By Sam 243 Comments
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You only need three ingredients to make this classic homemade Lemonade Recipe. It’s so simple and refreshing–perfect for a summer day! Recipe includes a how-to video.
The Easiest, Most Refreshing Lemonade Recipe
I know some of you are going to see this and think, “Do we really need a lemonade recipe?”. Sure lemonade is one of those things that can be thrown together and still taste great (like mac and cheese or French toast); however, having a reliable recipe is still important.
Lemonadeis easy to make, but getting the ratios right is critical. Too much lemon and it’s too tart and undrinkable, and too much water and it’s, well, watered down. What I’m sharing today is a perfectly balanced lemonade recipe that everyone is going to love.
Why You’ll Love My Lemonade Recipe:
- Super smooth and evenly sweetened, thanks to simple syrup.
- Can easily be doubled or tripled–perfect for lemonade stands!
- Not too tart and not too sweet; the balance of lemon and sugar is just right.
- Pairs well with iced tea to make an Arnold Palmer.
What You Need
You only need three simple ingredients to make this lemonade recipe (or two, if you don’t count water!):
- Lemons. It probably won’t come as a surprise to you that I recommend using freshly squeezed lemons for this recipe (as I do with my lemon cheesecake). You’ll only need 3-4 nice sized lemons to get one cup of juice.
- Sugar. Plain granulated sugar works just fine, you could also substitute caster sugar!
- Water. I use tap water because mine doesn’t have a flavor, but if yours has a chlorinated taste use bottled or filtered water.
SAM’S TIP: This isn’t totally necessary, but I like to garnish my homemade lemonade with additional sliced lemons for a bright and sunny look.
Remember, this is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe please scroll down to the bottom of the post!
How to Make Lemonade
- Combine 1 cup each of sugar and water and cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Set the syrup aside to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Combine the cooled syrup and freshly-squeezed lemon juice in a pitcher.
- Add the remaining water and stir, then pour over ice and enjoy!
SAM’S TIP: I like to use this tool to juice my lemons; it makes the job so much easier!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use honey to make lemonade?
You could, but keep in mind the honey will impart a different flavor. I’d start with about ½ cup of honey and taste test before adding any more.
Can I make lemonade using bottled lemon juice?
Yes, you can make this lemonade recipe using bottled lemon juice. My brother does this all the time, and the lemonade is still excellent.
What can I add to homemade lemonade?
Fresh mint, rosemary, and lavender are all delicious pairings with homemade lemonade! Or, you could always make my easy strawberry lemonade.
You can find me sipping a glass of this on my front porch all summer long 😎
More Summer Recipes:
- Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie
- Lemon Curd
- Key Lime Pie
- Lemon Blueberry Cake
Enjoy!
Let’s bake together!I’ll be walking you through all the steps in my written recipe andvideobelow! If you try this recipe, be sure to tag me onInstagram, and you can also find me onYouTubeandFacebook
Homemade Lemonade Recipe
A simple and refreshinghomemade lemonade recipe! You only need sugar, water, and lemons to make this classic drink recipe. Check out the step-by-step video just below the recipe!
This recipe makes ½ gallon of lemonade but can successfully be doubled!
4.96 from 198 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 8 8-oz glasses
Calories: 103kcal
Author: Sam Merritt
Ingredients
- 6 cups (1.4 L) water divided
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (236 ml) fresh-squeezed lemon juice¹ seeds removed, pulp may remain
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
Combine 1 cup (236ml) water and 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan. Place over medium-low heat and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside, allow to cool for 10 minutes.
6 cups (1.4 L) water, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
Pour 1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice into a pitcher. Add sugar/water mixture (simple syrup).
1 cup (236 ml) fresh-squeezed lemon juice¹
Add remaining 5 cups (1180ml) water and stir well. Pour over ice and serve, or transfer to refrigerator and allow to chill several hours before serving.
Notes
¹Lemon Juice
I really recommend fresh squeezed, but my brother often makes this recipe using bottled lemon juice with success.
Nutrition
Serving: 18 oz glass | Calories: 103kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 32mg | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin C: 16.5mg | Calcium: 60mg
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Tried this recipe? Show me on Instagram!Mention @SugarSpun_Sam or tag #sugarspunrun!
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Theoncereluctantcook
Great recipe (wouldn’t expect anything less though). Made with my toddler and was a fun way to engage them in cooking. ALSO – half a glass of this mixed with tonic water is a nice way to scratch a margarita itch while pregnant.Reply
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Love that idea! Thanks for trying our recipe 🩷
Reply
cathyc
I have not made this recipe, but have made homemade lemonade often. I never throw out lemon juice. I keep it frozen in my freezer, adding small amounts when I have it and then when I have enough to make lemonade, I don’t have to spend a lot of money all at once. It is so, so much better than any mix. No comparison.
Reply
Avery
It was so easy to make!! Very impressed. This is my first time ever leaving a review on something and I’m glad it’s this. I love how it was easy to double, and I personally used just lemon juice from the store if you want an easier way. Loved it!Reply
Sam
I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Avery! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! 🙂
Reply
Roula
Best lemonade ever, thanks so much Sam!Reply
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
We’re so happy you like it, Roula! Thanks for the review 🥰
Reply
Dan
I’ve been making this the past few summers. I get multiple requests every year to make it for parties. I usually add a little strawberry syrup, frozen strawberries, and of course a bunch of vodka.Reply
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Yum! Sounds tasty, Dan 😊 Thanks for the review!
Reply
Connie
I felt like a dummy looking up a recipe for lemonade, but really didn’t know what ratios to use. Never has lemonade tasted this good, thank you! Soooo much better than store bought which I always find too sweet.Reply
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
We’re so happy you found our recipe, Connie! It really does taste so much better homemade 🩷
Reply
Kirstin
We just made this today for my kids’ lemonade stand and jt was perfect! Thank you so much!
Reply
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
We’re so happy you used our recipe, Kirstin! Hopefully you had lots of thirsty customers 😊
Reply
Ashley Bennett
Exceptional! I had a few tiny limes needing to be used and squeezed them right on with my lemon juice. Perfect recipe!Reply
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Yum! Sounds tasty, Ashley. We’re so happy you enjoyed it!
Reply
Sofia
Excellent recipe, super easy to make! I made this with my little brother and he loved it.Reply
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Thanks for using our recipe, Sofia! Enjoy ☺️
Reply
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4.96 from 198 votes (106 ratings without comment)
