Lemonade hardly needs an introduction. It’s one of the most popular summer drinks for a reason. On a hot day, few things are more refreshing than an ice-cold glass of homemade lemonade poured over plenty of ice.
What makes homemade lemonade so good is the fresh lemon flavor. The ingredient list is incredibly simple — just lemon juice, water, and sugar. Know that the quality of the lemons makes a huge difference. Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the drink a bright, clean citrus flavor that bottled lemon juice can’t match. Bottled versions often taste flat or overly acidic by comparison.
Another great thing about lemonade is how easy it is to adjust to your taste. If you like it sweeter, add a little more sugar. If you prefer a sharper citrus flavor, add extra lemon juice. You can also dress it up with lemon slices, fresh mint, berries, or sparkling water for a slightly different twist.
This recipe is simple, refreshing, and perfect for cookouts, parties, or just cooling off during the summer. If you enjoy classic lemonade, you might also want to try homemade pink lemonade next, or lavender lemonade punch for special occasions.
Lemonade recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
Description
A refreshing homemade lemonade made with freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar, and water for the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups white sugar
- 8 cups water, divided
- 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Make the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves. Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until chilled.
- Prepare the lemon juice. Juice the lemons and remove the seeds, leaving the pulp for extra flavor.
- Mix the lemonade. In a large pitcher, combine the chilled syrup, lemon juice, and remaining 7 cups of water. Stir well.
- Serve. Add ice and lemon slices, then serve cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 29.9 g
- Sodium: 6.9 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 31.3 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
