Learn how to make classic homemade lemonade from scratch. This timeless lemonade uses only three ingredients and produces a bright, refreshing flavor that’s perfect for hot summer days.
Few drinks evoke summer like freshly squeezed lemonade. One sip brings back memories of childhood afternoons, backyard gatherings, and poolside refreshment.
With summer here, it’s the ideal time to make this easy recipe. Our simple lemonade requires just three core ingredients and comes together quickly. It strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tart — an ideal cold drink to beat the heat.
Grab some lemons and let’s get started. Below are the basics you’ll need.
Simple Ingredients To Get Started
This easy lemonade recipe uses three main ingredients (plus ice). Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fresh lemon juice. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor—bottled juice won’t give the same result.
- Sugar. Make a simple syrup from granulated sugar so it blends smoothly into the lemonade.
- Water. You’ll use water to make the simple syrup, then more cold water to finish the lemonade.
- Ice. Plenty of ice is essential—there’s nothing like an ice-cold glass of lemonade on a hot day.
How I Juice Lemons for Lemonade
Since this recipe relies on fresh lemon juice, a good juicer helps. A handheld citrus squeezer is inexpensive, compact, and works well for lemons and limes. You can also use an electric juicer or simply squeeze by hand.
How To Make Lemonade From Scratch, Step By Step
The full recipe with amounts and tips is in the recipe card below.
- Make the simple syrup. In a small saucepan, combine equal parts sugar and water (for example, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water). Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves and the mixture simmers. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Combine. In a large pitcher, mix the fresh lemon juice, the cooled simple syrup, and cold water (about 3 cups). If using sparkling water, add it just before serving to preserve the bubbles. Stir until well blended. The mixture will taste concentrated before ice is added; this allows ice to dilute it as it melts without watering it down prematurely.
- Add ice and serve. Fill glasses with ice, pour the lemonade, garnish as desired, and enjoy. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or freeze for up to a month.
If you’d rather skip the stove: dissolve the sugar directly into the lemon juice, then add 4 cups of cold water. The simple syrup method yields a smoother texture, but stirring the sugar into the juice works in a pinch—just make sure no sugar crystals remain.
Delicious Variations To Try
Once you know the basic recipe, try different twists to keep things interesting:
- Sparkling lemonade. Use sparkling water or club soda in place of still water for a fizzy version.
- Meyer lemon lemonade. Meyer lemons give a sweeter, slightly floral citrus note.
- Mint lemonade. Add fresh mint to the simple syrup and steep for 20 minutes before straining, or muddle mint in the glass.
- Peach, strawberry, raspberry, or blackberry lemonade. Puree or simmer fruit with the syrup to make fruit-flavored lemonades.
- Lavender lemonade. Use a lavender-infused simple syrup for a floral accent (a subtle touch works best).
FAQ and Tips for the Best Homemade Lemonade
Make-Ahead Tips
Make a concentrate by preparing the simple syrup and combining it with the lemon juice. Store the concentrate in the fridge for 1–2 days or freeze for up to a month. When ready to serve, add cold water and ice.
Garnish Ideas
A garnish brightens the presentation and complements the flavor. Try:
- Lemon: slices, wedges, or curled zest.
- Fresh herbs: mint, basil, or thyme.
- Fruit: strawberries, raspberries, peaches, or other seasonal fruit.
- Edible flowers: freeze in ice cubes or float a blossom on top.
Lower-Sugar Options
If you want less sugar, try one of these approaches:
- Agave or honey. Agave has a milder taste; use about half the volume of agave as you would sugar. Honey will impart its own flavor.
- Keto-friendly sweeteners. Use erythritol or monk fruit sweetener that measures 1:1 for sugar.
- Reduce the sugar. Start with two-thirds of the sugar called for and adjust from there to taste.
More Classic Summer Drinks To Try
Blackberry Limeade
Easy Peach Lemonade
Raspberry Lemonade
Recipe Card: Homemade Lemonade
Classic Homemade Lemonade
5 from 1 review
- Author: Emily Dixon, Sweets & Thank You
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy homemade lemonade tastes like summer—bright, refreshing, and simple to make.
Ingredients
For the lemonade:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 8–10 medium lemons)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water (for the simple syrup)
- 3 cups cold water
- 3–4 cups ice
Optional garnish:
- Lemon slices, fresh mint, basil, berries, or curled lemon peel.
Instructions
- Make the simple syrup. Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat and stir until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and cool.
- Combine. In a large pitcher, mix the lemon juice, the cooled simple syrup, and 3 cups cold water. If using sparkling water, add it just before serving.
- Add ice and serve. Pour over ice, garnish, and enjoy. Adjust sweetness or dilution to taste by adding more water or syrup as needed.
- Store. Keep leftover lemonade refrigerated for 3–4 days or freeze for up to one month.
Notes
- No stove? Dissolve sugar in the lemon juice and add 4 cups cold water. The simple syrup method produces a smoother drink but stirring works if necessary.
- Infuse the syrup. Add fresh mint, basil, or fruit to the syrup while it steeps, then strain before mixing into the lemonade.
- Make ahead. Prepare the lemon-syrup concentrate and refrigerate for 1–2 days or freeze for up to a month; add water and ice when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American