Refreshing, homemade lemonade requires only 3 ingredients and a few minutes of prep! This is the most refreshing summer drink recipe that the whole family will love.
It's time for some summer sips!
My single serving lemonade is consistently one of my most popular recipes. It's quick, easy, and so refreshing! If you have a big family like me though, you'll need way more than one glass to get you through summer.
The best homemade lemonade recipe
This homemade lemonade recipe makes a pitcher of lemonade ready to serve 4-6 people depending on the size of your glass and how much ice you add. If you plan on serving a lot of people, this recipe is easily doubled (you can use the slider over the servings number in the recipe card below).
I think this fresh squeezed lemonade recipe is the perfect balance of tart and sweet, but of course it's easy to adjust to your own tastes. It all starts with a lemon infused simple syrup that you may find yourself using for other cocktails and mocktails this summer!
There is really very little preparation involved, but a lot of patience while the syrup infuses and the lemonade chills. If you're feeling super impatient go ahead and add some to a glass with lots of ice to get sipping!
Ingredients
- Granulated sugar
- Water
- Fresh lemon juice
- Lemon zest
How to make homemade lemonade
- In a medium saucepan, bring sugar and 2 cups of water to a boil over high heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
- Boil, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Remove the pan from the heat, cover, and let stand for 30 minutes.
- Strain through a sieve into a 2 quart pitcher, then stir in the remaining 1 cup cold water. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.
Top tips
The best way to squeeze lemons
Normally squeezing lemons by hand would be just fine, but you're going to be going through a lot of lemons here and you don't want to end up with tired hands! I recommend using some sort of tool to help you get all the juice out of your lemons easily.
I always use a squeezer, but a reamer is another inexpensive option. To get the most juice with the least amount of effort, go ahead and get a juicer.
Don't forget to zest 1-2 lemons before juicing them. It is very difficult to remove zest from a citrus fruit after cutting and juicing it.
The best lemon zester
I love my Deiss microplane for zesting citrus fruits, but any microplane would work. If you don't have a microplane you can cut the lemon peel into very fine strips with a large chef's knife. Be sure you don't include the white pith or it will make your lemonade bitter.
How to make simple syrup
It's important to make the lemon simple syrup for this recipe because stirring straight granulated sugar into cold water would result in a grainy, poorly mixed drink. If you're short on time you could stir the sugar into warm water and skip the zest, but I don't recommend it.
Detailed directions for making simple syrup can be found above as well as below in the recipe card. It's important to stir the water while it is heating up to help the sugar dissolve.
Let the sugar and water boil for 5 minutes, then add lemon zest and juice. Cover and let rest to infuse the simple syrup with lots of lemon flavor. The zest and any pulp from the juice will be strained out in the next step.
How to store
Keep lemonade covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze lemonade in a mason jar for up to 3 months, just make sure not to fill it to the top since it will expand when freezing.
Tips for customizing old fashioned lemonade
- Experiment with replacing the sugar with honey simple syrup to make homemade sugar free lemonade (adjusting the quantity to taste)
- Pour lemonade into popsicle molds and freeze for homemade lemonade popsicles
- Mix with your other favorite juices and drinks such as pomegranate juice, ginger ale, or iced tea
- Add more or less sugar to taste
- Make strawberry vodka lemonade or strawberry lemonade
FAQ
For this recipe, you'll need about 6-10 lemons, depending on size and juiciness.
You can use bottled lemon juice to make homemade lemonade, it just may not taste as fresh. Use the same quantity that is in the recipe.
More drink recipes
- Single Serving Lemonade
- Strawberry Lemonade
- Single Serving Strawberry Lemonade
- Strawberry Lemonade Vodka
- Watermelon Lime Mocktail
- Cherry Mojitos
- Mojito Pitcher
- Margarita Pitcher
- Pineapple Margaritas
- Blackberry Gin Smash
- Apple Cider Cocktail
- Sparkling Greyhound Cocktail
If you make this recipe, be sure to rate it, leave a comment, or tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagram!
Recipe
Homemade Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 3 cups cold water
- 1 ½ cups fresh lemon juice, (6-10 lemons, depending on size and juiciness)
- 1 Tablespoon grated lemon zest
Instructions
- In a medium size saucepan over high heat, bring sugar and 2 cups water to a boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Boil, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Remove the pan from the heat, cover, and let stand for 30 minutes.
- Strain through a sieve into a 2 quart pitcher, then stir in the remaining 1 cup water.
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill 2 hours or overnight. To serve, fill the pitcher or a tall glass with ice cubes and fresh lemon slices.
Valerie @ From Valerie's Kitchen says
Your story struck a chord with me because my husband and I met as youngsters as well. I was 16 and he was just barely 18. It's so special to have that much history with someone!
Cranberry Morning says
I tried your single-serve recipe a few days ago and it was delicious! I love its tartness, not too sweet like purchased lemonade. Now I'm making this recipe because the family is here. Thanks for the great recipe. We love this!
Lindsay Moe says
I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed it!