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Home » Beverage

Published: Apr 8, 2021 by Kathy

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

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A glass filled with lemonade with a slice of a lemon floating on the top.

The most refreshing drink of all time - fresh squeezed lemonade. It is made with just freshly squeezed lemons, sugar, and water. 

Whip up a batch of this refreshing beverage in just 5 minutes!

A glass filled with lemonade with a lemon slice floating on top.

Homemade lemonade

Fresh squeezed lemonade is the only way to go. For me, nothing but freshly squeezed will do.

It only takes a cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice so as long as you have access to fresh lemons, this beverage can be made year-round.

Many recipes call for making a simple syrup by heating the sugar and the water together. I have a shortcut version.

I mix the lemon juice and sugar together first. Once the sugar has fully dissolved, add the water. This saves time and you don't have to wait for the simple syrup to cool.

A bowlful of squeezed lemon halves.

Key ingredients

Fresh lemons next to a small white bowl filled with sugar.

You just need fresh lemons, granulated sugar, and water! That's it!

Step-by-step directions

In this section, I share step-by-step photos, cooking methods, techniques, and a general overview. For detailed instructions, temperatures, and timing, check the printable recipe card below.

  • Squeeze lemons
  • Combine lemon juice and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. This may take a minute or two. It's okay to let it sit for a minute and come back to it and stir again.
  • Add water and stir
  • Serve over ice with a lemon slice for garnish
A glass measuring cup filled with lemon juice.
A glass pitcher filled with lemon juice.

Recipe tips

  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice doesn't have the same taste.
  • Taste before serving. I like my lemonade a bit on the tart side, but you may want it a bit sweeter.
  • If you add ice to the lemonade pitcher before serving, reduce the amount of water added.
  • Unused lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week

Recipe Faqs

How many lemons do I need for a cup of lemon juice?

It depends on your lemons, but plan on 5-8 lemons. Lemons vary in size and in the amount of juice they have.

Can I make it with limes instead of lemons?

Yes, you can substitute limes and make limeade. Increase the amount of sugar to one cup.

Lemon slices on a cutting board next to a glass of lemonade.

Whip up a batch of this refreshing beverage and then sit back, sip, and relax!

More refreshing beverages

You might also want to try these nonalcoholic drinks:

  • Raspberry Lemonade
  • Blackberry Lemonade
  • Sparkling Limeade
  • Sparkling Peach Tea

If you're looking for a way to change up your lemonade game, check out this recipe for lemon cordial from the blog, Simply Beyond Herbs.

A glass of lemonade and a bowlful of lemons on a white board.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

Check out all my delicious beverages!

  • A glass filled with blackberry lemonade.
    Blackberry Lemonade
  • A small glass filled with a peach beverage.
    Peach Liqueur
  • A class of limeade with a lime wedge and two straws.
    Sparkling Limeade
  • Sparkling tea being poured into a glass filled with ice, peaches, and mint.
    Sparkling Lemon Peach Tea

This recipe was originally posted in June 2016. The photos have been updated as well as the recipe tips and directions. Enjoy!

A glass filled with lemonade and a lemon slice.

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

Kathy Berget
Fresh squeezed lemonade
5 from 25 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 2 quarts
Calories 70 kcal

Equipment

  • Lemon Juicer
  • Measuring Cups
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (4-6 lemons)
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 quarts water
  • lemon slices (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Mix lemon juice and sugar together. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
  • Add water and stir.
  • Serve over ice with lemon slices (if desired)

Notes

Recipe Tips:
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice just doesn't have the same taste.
  • Taste before serving. I like my lemonade a bit on the tart side, but you may want it a bit sweeter.
  • If you are adding ice to the pitcher of lemonade before serving, reduce the amount of water added.
  • Unused lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week
 

Nutritional Disclaimer:

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 70kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 11mgPotassium: 28mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @BeyondTheChickenCoop or tag #beyondthechickencoop!

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    Moscow Mule
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    Elderberry Vodka
  • Homemade Grape Juice
    Homemade Grape Juice
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. David @ Spiced says

    April 09, 2021 at 4:16 am

    5 stars
    Great tip about mixing the lemon juice and sugar together first - that way you can adjust the strength of the lemonade to your personal tastes. This recipe has me ready for summer!!

    Reply
  2. Fred G says

    March 23, 2019 at 5:23 pm

    5 stars
    Fresh lemons make a great drink

    Reply
  3. Kate @ Framed Cooks says

    July 01, 2016 at 4:31 am

    You know, I don't have a great basic lemonade recipe (and now I do) - my fave is half lemonade, half iced tea! Hello, Summer!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      July 02, 2016 at 6:31 am

      My dad loves that combination too!

