Homemade Lemonade Recipe
This Homemade Lemonade Recipe is fresh, sweet, and perfectly tart. Made with real lemon juice, simple syrup, and cold water, this classic homemade lemonade is refreshing, easy to customize, and perfect for summer parties, BBQs, and everyday enjoyment.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice about 4–6 lemons
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups cold water divided
- Ice cubes for serving
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves optional
Instructions
- Make the Simple Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water.
- Heat over medium, stirring until sugar fully dissolves.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare the Lemonade
- In a large pitcher, pour in fresh lemon juice.
- Add cooled simple syrup.
- Stir in the remaining 3 cups of cold water.
- Mix well and taste.
- Adjust to Taste
- Add more water if the lemonade is too strong.
- Add more sugar (or simple syrup) if too tart.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve
- Fill glasses with ice.
- Pour lemonade over ice.
- Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint if desired.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
- Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Simple syrup prevents gritty lemonade.
- Strain lemon juice through a fine mesh sieve for pulp-free lemonade.
- Store in the refrigerator up to 5 days. Stir before serving.
- Freeze leftovers into ice cubes for future drinks.