When summer heats up, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a cold glass of homemade lemonade. This simple, classic recipe is easy to whip up and loaded with fresh citrus flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard BBQ or just need a cool drink on a hot day, this lemonade is the perfect refresher. Want to switch it up? Try our Blackberry Bourbon Smash!
Homemade Lemonade is a Must-Try
Fresh lemon juice is what makes this drink truly shine—skip the bottled stuff for the best flavor. Just a few ingredients and five minutes are all you need to stir up a batch. The tartness of the lemons, balanced with just enough sugar, makes this drink bright and thirst-quenching without being overly sweet.
If you’re buying lemons at the store, go for ones that feel heavy for their size. Small, firm lemons with smooth, vibrant yellow skin usually yield the best juice.
Pro Tips for the Best Lemonade Flavor
- Roll Your Lemons First: Press and roll lemons on a countertop before juicing. This helps release more juice.
- Strain: Use a mesh strainer to catch seeds and pulp. If you like a bit of pulp, just remove the seeds and stir the pulp back in.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Start with half the sugar, stir, and taste before adding more. Everyone’s sweet tooth is a little different.
- Skip the Watered-Down Flavor: Instead of adding ice to your pitcher, serve lemonade over ice in individual glasses. Or freeze some lemonade into ice cubes and use those—bonus points for adding berries before freezing for a pop of color and flavor!
Make Ahead, Store, or Freeze
Homemade lemonade can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge in a sealed container. Just give it a quick stir before serving. It also freezes well—pour it into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers for a future batch. Those frozen cubes are perfect for keeping drinks cold without diluting them.
Homemade Lemonade
Ingredients
- 4 large lemons, about 1 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice for serving
Instructions
- Roll the lemons on a cutting board with firm pressure to help release more juice.
- Cut lemons in half and juice them into a bowl. Use a mesh strainer to remove seeds and excess pulp.
- Combine the lemon juice, sugar, and cold water in a large pitcher. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Serve over ice in individual glasses. For best flavor, avoid adding ice directly to the pitcher unless serving immediately
More Refreshing Drinks
Blueberry Lemon Fizz
Blueberry Lemon Fizz is a refreshing cocktail with blueberries, lemon, vodka, and club soda, served over ice.
Cranberry Margarita
This Cranberry Margarita combines tequila, cranberry, and citrus for a refreshing winter cocktail, perfect for holiday celebrations!
Mojito Recipe
Cool, crisp, and refreshingly simple—this classic mojito recipe is your go-to summer cocktail with fresh mint, lime, and white rum.