There is nothing quite as refreshing as an ice-cold pitcher of homemade lemonade. With just a little advanced preparation and simple ingredients, you, too, can have this easy drink all summer long. It is perfect for pool parties, family reunions, and neighborhood shindigs.
Super Refreshing Lemonade
Summers get fairly warm in this neck of the woods. I love to have some refreshing drink recipes for family and friends who might stop by. Cool off this summer with a refreshing glass of homemade lemonade! Learn how to make the perfect blend of tangy and sweet flavors with this easy summer staple recipe. It is so easy to make flavor variations of this refreshing drink by adding strawberries or raspberries or substituting limes in place of lemons. If you like this recipe, try blueberry lemonade, strawberry lemonade, Italian cream sodas, and fresh peach tea.
Only Two Simple Ingredients
Just two simple ingredients if you don’t include water, ice, and garnishes
How to Make Homemade Lemonade
It is so incredibly easy to make that you will wonder why you have not done it for years. Start by simmering the water and sugar until the sugar dissolves completely. Stir several times to ensure that the sugar dissolves quickly. Then, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. This liquid is known as simple syrup.
Combine the mixture with the fresh lemon juice and cups of water. Then add the lemon slices and plenty of ice. Finally, add plenty of ice to the glasses and pour. Garnish with fresh lemon slices or mint.
Recipe Tips
- That is a double batch pictured in the beverage dispenser.
- To help prepare the lemonade for an event, simmer the simple syrup the day before. Then cool to room temperature and chill in the fridge overnight.
- It takes about 6-8 lemons to make 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Always use fresh lemons. Extract the juice using a citrus reamer, fork, or an electric juicer.
- For less cloudy, clearer lemonade, strain the lemon juice through a fine mesh strainer to remove the pulp.
- This lemonade is good on the counter at room temperature for about 2 hours. Then, it should be refrigerated. Consume the lemonade within 5 days.
- Adjust the sweetness and tartness with more or less sugar or water.
Recipe variations
- Limeade – replace the lemon juice and lemons with lime juice and limes.
- Raspberry Lemonade – Puree 1 cup of raspberries in a blender or food processor. Run the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds. Add at the same time as the lemon juice.
- Strawberry Lemonade – Puree 1 1/2 cups strawberries in a blender or food processor. Run the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds. Add at the same time as the lemon juice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does lemonade need to be refrigerated? Yes, it does. This lemonade is good on the counter at room temperature for about 2 hours. Then, store it in an airtight beverage container in the refrigerator.
How long does lemonade last? Homemade lemonade stays good for about 5 days stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. As always, if there are signs of spoilage, like changes in color, smell, or taste, throw it out.
Can I use bottled lemon juice? Yes, most bottled lemon juice is of good quality. I like using fresh lemons because bottled lemon juice contains additives and preservatives, and I am already picking up fresh lemons to add to the pitcher and glasses.
More Lemon Recipe
Homemade Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
- 6-8 cups cold water to taste
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice
- 2-3 lemons sliced thin
- fresh mint
- ice
Instructions
- Combine 2 cups water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the sugar dissolves, stirring several times. Cool to room temperature.
- Combine with the fresh lemon juice and remaining water. Add lemon slices or fresh mint and plenty of ice.
Notes
- That is a double batch pictured in the beverage dispenser.
- To help prepare the lemonade for an event, simmer the simple syrup the day before. Then cool to room temperature and place in the fridge overnight to chill.
- It takes about 6-8 lemons to make 1 1/2 cups freshly-squeezed lemon juice.
- Always use fresh lemons. Extract the juice by using a citrus reamer, fork, or an electric juicer.
- For less cloudy clearer lemonade, strain the lemon juice through a fine mesh strainer to remove the pulp.
- This lemonade is good on the counter at room temperature for about 2 hours. Then it should be refrigerated. Consume within 5 days.
- Adjust the sweetness and tartness with more or less sugar or water.
Nutrition
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May Torres
Hey, this homemade lemonade recipe was absolutely refreshing and perfect for summer!
I love how simple and customizable it is—adding strawberries or raspberries sounds like a delicious twist! And making a simple syrup ahead of time is such a great tip for easy prep.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, May!! It is so tasty and refreshing!
Laura Levitan
If you live in the South knowing how to make an ice cold pitcher of fresh lemonade is an essential skill. I love this recipe and will be adding it to my repertoire of Southern Lady skills.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Laura! That sounds like a lovely repertoire!
Melinda N
This is a lovely lemonade recipe. It is starting to warm up here so this was quite refreshing! Thanks for the recipe!
Sonya S
Homemade lemonade is the epitome of summer refreshment, and it’s so easy to make. It’s always a hit at gatherings, and there’s something special about the taste of fresh-squeezed lemons that just can’t be beat. I can’t wait to enjoy a cool glass on a hot day!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sonya! I hope you enjoy it all summer long!
Ramil H
Pureeing fresh raspberries or strawberries to incorporate into the lemonade was divine. Mixing in those fresh berry flavors was such a lovely way to jazz it up. We loved it!
Beth Pierce
I bet that was so delicious!
Rickey L
Such an easy recipe, yet tasty and fulfilling at the same time. You brought back many memories of my youth, selling lemonade for the neighbors.
Beth Pierce
Good times! My sisters and I used to set up a lemonade stand too!
Chloe A
Oh this sounds divine! Our neighbor has a lemon tree that is almost ripe and I might have to ask if I can make some lemonade with them! She always gives us dozens and we never know what to do with them all! Problem solved!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Chloe! Enjoy!
Kelly B
I love lemonade! But then again, doesn’t everyone?? This recipe was amazing and I make it all summer long! Thanks for the great recipe, Beth.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Kelly!
Kayla R
So refreshing and easy to make. I am getting ready to open the pool so this will be on repeat all summer long! Thanks for sharing this delightful recipe with us!
Beth Pierce
The pleasyre is all mine, Kayla!
Hannah Bures
I made this recipe and was absolutely blown away by the freshness and simplicity! Just as easy as powdered lemonade, but ten times the flavor!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Hannah! We love it too!
Leanne Meads
I drink lemonade all summer long. Your homemade version is so much better than the stuff I buy at the store. I am putting this in my recipe binder.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Leanne! I hope you enjoy it all summer long!
Claudia R
I love this so much. It’s so refreshing, and lemonade is the classic summer drink. The warm weather will be here soon, and I see myself making this quite a bit.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Claudia! Enjoy!