Homemade Lemonade - So Easy to Make!

What’s more thirst-quenching on a hot summer day than a tall glass of homemade lemonade?

You’ll need just three ingredients (and one is water!) to make this delicious lemonade from scratch!

jug of Homemade Lemonade

Favorite Summer Drink

Lemonade is reminiscent of baseball games, pool parties, and trips to the fair in the summertime. It’s so easy to make at home, with simple ingredients.

Why not experiment with other flavors Try making fresh strawberry lemonade or watermelon lemonade too!

Or, spike it with booze for your next (adult) party!

lemon being squeezed into a measuring cup to make Homemade Lemonade

Homemade Lemonade Ingredients

LEMON & LEMON JUICE For the best flavor, juice fresh lemons for this recipe, there’s truly nothing like it. Don’t forget the lemon slices for garnish too!

SUGAR The sugar is used to make a lemon-infused simple syrup (make extra if you’d like, it’s great in tea or cocktails)!

WATER/ICE Water and ice are needed to make this refreshing, thirst-quenching drink!

VARIATIONS How about a sprig of mint? Or add some pomegranates, orange slices or cherries for a fun twist! If homemade lemonade is too sweet, simply add more lemon juice and if it’s too tart, add a spoonful of sugar and a bit of water.

How Much Juice in One Lemon

Of course, this can vary depending on the size and quality of the lemon but each medium lemon should give you about 1/4 cup of lemon juice.

This recipe requires 1 1/4 cups lemon juice so you will need approximately 6 lemons (more if they’re small) plus extra for slicing for garnish if you’d like.

Homemade Lemonade being poured into a glass

How to Make Lemonade

Super simple and fun, homemade lemonade takes just 3 simple steps to make!

  1. Zest three strips from a lemon. Combine sugar, water, and lemon zest in a pan and boil until the sugar is dissolved. Allow to cool.
  2. Juice lemons and add to syrup mixture.
  3. Add ice and 6 cups of water to make 2 quarts.

close up of 2 glasses of Homemade Lemonade with lemon garnish and ice

Tips for Success

  • Choose lemons that are bright yellow and heavy, this means they are full of juice!
  • Microwave the lemons for about 15-20 seconds and then roll on the counter to extract more juice.
  • Rinse and scrub lemons with a vegetable brush before zesting. Scrubbing them removes the wax that is sprayed on them during shipment.
  • Store lemonade in the refrigerator and stir it before serving.

PRO TIP: Freeze lemonade in an ice cube tray and pop one in a glass of water for a sweet-tart treat!

(Spiked) Summer Drinks

Did you love this Homemade Lemonade? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below! 

close up of 2 glasses of Homemade Lemonade with lemon garnish and ice

Homemade Lemonade

This homemade lemonade is made with fresh lemon juice. The whole family will enjoy this delicious, refreshing drink!
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 129
Author Holly Nilsson

Ingredients

  • 3 strips lemon zest
  • 1 ¼ cups fresh lemon juice about 6-8 lemons
  • 1 ¼ cups sugar or simple syrup
  • ice
  • water
  • extra lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

  • Peel 3 long strips of zest off of a lemon.
  • Combine sugar, 1 ½ cups water, and lemon zest in a small saucepan and bring just to a boil until sugar is dissolved. Cool completely.
  • Juice lemons. Place 1 ¼ cups lemon juice and 1 cup of the simple syrup in a 2 QT pitcher.
  • Add ice and 6 cups cold water. Stir to combine.
  • Taste and add more simple syrup if desired.

Notes

  • Choose lemons that are bright yellow and heavy, this means they are full of juice!
  • Rinse and scrub lemons with a vegetable brush before zesting. Scrubbing them removes the wax that is sprayed on them during shipment.
  • Microwave the lemons for about 15-20 seconds and then roll on the counter with gentle pressure to extract more juice.
  • Store lemonade in the refrigerator and stir it before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 129 | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 39mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg
glass of Homemade Lemonade with writing
glass of Homemade Lemonade being poured with lemons around the glass
closeup of glass of Homemade Lemonade with a title
jug of Homemade Lemonade garnished with lemons and an image lemonade in a glass with writing


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