      Reply
  4. Miriam @londonkitchendiaries.com says

    July 01, 2016 at 1:21 am

    Homemade lemonade just tops everything 🙂 It is so easy to make and yet so delicious - the perfect summer drink! I hope we will get a little bit of summer soon as it is still raining every day here in London. 🙂

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      July 02, 2016 at 6:32 am

      I hope you get some warm summer days soon!

      Reply
  5. Kaylene @ The Links Site says

    July 01, 2016 at 1:12 am

    I agree I love homemade lemonade! It's got me dreaming of the warmer weather because we are in the middle of winter here in Australia!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      July 02, 2016 at 6:33 am

      Brrrr....keep warm! Maybe enjoy a glass of cold lemonade by the fire. Or my mom always likes hot lemonade. Just heat up a cup and it will warm you through!

      Reply
  6. Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says

    June 30, 2016 at 11:49 am

    Wow this looks so yummy and indulgent! Lemonades are the best summer drinks to quench the thirst. Love that you used freshly squeezed lemon juice.

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      July 02, 2016 at 6:34 am

      They are the best on really hot summer days!

      Reply
  7. karrie @ Tasty Ever After says

    June 30, 2016 at 9:58 am

    Thank you for reminding me that I need to make a big ol' vat of lemonade for this weekend 🙂 Hope you and the family have a happy holiday weekend!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      July 02, 2016 at 6:34 am

      When lemonade is around, people tend to drink it. This recipe can be doubled...tripled....or as big as you need!

      Reply
  8. David @ Spiced says

    June 30, 2016 at 9:32 am

    Oh, this sounds perfect for a hot summer day, Kathy! In fact, this would be perfect to whip up for the long weekend. Thanks for the idea...and I agree with you. Those powdered versions just dont taste the same at all. Happy early 4th of July!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      July 02, 2016 at 6:35 am

      Better make lots to last all weekend long!

      Reply
  9. Manali@CookWithManali says

    June 30, 2016 at 7:59 am

    there cannot be more refreshing drink! isn't it? Looks great!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      July 02, 2016 at 6:46 am

      I agree! Totally refreshing!

      Reply
  10. mira says

    June 30, 2016 at 7:41 am

    Love homemade lemonade! So refreshing and easy to make!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      July 02, 2016 at 6:47 am

      It is so easy to make. There's really no reason to buy pre-made lemonade!

      Reply
  11. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

    June 30, 2016 at 7:28 am

    I am with you, Kathy! Fresh squeezed lemonade ALL THE WAY! Nothing beats the refreshing taste! Yours looks WONDERFUL! I can already envision myself sitting on the porch with a few glasses of this! Cheers, friend - to a wonderful, long weekend!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      July 02, 2016 at 6:48 am

      The lemon juice has to be fresh squeezed too! That makes the best lemonade!

      Reply
  12. Laura ~ Raise Your Garden says

    June 30, 2016 at 6:42 am

    Fun post, actually, for Father's Day I was asked to bring....guess what fresh squeezed lemonade. Ok, that and homemade mac n cheese and a fruit salad and Peanut Butter Pie. Busy here! Anyhow, as odd as this sounds, I only usually use one lemon and apples in my fresh lemonade. But I like the idea of just using lemons!! I will try. So refreshing.

    Reply
  13. Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says

    June 30, 2016 at 6:25 am

    Homemade lemonade is the way to go, for sure! I always have lemons in the fridge so I see this one in the future for hubby and I. I love mine a little on the tarter side too. Lemonade is the perfect Summer thirst quencher! Enjoy your weekend 🙂

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      July 02, 2016 at 7:00 am

      It's a great way to use up lemons. I always love having lemonade on hand.

      Reply
  14. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

    June 30, 2016 at 4:46 am

    Perfect for the warmer weather we've been enjoying around here Kathy! Nothing better than fresh squeezed lemonade! Enjoy the 4th my friend!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      June 30, 2016 at 5:52 am

      I'm making a huge batch of this lemonade for the 4th! It will help keep us hydrated 🙂

      Reply
  15. Rahul @samosastreet.com says

    June 29, 2016 at 12:50 pm

    When it comes to refreshing summer drink, a glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade is a real treat.

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      June 30, 2016 at 5:52 am

      It's one of my favorites.

      Reply
  16. Nicoletta @sugarlovespices says

    June 29, 2016 at 10:24 am

    Yes, Kathy! Also for us, no powdered mixes, just fresh squeezed lemonade. Your pictures are so lovely and colorful, they convey a sense of freshness!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      June 30, 2016 at 5:53 am

      Thanks, Nicoletta! Nothing better than fresh!

      Reply
5 from 25 votes (23 ratings without comment)

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I'm Kathy, and I love to create delicious recipes from scratch utilizing many ingredients that we grow and raise. I'm a recipe creator, food photographer, and cookbook author!

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