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Nothing beats a tall glass of homemade lemonade on a warm day. Unlike store-bought versions, this recipe is made with fresh, simple ingredients—just lemons, sugar, and water—giving it a bright, natural citrus flavor.
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Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cooking Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Why You’ll Love Making It
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor – The combination of fresh lemon juice and homemade simple syrup ensures just the right level of tartness and sweetness.
- Easy & Quick – With only a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a refreshing drink ready in just 15 minutes.
- Customizable Sweetness – Adjust the sugar and water levels to your taste, making it as sweet or tangy as you like.
- Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a summer gathering, a family meal, or a quick refreshment, this homemade lemonade is a classic.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – The simple syrup can be prepared in advance for an even quicker lemonade-making process.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the lemonade; adjust to taste for a more tart version.
- 1 cup water (for the simple syrup) – Dissolves the sugar evenly to avoid grainy lemonade.
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice – From about 4 to 6 lemons, depending on their size and juiciness.
- 2 to 3 cups cold water (to dilute) – Adjust according to your preferred lemonade strength.
- Optional: Zest of 1 lemon – Steeped in the simple syrup to enhance the lemon flavor.
- Ice and lemon slices – For serving and added presentation.
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Instructions
Step 1: Make the Simple Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and 1 cup of water. Place over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved (about 3 to 5 minutes). If using lemon zest, add it to the mixture and let it steep for a few minutes before straining it out. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Step 2: Juice the Lemons
While the simple syrup is cooling, roll the lemons on the countertop with gentle pressure—this helps release more juice. Cut them in half and juice them using a citrus juicer or a hand-held reamer. Strain out any seeds and pulp using a fine-mesh sieve to ensure a smooth lemonade.
Step 3: Mix the Lemonade
In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the cooled simple syrup. Stir well. Add 2 to 3 cups of cold water, tasting as you go to reach your desired balance of sweetness and tartness. If it’s too strong, add more water; if it’s too sweet, stir in extra lemon juice.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
For the best flavor, refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice, pour in the lemonade, and garnish with lemon slices. Enjoy chilled!
FAQs
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes! You can replace sugar with honey for a more natural sweetness. Use about ¾ cup of honey and mix it directly into warm water to dissolve before adding it to the lemonade.
How long does homemade lemonade last in the fridge?
Homemade lemonade stays fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Store it in a sealed container and stir before serving, as some separation may occur.
