There’s nothing quite like a tall, frosty glass of Lemonade to conjure up the taste of sunshine and simple pleasures. This classic homemade recipe brings together freshly squeezed lemons, pure sugar, and cold water for the ultimate refreshment, whether you’re lounging at a backyard picnic or seeking relief from a hot afternoon. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll create a pitcher that promises nostalgic comfort and a burst of zingy, sweet-tart flavor in every sip. Here’s everything you need to know about making the best Lemonade from scratch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 6–8 lemons)
- 4 cups cold water
- lemon slices and fresh mint for garnish (optional)

How to Make Lemonade

Step 1: Create the Simple Syrup

In a small saucepan, pour in the sugar and one cup of water. Heat this over medium heat, stirring softly, until every bit of sugar melts into the water and you’re left with a crystal-clear syrup. This step ensures your Lemonade is smooth, without a single grain of sugar left behind. Take it off the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature—this only takes a few minutes, but makes a big difference in flavor!

Step 2: Squeeze the Lemons

Grab your 6 to 8 lemons and roll them on the counter to make juicing easier. Slice them in half and squeeze until you’ve got one full cup of juice. A handheld reamer or citrus press makes quick work of this task, and don’t forget to strain out those pesky seeds for a perfectly smooth Lemonade.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

In a large pitcher, combine your freshly squeezed lemon juice, the cooled simple syrup, and the remaining four cups of cold water. Stir it all up with a long spoon, making sure everything is fully blended. Taste a little sip—now’s your chance to adjust sweetness or tartness. Add more sugar or water, depending on your preferences, until you’ve got your dream Lemonade.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Pop your pitcher into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets all the flavors mingle, giving you the most refreshing taste possible. When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses with ice, pour over the chilled Lemonade, and add those gorgeous slices of lemon and sprigs of mint if you like. Your homemade Lemonade is officially ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Lemonade

Garnishes

Elevate your Lemonade with a few thoughtful garnishes! Float thin slices of lemon right in the pitcher or in each glass—they look beautiful and add even more citrus aroma. A sprig of fresh mint brings a subtle herbal pop and an extra layer of crispness. If you’re feeling extra fancy, try a twist of lemon peel or edible flowers for a little wow factor.

Side Dishes

Lemonade makes any snack time feel like a mini celebration! Pair it with classic picnic fare like sandwiches, potato chips, and fruit salad, or set it alongside a platter of summery treats such as shortbread cookies or grilled corn. It’s also fantastic with light salads or spicy foods, as the sweet-tart sip cools your palate between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t hesitate to let your personality shine with your Lemonade presentation. Serve it in mason jars with striped paper straws for nostalgic charm, or in crystal glasses for a more elegant twist. For parties, try adding frozen berries or herb ice cubes for a colorful and flavorful flair. And if you want to mix things up, swap some of the water for sparkling water at the last minute for sparkling Lemonade that dances on your tongue!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Homemade Lemonade keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just pour any leftovers into a tightly sealed pitcher or bottle to keep it tasting fresh. If separation occurs, give it a good stir before pouring. The flavors often meld and mellow over time, so some people swear it’s even better after a day in the fridge!

Freezing

If you’d like to keep Lemonade on hand longer, it freezes beautifully. Pour it into an airtight container, leaving a bit of space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. You can also freeze Lemonade in ice cube trays to add to future drinks or use as flavorful “ice” that won’t water down your glass.

Reheating

While Lemonade is best served ice-cold, you can gently reheat frozen Lemonade to thaw it. Simply let it sit in the fridge overnight, or place the sealed container in a bowl of cool water to speed things up. A quick stir will restore its silky consistency, making it ready to pour and serve once it’s nice and chilled again.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

Fresh lemon juice really is the key to bright, vibrant Lemonade flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled juice will work. Just keep in mind it may lack the fragrant zest and natural zing of fresh-squeezed lemons, so try adding a little grated lemon zest or fresh slices to amp things up.

How can I make this Lemonade sugar-free or use alternative sweeteners?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite sugar substitute, such as stevia, monk fruit, or agave syrup. Adjust the amount to your taste and be sure it dissolves completely into your water so your Lemonade stays smooth. Maple syrup and honey also add a delicious twist, though they will slightly change the flavor profile.

Can I double or triple the recipe for a party?

Definitely! This recipe scales up perfectly for any crowd. Just use a bigger pitcher or even a drinks dispenser, and make sure you cool the simple syrup fully before mixing up a giant batch. Serving a big bowl of frosty Lemonade is guaranteed to make your gathering a hit.

Is there a way to make flavored Lemonade?

You can absolutely unleash your creativity here! Infuse the simple syrup with herbs like basil, rosemary, or lavender, or add fresh berries directly to the Lemonade for a pop of color and sweetness. Muddled strawberries, raspberries, or even a splash of pureed mango turn classic Lemonade into something exciting and new.

What’s the best way to keep Lemonade cold outdoors?

To keep your Lemonade chilled for hours at a picnic or barbecue, prep your glasses with lots of ice and consider freezing some Lemonade in ice cube trays beforehand. Toss these cubes into your pitcher instead of regular ice so your drink stays cool and concentrated, never watered down!

Final Thoughts

This classic Lemonade recipe is the very essence of summer in a glass—simple, fresh, and incredibly satisfying. Give it a go the next time you crave something sweet and tangy, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making batch after batch all season long. Here’s to a pitcher of pure happiness!

Lemonade Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

This classic lemonade recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a refreshing and delicious drink for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Simple Syrup:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water

Lemonade:

1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 6–8 lemons)
4 cups cold water
lemon slices and fresh mint for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Make Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool.
Prepare Lemonade: In a large pitcher, mix the lemon juice, simple syrup, and remaining 4 cups of water. Stir well and adjust sweetness to taste. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
Serve: Pour over ice and garnish with lemon slices and mint.

Notes

For sparkling lemonade, substitute 2 cups of water with sparkling water just before serving.
Infuse the syrup with herbs like basil or lavender for added flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American