Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

Name: Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (4-6 lemons); 3/4 cup sugar; 2 quarts water; lemon slices (optional, for garnish)

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The most refreshing drink of all times - fresh squeezed lemonade. 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.

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Why make this recipe

Fresh squeezed lemonade is the only way to go. For me nothing, but fresh 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, you add the water. This saves time and you don't have to wait for the simple syrup to cool.

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

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 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

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 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:

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!

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