Fresh Lemonade is more than just a summer drink—it’s a nostalgic sip of sunshine, backyard memories, and those carefree afternoons we all crave. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, juggling work-from-home chaos, or just trying to keep the kids cool (and off screens for five minutes), this easy lemonade recipe is the answer to your “what should I serve?” moment.
You know that store-bought lemonade with a laundry list of ingredients you can’t pronounce? This isn’t that. This is homemade lemonade at its finest—bright, tangy, and perfectly sweetened with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Fresh Lemonade
Because it’s real. Real lemons, real flavor, and real simple. It’s a:
- Quick-fix for hot days when water just won’t cut it.
- Kid-friendly summer staple that adults secretly love more.
- Homemade lemonade with zero fuss and 100% feel-good vibes.
- Budget-friendly drink that feels like a luxury.
- Flexible base for fun add-ins (hello, mint and berries!).
Trust me, once you’ve tried this fresh lemonade, you’ll never look at powdered mixes the same again.
Ingredients
You only need four ingredients—and no, bottled lemon juice isn’t one of them. 😉
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 9 cups water, divided
- 2 cups fresh lemon juice (from about 8–10 large lemons*)
- A few cups of ice
Tip: Roll your lemons on the counter before juicing to get the most juice out—like a citrusy stress ball.
How to Make Fresh Lemonade (It’s Ridiculously Easy)
Step 1: Make a Simple Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups sugar and 2 cups of the water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Let it cool to room temp—about 30 minutes. This step ensures your lemonade is smooth, not gritty.
Step 2: Juice Those Lemons
While your syrup cools, juice your lemons until you get 2 full cups of lemon juice. Trust me—fresh is everything here. Skip the bottled stuff—it just doesn’t hit the same.
Step 3: Mix It All Together
In a large pitcher, combine the cooled syrup, 7 cups of cold water, and your lemon juice. Stir it all up like summer is depending on it.
Step 4: Serve It Icy Cold
Add a few cups of ice right before serving. For a little pizzazz, toss in lemon slices, fresh mint, or even a few frozen raspberries.
Emy’s Kitchen Tip 💡
This is one of those recipes I keep in rotation all summer long—especially for impromptu porch hangouts with the neighbors (or when my kids bring half the block over without warning 😅). Sometimes I add sparkling water instead of still water to make a bubbly, sparkling lemonade version—it’s like lemonade with a little sass!
FAQs About Fresh Lemonade
Can I make sugar-free lemonade?
Absolutely! For a sugar-free lemonade, replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit. Start with 3–4 tablespoons (or to taste), and skip the stovetop—just stir it directly into the lemon juice and water mix.
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes! Start with 1¼ cups of honey stirred into warm water (to dissolve). Keep in mind, it’ll have a mild honey flavor. Avoid honey for kiddos under 1.
How long does homemade lemonade last in the fridge?
It’ll stay fresh for 3–4 days, sealed in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving. Want to make it ahead? Freeze it in an ice cube tray for lemonade-on-demand!
How many lemons do I need for 2 cups of juice?
Plan for 8 to 10 large lemons, but grab a couple extra—just in case they’re more rind than juice. Better safe than lemon-less.
Make It Your Own
Feeling fancy? Try these fun twists on the classic:
- Add mashed berries or a splash of purée for berry lemonade.
- Swap water with sparkling water for bubbly fun.
- Infuse with fresh herbs like basil or rosemary.
- Pour into popsicle molds for frozen lemonade treats!
Looking for More Summer Sips?
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- Fat-Vaporizing Drink? The Truth About the Brazilian Mounjaro Recipe
- Boost Your Energy With Pineapple Ginger Detox Juice
- Unlock the Secrets of Cold Yogurt Drink Crosswords A Culinary Puzzle Journey
There’s just something magical about a glass of fresh lemonade on a warm day. It’s simple, it’s refreshing, and it brings people together. Whether you’re pouring a glass for one or a whole pitcher for a crowd, this recipe is the kind of classic that never goes out of style.
So grab those lemons, pull out your favorite pitcher, and make summer taste a little sweeter. 🍋💛
Print
Fresh Lemonade
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes cooling time for syrup)
- Yield: About 10 cups (8 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This fresh lemonade is the ultimate summer drink—bright, tangy, and perfectly sweetened. Made with just lemons, sugar, and water, it’s easy to prepare and refreshingly delicious. Say goodbye to store-bought mixes and hello to the real taste of summer!
Ingredients
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
9 cups water, divided
2 cups fresh lemon juice (from about 8–10 large lemons)
A few cups of ice
Instructions
Make the Simple Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and 2 cups of the water.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes).
Juice the Lemons:
While the syrup is cooling, juice your lemons until you have 2 full cups of fresh lemon juice.
Strain to remove seeds or pulp, if desired.
Combine & Stir:
In a large pitcher, mix the cooled sugar syrup, remaining 7 cups of cold water, and lemon juice.
Stir well to combine.
Chill & Serve:
Add ice and garnish with lemon slices or mint if desired.
Serve cold and enjoy!
Notes
For sparkling lemonade, replace the 7 cups of water with chilled club soda or sparkling water.
Want sugar-free lemonade? Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener to taste—about 3–4 tablespoons.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir before serving.
Freeze leftovers in an ice cube tray to use in drinks later.
Garnish options: lemon slices, raspberries, mint leaves.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop + Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 136
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 0.2g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
