Three Ingredient Homemade Lemonade | Quick & Refreshing

There’s something magical about the clink of ice cubes in a tall glass on a summer afternoon, especially when that glass is filled with old-fashioned lemonade. My childhood summers were painted with these moments—barefoot on the porch, a pitcher of homemade lemonade sweating in the sun, and my Nonna’s voice reminding me that the secret to perfect lemonade is all about balance: not too tart, not too sweet.

This three ingredient homemade lemonade recipe is a nostalgic nod to those days—a recipe that’s as simple as it is satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just need a cooling break, this drink is the definition of a refreshing summer drink.

Want to keep your drink rotation fun and fruity? While you’re sipping this classic, browse our Summer Drinks board for more citrusy inspiration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 3 ingredients—lemon juice, sugar, and water. That’s it!
• Super easy to customize with your preferred sweetness or even a sugar substitute.
• It’s the ultimate fast summer drink, ready in minutes but good enough to chill for hours.
• Can be made with either fresh lemon juice or 100% bottled lemon juice, making it a pantry-friendly, budget-savvy staple.

Oh, and if you love experimenting with variations, you’ll adore our Blackberry Lemonade recipe—a fruity twist that’s equally refreshing.

Helpful Tools

Having the right tools on hand makes this lemonade even more fun to whip up:

• Citrus juicer or handheld lemon squeezer
• Mesh strainer to catch pulp and seeds
• Tall pitcher (glass looks especially pretty!)
• Long-handled spoon or muddler
• Measuring cups for perfect proportions

Ingredients Overview

Here’s all you need for this easy lemonade recipe:

• ¾ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 4–5 lemons; or bottled if preferred)
• 1¼ cups granulated sugar (adjustable for sweetness)
• 7¼ cups cold water
• Optional: lemon slices, ice cubes, a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra zing

For those watching sugar intake, try a sugar substitute like honey or stevia to create a less sugar lemonade with all the flavor.

How to Make Three Ingredient Homemade Lemonade

1. Juice the lemons. Use a citrus juicer to extract about ¾ cup of fresh lemon juice. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice (100% juice) works too.
2. Make a simple syrup. In a saucepan, boil 1 cup of water and stir in the sugar until fully dissolved. You can even toss in a few lemon slices while it simmers for extra lemony notes.
3. Strain and mix. Strain out the lemon pulp and slices. In a tall pitcher, combine the lemon juice, simple syrup, and the remaining cold water.
4. Add ice and lemon slices. Toss in 3 cups of ice and a few lemon slices for presentation.
5. Chill and serve. While it’s delicious right away, refrigerating for 1–2 hours lets the flavors meld beautifully.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair this classic lemonade with:

• BBQ ribs or grilled corn on the cob
• Macaroni salad or baked beans
• Lemon cupcakes or bundt cake for a citrusy dessert finale

Serve in mason jars with fun paper straws for a picnic-perfect presentation. Want to jazz it up? Add a sprig of mint, a few raspberries, or even edible flowers!

Tips & Notes

• Wash lemons before juicing—especially if you’re zesting.
• Use warm water when making your syrup; it dissolves sugar faster.
• Taste before chilling and tweak sugar levels for your ideal balanced lemonade flavor.
• Want something creamy? Explore this creamy take in our Brazilian Lemonade recipe.

Storage Instructions

• Store covered in the fridge for 5–7 days.
• Pour leftovers into an ice cube tray for lemonade slushies or iced tea mix-ins.
• Avoid storing with ice in the pitcher—it can water down your drink over time.

FAQs

Final Squeeze

There’s a reason lemonade has stuck around through the generations. It’s nostalgic, it’s simple, and it’s downright refreshing. With this three ingredient homemade lemonade, you’re just a few lemons away from a timeless drink that brings people together—one zesty sip at a time.

For more DIY lemonade ideas and simple drink recipes, discover more homemade drinks and summer treats on our Pinterest.

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