Classic Fresh Squeezed Homemade Lemonade Recipe
Learn how to make the best homemade lemonade with this easy 3-ingredient recipe. This fresh squeezed lemonade is tart, sweet, and perfectly refreshing for any summer gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop/Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups cold water
Instructions
- Make the simple syrup: Combine the sugar and 1 cup of the cold water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. Do not boil. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool completely.
- In a large pitcher, combine the cooled simple syrup and the fresh lemon juice. Stir well.
- Add the remaining 3 cups of cold water to the pitcher. Stir everything together.
- Taste the lemonade. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more sugar dissolved in a splash of warm water. If you prefer it tarter, add a little more lemon juice.
- Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve over ice with lemon slices for a thirst quenching beverage.
Notes
- For the best flavor, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled juice changes the taste significantly.
- This recipe makes a classic tart and sweet lemonade. Adjust the sugar and water ratio to match your preference for a less tart drink.
- To make lemonade for a crowd, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need.
- If you want a pink lemonade recipe, add 1/4 cup of cranberry juice or a few drops of natural red food coloring.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg