into a sturdy pitcher, making sure to remove any seeds (a little pulp left in adds real homemade charm and extra flavor!).

Step 3: Combine Lemon Juice and Syrup

Pour your cooled simple syrup right into the pitcher with the freshly-squeezed lemon juice. This is the heart of your Homemade Lemonade Recipe, where tart and sweet finally meet! Stir them together to fully combine.

Step 4: Add Water and Chill

Add the remaining 5 cups of cold water to the pitcher. Give the lemonade a good stir—taste and, if you want it even more tart or sweet, adjust with extra lemon juice or sugar as desired. Pour over ice straight away for instant refreshment, or pop the pitcher in the fridge to chill for a few hours and let the flavors deepen even more.

How to Serve Homemade Lemonade Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra-festive touch, top each glass with a lemon wheel, a twist of lemon peel, or even a handful of fresh mint leaves. These little details not only make your Homemade Lemonade Recipe look stunning, but also add a touch of natural aroma and flavor that takes each sip up a notch.

Side Dishes

Lemonade and summer snacks go hand in hand! Pair a chilly glass of this Homemade Lemonade Recipe with tea sandwiches, fresh fruit, or simple picnic fare like fried chicken and potato salad. The bright, palate-cleansing citrus makes it the perfect match for salty and savory bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Set up a lemonade bar for parties with bowls of berries, sliced cucumbers, or even a splash of sparkling water so everyone can customize their own drink. Use mason jars or colorful tumblers and don’t forget the cheerful paper straws! For a grown-up twist, add a splash of vodka or gin for a quick, classy cocktail.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Homemade Lemonade Recipe left, simply pour it into a sealed pitcher or mason jar and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days — perfect for grabbing a quick glass whenever you need a little refreshment.

Freezing

This lemonade freezes beautifully! Pour leftovers into ice cube trays for fun, citrusy ice cubes that won’t water down future drinks, or freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before serving and give it a quick stir to revive the bright, balanced flavor.

Reheating

While you’ll rarely want your lemonade hot, bringing it to room temperature on the counter or gently warming in the microwave (without letting it get hot) can help dissolve any sugar that may have settled during storage. A quick stir is usually all you need to restore that smooth, just-mixed taste.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh is truly best in a Homemade Lemonade Recipe. Bottled lemon juice just can’t match the zing and aroma of fresh-squeezed lemons, but if you must use it in a pinch, try to find one labeled 100% pure lemon juice.

How do I make this lemonade less sweet or more tart?

Everyone has different preferences, so feel free to adjust the sugar and lemon juice to taste! Add extra lemon juice for more pucker, or a splash more water for a milder drink. Taste as you go and remember you can always add, but you can’t take away.

Can I use honey or another sweetener?

Absolutely! Swap in honey, agave, or even a sugar substitute. If using honey, dissolve it with hot water the same way as sugar to create a smooth syrup for your Homemade Lemonade Recipe.

How do I make this lemonade fizzy?

For a sparkling twist, swap half of the cold water for club soda or sparkling water. Add it just before serving to keep every glass bubbly and bright!

What’s the best way to juice lemons efficiently?

Roll lemons on the counter before cutting — it helps break down the pulp and makes juicing easier. A handheld citrus press or reamer is your best ally for getting every last drop for your Homemade Lemonade Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about making lemonade from scratch, and this Homemade Lemonade Recipe is the kind of simple pleasure that just never gets old. Next time you’re craving a thirst-quencher, give this a try — I think you’ll love the fresh, real lemon flavor as much as I do. Cheers to sunshine in a glass!

Homemade Lemonade Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 15 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Nothing beats the refreshing taste of homemade lemonade on a hot summer day. This classic recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy flavors, making it a favorite for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Simple Syrup:

1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar

Lemonade:

1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice (seeds removed, pulp may remain)
5 cups water

Instructions

Make Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar. Heat over medium-low, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, let cool for 10 minutes.
Prepare Lemonade: In a pitcher, pour fresh lemon juice. Add the simple syrup. Mix in 5 cups of water. Stir well.
Serve: Pour over ice for immediate enjoyment or refrigerate for a few hours to chill before serving.