There’s nothing quite like the refreshing taste of homemade lemonade on a warm day. This simple yet effective recipe brings out the zesty, natural flavor of lemons without any artificial additives. Perfect for cooling down and delighting your taste buds.

• Cuisine: American
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 8

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare with minimal effort.
• Requires only basic ingredients, most of which you likely have on hand.
• Allows you to adjust sweetness and tartness to your personal preference.
• No artificial flavors—just pure lemon goodness.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups white sugar: Essential for sweetness. For a less sugary option, consider using honey or agave syrup.
• 1 cup water: Used for making the simple syrup, ensuring sugar dissolves completely.
• 9 medium lemons, or more as needed: The star of the show. Ensure they’re juicy and ripe for the best flavor.
• 7 cups ice-cold water: Dilutes the mixture to the perfect consistency and temperature.
• Ice as needed: Keeps your lemonade chilled without diluting the flavor too much.

How to Make It

Step 1: Make the Simple Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine the 1 ¾ cups of sugar with 1 cup of water. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved and the liquid turns clear. This step prevents grainy texture in the finished lemonade.

Step 2: Juice the Lemons

Cut the lemons in half and juice them using a citrus juicer. Aim for about 1 ½ cups of lemon juice; adjust based on your taste. Strain the juice to remove seeds and pulp for a smoother drink.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large pitcher, mix the fresh lemon juice with the prepared simple syrup. Add 7 cups of ice-cold water, stirring well. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tartness by adding more water or a bit of sugar, if necessary.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Fill glasses with ice and pour the lemonade over. Serve immediately for the best flavor. Optionally, garnish with lemon slices or mint leaves for added visual appeal and freshness.

Recipe FAQs

How can I make this lemonade more or less sweet?

Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar in the simple syrup. Start with 1 ½ cups, then taste and add more if needed. Alternatively, dilute with more water to reduce sweetness.

Can I store leftover lemonade in the refrigerator?

Yes, leftover lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it in a covered container to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors.

What can I add for an extra flavor twist?

Consider adding fresh herbs like mint or basil to the lemonade for an aromatic twist. You can also infuse the simple syrup with a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme for a more complex flavor profile.