Nothing tastes better than a cool glass of homemade lemonade. This classic lemonade recipe is sweet, tangy, refreshing and made with just a few simple ingredients. It’s the perfect drink for summer afternoons, backyard barbecues, birthday parties, lemonade stands, or whenever your family needs something bright and refreshing.
Why will you love this lemonade?
This easy lemonade recipe is a family favorite because it’s simple, refreshing, and completely customizable. You can make it sweeter, more tart, extra chilled, or even turn it into flavored lemonade with berries, herbs or sparkling water.
This is also a fun recipe for kids to help. They can roll the lemons, squeeze the juice, shake the pitcher, and taste-test until it’s just right!
Tips for the Best Homemade Lemonade:
use fresh lemon
Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives lemonade the brightest, cleanest flavor. Bottled lemon juice may taste flat or overly tart.
Roll the lemon before juicing
Roll each lemon firmly on the counter before cutting. This helps in releasing more juice.
adjust sweetness as per taste
If your lemons are too tart, add a little more simple syrup. If you prefer tart lemonade, start with less syrup and add more as needed.
cool before serving
Lemon water tastes best cold. Make it ahead and refrigerate, or serve with lots of ice.
make it shine
Replace some of the cold water with sparkling water just before serving for fizzy lemonade.
Fun Lemonade Variations:
Strawberry Lemonade
Combine 1 cup strawberries with a little lemon water, strain if desired, and pour into pitcher.
raspberry lemonade
Mash or blend fresh raspberries and add to lemonade for bright pink color and berry flavor.
Mint Lemonade
Add fresh mint leaves to the pitcher for a cool, refreshing flavor.
honey lemonade
Substitute some or all of the sugar for honey. Use warm water to help it dissolve easier.
sparkling lemonade
Use sparkling water instead of still water for a bubbly version.
More Fresh Summer Recipe Ideas:
Best Homemade Lemonade Recipes
This homemade lemonade recipe is fresh, sweet, tart, and easy to make with simple syrup and fresh squeezed lemons! This is a refreshing summer drink for kids, parties, picnics and backyard barbecues.
Servings: 6
1 cup fresh lemon juice, from about 5-6 lemons, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup water, for simple syrup, 4-5 cups cold water, ice, for serving, lemon slices, for garnish
Optional Add-ins
- fresh mint
- strawberry or raspberry
- soda
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In a small saucepan, mix 1 cup sugar And 1 cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from flame and let it cool slightly.
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While the simple syrup cools, juice the lemons. 1 cup fresh lemon juice. Strain out seeds and excess pulp if desired.
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In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice and simple syrup. Add 4 cups cold water And stir well. Taste and add more water if you prefer lighter lemonade.
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Refrigerate until chilled, or serve immediately over ice. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint if desired.
