This Homemade Lemonade is a refreshing and tangy drink made with just three simple ingredients—sugar, water, and fresh lemons. It’s the perfect thirst quencher for warm weather, and you can easily adjust the sweetness to your taste. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need something refreshing, this lemonade is a classic favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade lemonade is incredibly simple to make and bursting with fresh, natural flavors. The balance between the tartness of the lemons and the sweetness of the sugar is just perfect. It’s a healthier and tastier alternative to store-bought lemonade, and you can customize it to suit your preferences—whether you like it sweeter or more tart.

Homemade Lemonade

Ingredients

2 cups sugar (0.5 liter)
2 cups water (0.5 liter)
8 lemons, preferably organic (approx. 1¼ cups / 300 ml juice)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. Once dissolved, remove from heat and let it cool. This creates the simple syrup.
Juice the Lemons: While the syrup is cooling, juice the lemons. You should have about 1¼ cups (300 ml) of fresh lemon juice. If you prefer a more tart lemonade, feel free to add more lemon juice to taste.
Combine the Syrup and Lemon Juice: In a large pitcher, combine the cooled simple syrup with the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir to combine.
Dilute with Water: Add 4 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir until everything is well mixed. Taste the lemonade, and if you prefer it sweeter, you can add more sugar or simple syrup.
Chill and Serve: Place the lemonade in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve over ice for a refreshing treat.
Garnish (Optional): Garnish with lemon slices, fresh mint, or a few ice cubes for an extra touch of freshness.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Sparkling Lemonade: Add sparkling water instead of still water for a bubbly twist on this classic drink.
Herb-Infused Lemonade: Add a few sprigs of fresh mint, basil, or thyme while making the simple syrup for a unique herbal flavor.
Pink Lemonade: Add a splash of cranberry juice or a few mashed raspberries to the lemonade for a vibrant pink color and a slightly fruity flavor.
Frozen Lemonade: Blend the lemonade with ice for a slushy, frozen version of this drink.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the homemade lemonade in an airtight container or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
Reheating: This lemonade is best served cold, but if you need to warm it up for any reason, you can reheat it gently on the stove.

FAQs

Can I use a sugar substitute?

Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of sugar. Just adjust the amount to your taste since substitutes can vary in sweetness.

Can I make this lemonade ahead of time?

Yes, this lemonade can be made a day ahead of time and kept in the fridge. The flavors may even improve after sitting for a few hours.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

While fresh lemons are recommended for the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. However, fresh juice will give the lemonade a more vibrant, tangy flavor.

How can I make this lemonade more tart or sweet?

To make the lemonade sweeter, add more simple syrup or sugar. To make it more tart, simply add more lemon juice.

Conclusion

This Homemade Lemonade is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, made with fresh lemons and simple ingredients. It’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for hot summer days, BBQs, or any occasion that calls for a refreshing beverage. Adjust the sweetness to your liking and enjoy this classic drink anytime!