Homemade Lemonade

This homemade lemonade recipe is just the thing for a hot summer day. Made with 3 simple ingredients, it's sweet, refreshing, and deliciously tart.

This homemade lemonade recipe is so refreshing on a hot day! Made with 3 simple ingredients—water, lemon juice, and simple syrup—it’s sweet, citrusy, and deliciously tart. In the summer, I’d happily drink an ice-cold glass every day. (Not surprising given that you’re on Love & Lemons, right?)

This lemonade recipe makes a big batch, so it’d be a great refreshment for your next cookout or BBQ. However, you can easily scale it down if you’re serving a smaller group. Garnish glasses with fresh mint leaves or basil for an aromatic, summery twist, or keep things classic and top each one with a fresh lemon slice. Enjoy!

Homemade Lemonade Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this homemade lemonade recipe:

• Fresh lemons, of course! When you’re making homemade lemonade, fresh-squeezed lemon juice is a must. Skip the bottled lemon juice, please! You’ll need about 12 lemons to make a full recipe.
• Simple syrup – For sweetness. Make a traditional simple syrup with equal parts granulated sugar and water, or infuse it with fresh basil or mint for an unexpected twist. Check out my simple syrup recipe to learn how to make a flavored syrup.
• Cold water – It dilutes the lemon juice and simple syrup, balancing the tart and sweet flavors.
• And ice – For a cold, refreshing drink.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

How to Make Lemonade

My method for how to make freshly squeezed lemonade is super simple!

• First, you’ll make the simple syrup. Try the basil variation for a more complex flavor.
• Next, juice the lemons. Halve and squeeze lemons until you have 3 cups of lemon juice, or less if you’re making a scaled-down batch. Tip: a good juicer will serve you well here!
• Then, stir it all together. Pour the simple syrup, lemon juice, and water into a pitcher. If you’re serving the lemonade right away, stir in a couple handfuls of ice.
• Finally, taste and adjust. The best part of making homemade lemonade is that you get to adjust the balance of flavors to your liking! If you prefer a sweeter drink, add more simple syrup. If you like yours nice and tart, add more lemon.

Serve over ice with your desired garnishes. We like lemon wheels and/or sprigs of fresh basil or mint.

Enjoy the lemonade on its own, or serve it as part of a summer meal with classic cookout fare like veggie burgers, pasta salad, fruit salad, and corn on the cob.

More Favorite Summer Drinks

If you love this fresh lemonade recipe, try one of these summer drinks next:

• Watermelon Juice
• Hibiscus Tea
• Red Sangria
• Tom Collins Cocktail

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Homemade Lemonade

rate this recipe:

5 from 18 votes

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 15 minutes mins

Serves 8 to 10

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Made with freshly squeezed lemon juice, this homemade lemonade recipe is SO refreshing on hot summer days! Feel free to scale it up or down as needed depending on how many people you're serving.

Ingredients

• 1 cup simple syrup, plus more to taste
• 6 cups water
• 3 cups fresh lemon juice
• Ice
• Lemon wheels, for garnish

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Instructions

• Make the simple syrup according to this recipe. Allow to cool to room temperature.
• In a large pitcher, place the water, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir to combine.
• If making ahead, chill the lemonade in the refrigerator until ready to serve. If serving right away, stir in several handfuls of ice. Taste and add more simple syrup if desired.
• Pour into glasses filled with ice and garnish with lemon wheels.