Description
Sweet, tart, and refreshing, this homemade lemonade recipe uses just three simple ingredients and comes together in minutes. It’s the perfect drink for warm days and makes a nostalgic crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
6 cups water (divided)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons, seeds removed)
Instructions
1. Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. Stir until sugar is fully dissolved to make a simple syrup; remove from heat.
3. Let syrup cool for 10 minutes.
4. Pour 1 cup fresh lemon juice into a large pitcher.
5. Add cooled syrup to the lemon juice.
6. Pour in remaining 5 cups cold water and stir.
7. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
8. Serve over ice or refrigerate until chilled.
Notes
For best results, use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
You can substitute bottled lemon juice in a pinch, though fresh is preferred.
Add lemon slices or fresh mint for a beautiful garnish.
Pairs well with iced tea (try it as an Arnold Palmer!).
Try variations like strawberry or sparkling lemonade for fun twists.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 18 oz
- Calories: 103
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 8mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg