Warm weather is on its way and lemons are in season, making it the perfect time to make some Homemade Lemonade! This fresh, perfectly sweetened summer drink is as simple as it gets with only 3 ingredients. With the perfect balance of tart and sweet, you’ll want to sip on it all summer long.
The best part of this lemonade recipe is how easy it is to make! If you can juice lemons and dissolve sugar, you can easily whip up this tasty lemonade in a matter of minutes and serve it over ice at a picnic, party, or with lunch at home on a sunny afternoon. It’s also easy to customize — just scroll to the tips at the end for details!
Why You'll Love this Lemonade Recipe
- Fresh, simple ingredients. There are only three ingredients in this homemade lemonade: lemons, sugar, and water. That’s it! Plus, you can control the sweetness level and dilute it to your liking. No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives here, so you can feel good about sipping on this.
- Better than concentrate. Nothing beats the real thing! This incredibly fresh homemade lemonade is loaded with tangy, sweey, and citrusy goodness. It is perfectly balanced and refreshing — and tastes better than lemonade from concentrate but doesn’t require a lot of effort or labor.
- Ready in 10 minutes. This homemade lemonade recipe is so quick and easy to make in just a few simple steps. It takes only 10 minutes total to make from scratch: making simple syrup, juicing the lemons, and combining them for the perfect warm weather drink.
- Ideal for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, enjoying a picnic in the park, or simply craving a refreshing drink on a hot day, homemade lemonade is a versatile beverage that suits any occasion. Serve it in tall glasses over ice, garnished with lemon slices, for a thirst-quenching treat.
Ingredient Notes
To make this delicious Homemade Lemonade, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- fresh lemon juice - if you’re really pressed for time or don’t have access to fresh lemons, lemon juice from concentrate will also work, but it won’t taste as fresh as the real thing.
- granulated sugar - you can also use your favorite granulated sugar alternative like Swerve, stevia, or monk fruit, but note that the type you choose will affect the overall flavor of the final product.
- water
You can also gather up some extra lemon slices and ice for serving.
You will also need measuring cups, a saucepan, and a pitcher for serving.
How to Make the Best Homemade Lemonade
- Make the lemonade concentrate. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Stir in lemon juice and remove from heat.
- Dilute with water. Transfer the mixture into a large pitcher and add 2 to 4 cups of cold water to your desired taste.
- Chill. Refrigerate until the lemonade cools completely, about 30 minutes.
- Serve. Serve with lemon slices and ice, if desired.
Recipe Variations
While classic lemonade is delightful on its own, you can easily customize it with various additions:
- Make it sparkling. For special occasions (or whenever the mood strikes!) you can elevate this lemonade by swapping the water for sparkling water to make a fizzy, champagne-like lemonade that’s perfect for making toasts.
- Add more citrus. Enhance the refreshing citrus flavor of your lemonade by adding a splash of orange juice. It adds a delightful twist and complements the lemons well.
- Give it a fruity twist. Give your lemonade a burst of fruity goodness by muddling fresh berries into the mixture (try strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries!). The vibrant colors and flavors will take your lemonade to the next level.
- Infuse with herbs. Infuse your lemonade with fresh herbs like mint, basil, or lavender. Simply muddle the herbs with the lemon and sugar before adding water,
- Make it tropical. Add a splash of coconut water or pineapple juice to give this homemade lemonade a tropical twist.
How to Serve
Homemade Lemonade is a delicious drink to serve whenever you are craving something delicious to quench your thirst. It also goes well with almost any summer meal. Some of our favorites include:
- Turkey and Cheese Sliders
- Baked Caprese Chicken
- Buddha Bowl
- Shrimp Alfredo
- Balsamic Chicken Kabobs
- Strawberry Avocado Salad
- Juicy Hamburgers
For more summer meal inspo, see our 60+ Summer Dinner Ideas.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Use high-quality ingredients. Because this homemade lemonade has so few ingredients, it’s incredibly important to choose your ingredients carefully, as everything you add will have a huge impact on the flavor. Go for the highest quality ingredients that you can find for the best results!
- Squeeze fresh lemons. For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemons rather than bottled lemon juice. The natural acidity and bright citrus flavor will elevate your homemade lemonade.
- Customize the flavor. This simple lemonade is delicious as-is, but it can also be used as a canvas for flavors and textures! Get creative with mix-ins like fresh fruits, berries, and herbs, to change the flavor and give your lemonade a boost. Try different combinations to find your favorite!
- Chill before serving. Allow your lemonade to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. The flavors will meld together better, and the cold temperature will make the drink even more refreshing.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Store
Store homemade lemonade in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Serve cold with or without added ice.
How to Freeze
Store leftover lemonade in a large freezer bag or freezer-safe airtight container, leaving enough space for it to expand in the freezer. Freeze for up to 3 months. Allow it to slowly thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, or thaw in the container in a warm water bath.
If planning to make a batch to freeze, I recommend freezing just the lemonade concentrate before diluting it with water (to take up less space!). Dilute it with water once thawed.
More Drink Recipes
- Strawberry Lemonade
- Peach Iced Tea
- Three Ways to Make Bubble Tea
- Blackberry Milkshake
- Cold Brew Coffee
- Iced Latte
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Recipe
Homemade Lemonade
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Warm weather is on its way and lemons are in season, making it the perfect time to make some Homemade Lemonade! This fresh, perfectly sweetened summer drink is as simple as it gets with only 3 ingredients. With the perfect balance of tart and sweet, you’ll want to sip on it all summer long.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2-4 cups cold water (to dilute)
- lemon slices (optional, for serving)
- ice (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Stir in lemon juice and remove from heat.
- Transfer the mixture into a large pitcher and add 2 to 4 cups of cold water to your desired taste.
- Refrigerate until the lemonade cools completely, about 30 minutes.
- Serve with lemon slices and ice, if desired.
Notes
How to store: Store homemade lemonade in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Serve cold with or without added ice.
How to freeze: Store leftover lemonade in a large freezer bag or freezer-safe airtight container, leaving enough space for it to expand in the freezer. Freeze for up to 3 months. Allow it to slowly thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, or thaw in the container in a warm water bath. If planning to make a batch to freeze, I recommend freezing just the lemonade concentrate before diluting it with water (to take up less space!). Dilute it with water once thawed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stir
- Cuisine: American
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