You only need three ingredients to make this classic homemade Lemonade Recipe. It’s so simple and refreshing–perfect for a summer day! Recipe includes a how-to video.
The Easiest, Most Refreshing Lemonade Recipe
I know some of you are going to see this and think, “Do we really need a lemonade recipe?”. Sure lemonade is one of those things that can be thrown together and still taste great (like mac and cheese or French toast); however, having a reliable recipe is still important.
Lemonade is easy to make, but getting the ratios right is critical. Too much lemon and it’s too tart and undrinkable, and too much water and it’s, well, watered down. What I’m sharing today is a perfectly balanced lemonade recipe that everyone is going to love.
Why You’ll Love My Lemonade Recipe:
- Super smooth and evenly sweetened, thanks to simple syrup.
- Can easily be doubled or tripled–perfect for lemonade stands!
- Not too tart and not too sweet; the balance of lemon and sugar is just right.
- Pairs well with iced tea to make an Arnold Palmer.
What You Need
You only need three simple ingredients to make this lemonade recipe (or two, if you don’t count water!):
- Lemons. It probably won’t come as a surprise to you that I recommend using freshly squeezed lemons for this recipe (as I do with my lemon cheesecake). You’ll only need 3-4 nice sized lemons to get one cup of juice.
- Sugar. Plain granulated sugar works just fine, you could also substitute caster sugar!
- Water. I use tap water because mine doesn’t have a flavor, but if yours has a chlorinated taste use bottled or filtered water.
SAM’S TIP: This isn’t totally necessary, but I like to garnish my homemade lemonade with additional sliced lemons for a bright and sunny look.
Remember, this is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe please scroll down to the bottom of the post!
How to Make Lemonade
- Combine 1 cup each of sugar and water and cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Set the syrup aside to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Combine the cooled syrup and freshly-squeezed lemon juice in a pitcher.
- Add the remaining water and stir, then pour over ice and enjoy!
SAM’S TIP: I like to use this tool to juice my lemons; it makes the job so much easier!
Frequently Asked Questions
You could, but keep in mind the honey will impart a different flavor. I’d start with about ½ cup of honey and taste test before adding any more.
Yes, you can make this lemonade recipe using bottled lemon juice. My brother does this all the time, and the lemonade is still excellent.
Fresh mint, rosemary, and lavender are all delicious pairings with homemade lemonade! Or, you could always make my easy strawberry lemonade.
You can find me sipping a glass of this on my front porch all summer long 😎
More Summer Recipes:
Enjoy!
Let’s bake together! I’ll be walking you through all the steps in my written recipe and video below! If you try this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram, and you can also find me on YouTube and Facebook
Homemade Lemonade Recipe
This recipe makes ½ gallon of lemonade but can successfully be doubled!
Ingredients
- 6 cups (1.4 L) water divided
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (236 ml) fresh-squeezed lemon juice¹ seeds removed, pulp may remain
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Combine 1 cup (236ml) water and 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan. Place over medium-low heat and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside, allow to cool for 10 minutes.6 cups (1.4 L) water, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- Pour 1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice into a pitcher. Add sugar/water mixture (simple syrup).1 cup (236 ml) fresh-squeezed lemon juice¹
- Add remaining 5 cups (1180ml) water and stir well. Pour over ice and serve, or transfer to refrigerator and allow to chill several hours before serving.
Notes
¹Lemon Juice
I really recommend fresh squeezed, but my brother often makes this recipe using bottled lemon juice with success.Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Shannon
What size pitcher are y’all using? Gallon or 2 quart??
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Hi Shannon! It’s a 2 quart or half gallon pitcher. You can actually find the exact one we used under the equipment section 😊
Penny
Very good and easy to make!
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Thanks for your review, Penny! Enjoy ❤
DAVE
I make this all the time except I cut the lemons in half about 10 whole and smoke on my treager till I get burn marks (15 min @ 225) and then juice and sometimes I ad a peach or another fruit flavored whiskey or vodka hmmm
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Wow, that sounds fantastic Dave! 🤩
Blair
SO delicious!!
Rosemary Coloprisco
Any substitution for sugar as I am diabetic?
Sam
Hi Rosemary! I haven’t really tried any substitutes here. Honey could potentially work, or maybe any other sugar substitutes, but without having tried it I can’t say for sure how it will work.
Sara
Very tasty! I added frozen berries instead of ice (didnt have any made) and it added to the flavour. A hit for the whole family!
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Yum! Sounds delicious, Sara 🙂
Leslie
Absolutely the best lemonade we’ve ever had! Our new go-to recipe!
Marlene
Ever try adding peach nectar to the lemonade? My daughter wants peach lemonade for her graduation party and just trying to figure out a recipe. Thanks!
Sam
Hi Marlene! I have not tried it, but it sounds delicious! Let me know how it goes. 🙂
Oscar Cornejo
Oh my gosh Thank you again the best Lemonade I’ve ever had!!!
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Yay! We’re so glad you liked it so much, Oscar!
Kristine
OMG!! This lemonade is the best and so easy. We love it doesn’t last longer then a day in are house. Thank you!!
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
We’re so happy the lemonade is such a hit for your family, Kristine! Thanks for your review 😊
Samantha Willard
This is now my go-to recipe. It is PERFECT
Ryan
Obsessed with this recipe! I tried a variation to it by muddling a cup of basil into the sugar before making the simple syrup (and straining the syrup into the pitcher). Letting it chill now… but anticipating something good for later 🤤
Sam
I hope you love it! 🙂
Alyssa
Love this recipe! i shook it with ice and blackberries and it was delicious
Lisa
This recipe and the strawberry lemonade were a Huge hit in my house. I did find that if you don’t have fresh lemons on hand that there is a frozen lemon juice concentrate put out i believe by Minute Maid that tastes just like fresh lemon juice and it worked really well in a pinch. I love all of your recipes that I have had a chance to try. Thank you so much for the time you take to share these wonderful recipes with us.
Sam
I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Lisa! 🙂
Erica Aponte
Hello!,
Would seltzer water work well with this recipe?
Sam
Hi Erica! While I’ve never tried it this way, I don’t see why it wouldn’t work.
Donna Cortez
We loved it! So refreshing.
Bonnie
Real Great Lemonade! Enjoyed so much
Sam
Thank you so much, Bonnie! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Vanessa
Best lemonade ever I can’t!! I’m so happy I no longer need to buy from the store thank you so muchhh (,:
Sam
I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Vanessa! 🙂