Nothing beats a cold, refreshing glass of homemade lemonade on a hot summer day! This Best Homemade Lemonade recipe has the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making it a classic summer favorite.
Made with freshly squeezed lemons, simple syrup, and ice-cold water, this lemonade is easy to make and incredibly refreshing. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, picnic, or just need a cool drink, this recipe is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Lemonade
- Perfectly balanced flavor – The right amount of tart and sweet in every sip.
- Super easy to make – Just 3 simple steps and 15 minutes!
- Customizable – Add mint, berries, or sparkling water for a twist.
- Great for any occasion – Perfect for summer gatherings, parties, or everyday refreshment.
What Does This Lemonade Taste Like?
This homemade lemonade is zesty, slightly tangy, and perfectly sweet. The fresh lemon juice gives it a bright citrusy flavor, while the simple syrup blends in smoothly, making every sip deliciously refreshing!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ¾ cups white sugar
- 1 cup water (for simple syrup)
- 9 medium lemons (or more as needed)
- 7 cups ice-cold water
- Ice, as needed
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Small saucepan (for the simple syrup)
- Measuring cups
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Large pitcher
- Stirring spoon
How to Make Homemade Lemonade
1. Make the Simple Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup of water.
- Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Juice the Lemons
- Roll lemons on the counter to soften them.
- Cut in half and squeeze the juice into a measuring cup.
- Discard seeds but keep the pulp for extra flavor.
- You’ll need about 1 ½ cups of fresh lemon juice.
3. Mix & Serve
- In a large pitcher, add 7 cups of ice-cold water.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice and pulp.
- Add simple syrup to taste, adjusting sweetness as needed.
- Stir well and add ice before serving.
4. Enjoy!
- Pour into glasses and serve chilled.
- Garnish with lemon slices or fresh mint for a decorative touch.
Variations & Flavor Twists
Want to take your lemonade to the next level? Try these delicious add-ins:
- Berry Lemonade – Blend in fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
- Sparkling Lemonade – Swap 2 cups of water for sparkling water for a fizzy drink.
- Herbal Lemonade – Infuse with mint, basil, or rosemary for extra freshness.
- Honey Lemonade – Replace sugar with honey for a natural sweetness.
- Lavender Lemonade – Steep dried lavender flowers in the simple syrup.
What to Serve with Lemonade
Pair this refreshing drink with:
- Grilled chicken or seafood – Perfect for summer BBQs.
- Fresh fruit salad – A light and healthy snack.
- Homemade cookies or pastries – A sweet treat for a summer afternoon.
- Cheese and crackers – A quick, easy snack for entertaining.
Pro Tips for the Best Lemonade
- Use fresh lemons – Bottled lemon juice won’t give the same bright, fresh taste.
- Adjust the sweetness – Add simple syrup gradually and taste as you go.
- Chill before serving – Let lemonade sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Make it extra cold – Freeze lemon juice into ice cubes for a more intense lemon flavor.
How to Store Homemade Lemonade
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight pitcher in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in ice cube trays and add to water for a refreshing citrus boost.
- Make Ahead: Prep the lemon juice and simple syrup separately and mix fresh when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this lemonade sugar-free?
Yes! Use stevia, monk fruit, or honey instead of sugar.
How many lemons do I need for 1 gallon of lemonade?
You’ll need about 12–14 lemons for 1 gallon of lemonade.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best, but if using bottled juice, choose 100% pure lemon juice with no additives.
Can I make pink lemonade with this recipe?
Yes! Add cranberry juice or pureed strawberries for a beautiful pink color.
Final Thoughts
This Best Homemade Lemonade is a timeless, refreshing drink that’s perfect for hot summer days, family gatherings, and backyard BBQs. With fresh lemons, just the right sweetness, and a bright citrus flavor, it’s a must-try recipe for lemonade lovers!
Tried this recipe? Share your photos on Pinterest and leave a review!
More Refreshing Drink Recipes to Try
- Strawberry Lemonade
- Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte
- Mango Pineapple Smoothie
Cool off with a glass of homemade lemonade today—it’s the perfect summer sip!