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!
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.
Key ingredients
You just need fresh lemons, granulated sugar, and water! That's it!
Step-by-step directions
How to make it
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
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
It depends on your lemons, but plan on 5-8 lemons. Lemons vary in size and in the amount of juice they have.
Yes, you can substitute limes and make limeade. Increase the amount of sugar to one cup.
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:
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.
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!
This recipe was originally posted in June 2016. The photos have been updated as well as the recipe tips and directions. Enjoy!
Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
Equipment
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
- 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.
David @ Spiced says
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!!
Fred G says
Fresh lemons make a great drink
Kate @ Framed Cooks says
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!
Kathy says
My dad loves that combination too!
Miriam @londonkitchendiaries.com says
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. 🙂
Kathy says
I hope you get some warm summer days soon!
Kaylene @ The Links Site says
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!
Kathy says
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!
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
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.
Kathy says
They are the best on really hot summer days!