This Homemade Lemonade with Cream is a refreshing and indulgent twist on the classic summer drink. With freshly squeezed lemon juice, a touch of sweetness from the sugar, and a creamy finish, this lemonade is perfect for hot days, parties, or anytime you crave a cool, tangy beverage with a rich, velvety texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lemonade is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a refreshing burst of citrus from the fresh lemon juice. The addition of heavy cream gives it a smooth, creamy finish that sets it apart from traditional lemonade, making it an indulgent treat. Whether you’re relaxing on a warm afternoon or entertaining guests, this creamy lemonade will be a crowd-pleaser!

Homemade Lemonade with Cream

Ingredients

1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6-8 lemons)
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
4 cups cold water, divided
1 cup heavy cream
Ice cubes, for serving
Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)

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

Directions

Make the Lemonade Base:
In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lemon juice and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Add Water:
Pour in 3 cups of cold water and stir well to combine. Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness, adding more sugar or water if needed.
Add Cream:
In a small bowl or measuring cup, gently whisk the heavy cream until it’s slightly thickened. Gradually add the cream to the lemonade base, stirring gently to combine. This will give the lemonade a creamy texture without fully blending the cream in, creating a deliciously smooth drink.
Serve:
Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the lemonade over the ice. Garnish with lemon slices and mint sprigs for an extra touch of freshness.
Chill and Enjoy:
For a colder, more refreshing drink, chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

Flavored Lemonade: Add fresh berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries, to the lemonade for a fruity twist. Blend them with the lemonade base for added flavor.
Sparkling Lemonade: For a fizzy version, replace some of the cold water with sparkling water or club soda.
Herb Infused: Infuse the lemonade with herbs like basil or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
Honey Sweetened: Swap the granulated sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different sweetener. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover lemonade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: This lemonade is best served cold, so there is no need to reheat it.

FAQs

1. Can I make this lemonade ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the lemonade a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will blend even better after a few hours of chilling.

2. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. However, the taste will not be as vibrant and fresh.

3. Can I make this lemonade without cream?

Yes, you can make a lighter version of this lemonade by skipping the heavy cream, or you can replace it with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free alternative.

4. How can I make this lemonade less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, simply add less sugar or more water to the lemonade base. You can also use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit.

5. Can I make this lemonade sugar-free?

Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or erythritol in place of granulated sugar for a sugar-free version.

6. Can I use frozen lemons instead of fresh?

Frozen lemons can be used for the juice, but fresh lemons will give a brighter, more aromatic flavor.

7. How can I make this lemonade thicker?

If you prefer a thicker lemonade, you can add a small amount of cornstarch or tapioca starch to thicken it. Dissolve the starch in a bit of cold water before adding it to the lemonade.

8. How do I make the lemonade less tangy?

To make the lemonade less tangy, you can reduce the amount of lemon juice and increase the amount of water or cream to balance the tartness.

9. Can I serve this lemonade warm?

While this lemonade is typically served cold, you can warm it slightly for a comforting drink. However, the creamy texture may change when served hot.

Conclusion

This Homemade Lemonade with Cream is the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and creamy. It’s a refreshing and indulgent beverage that will elevate any occasion, from a casual family meal to a summer party. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this lemonade is sure to become your new favorite drink!