There’s no better way to quench a summer thirst than with a tall, cold glass of Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade! This simple recipe only calls for 3 ingredients and makes it super easy!
Homemade Lemonade is perfect any time of the year, but I especially love it on a hot summer day. And though there are some great mixes out there, there’s nothing quite like homemade, freshly-squeezed lemonade.
Squeezing that many lemons isn’t exactly quick and easy, but it’s a labor of love and totally worth it… and it really doesn’t take that long.
When Jack was little, he couldn’t say lemonade; he said “lemon-lade.” I used to love to give him reasons to say that word. So sweet and cute. I never wanted him to figure out how to say it correctly. But he did. 😢
Were there funny things your little ones said incorrectly that you never wanted them to learn the correct pronunciation? Apparently, I said bus-ketti for spaghetti.
Recipe FAQ
How many lemons do I need? The exact number of lemons you’ll need for the 1 ½ cups of juice depends mainly on the size of your lemons. And even then, you’ll find that some lemons, despite being larger, have a much thicker rind/skin. In my testing 8 lemons typically give you what you’ll need, but it’s not a bad idea to have a few extras on-hand, just in case.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons? The short answer is yes. In fact, you can use bottled or frozen lemon juice. The thing is, the taste will be much different. I much prefer fresh lemon juice with this homemade lemonade recipe.
Can I use honey or other sweeteners? Sure can! Since honey is sweeter than sugar and a liquid, you’ll probably need less. I’d start with ¾ to 1 cup and then add more to get it to the sweetness you desire. As for other sweeteners, things like agave nectar, stevia, and even artificial sweeteners will work. Just keep in mind that you’ll need enough to equal 1 ½ cups of sugar. There most likely is a conversion chart on the packaging.
How long does it last in the fridge? Typically, fresh lemonade will last about 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator if stored properly. Just keep in mind that you’ll want to keep it covered and give it a good stir before serving.
Can I add other flavors? Absolutely! I have another recipe for a Basil Lemonade that I really love. If you want to infuse some other flavors without a bunch of extra work, things like fresh herbs, strawberries, raspberries, pineapple, jalapeño, and even other citrus fruit all work great to add an additional kick of flavor. Using frozen berries and fruits works great, too!
How do I make it sparkling? To add a little fizz to your lemonade, you can replace about half of the water in the recipe with sparkling water or club soda. Just keep in mind the fizz will dissipate as it sits, so make the lemonade with half of the water required then chill. Then add the chilled sparkling water right when serving.
Ingredients
- 7 cups water
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 ½ cups freshly squeezed lemon juice about 8 lemons
Instructions
- Make a simple syrup by combining 1 cup of water with the sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Remove the syrup from the heat, and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- In a large pitcher combine the simple syrup, 6 cups of water, and the lemon juice. Stir to mix. Serve over ice. Makes about 2 quarts.
Notes
Nutrition
* If nutritional values are provided, they are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands used. The values do not include optional ingredients or when ingredients are added to taste. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, I recommend grabbing your favorite brands and plugging those ingredients into an online nutritional calculator.
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This is so good! I stead of using actual lemon juice, I just used store bought lemon juice still turned out delicious. I love your recipes! Could you tell me some of your recipes I make for my family of very picky eaters?
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it! Store-bought lemon juice can be a great time-saver. For picky eaters, I recommend trying creamy pasta dishes, homemade chicken tenders, or mild tacos. Let me know if you want more specific recipes!
I love freshly squeezed lemonade/limeade. May I suggest using a monk fruit sweetener to lower the carbs for those diabetic folks? Love your recipes, Stacy! You rock!
Monk fruit and stevia are both great options! Thanks, Sandy!
Your recipes never let me down. What a refreshing treat this was. Thanks again Stacey
Thanks, Tracie! Your success in the kitchen is why I do this.
One day in Wally World came upon a citrus juicer. Small, $10 bucks. That was at least 20 years ago and I still use it today. I’ve found that make sure your lemons are room or warmish temp to get the most juice. I make a lot of lemon curd so it’s used often. Most cost efficient appliance I’ve ever owned.
Great tip! Thanks, Margi!
Homemade lemonade is one of those things that you just can’t use artificial sweetener but taste just does not come right if you add some sugar and artificial sweetener you should be fine with the mix but other than that do not waste your time trying because it does not work
Interesting! So you’re saying for the best flavor use both real sugar and artificial sweetener if you’re trying to cut back on the sugar content?
will be making Lavender/lemonade this weekend . Ever try it?
I haven’t ever tried that, but I love the idea!
Hi Mrs. H, Would you be willing to share your concentrate recipes? I would love to do the same. Thanks, Ron
40 years later we still love
Yo gur et 😊 (yogurt)
Ha! Love it!
I love fresh squeezed lemonade! In fact, I just finished canning up some strawberry lemonade concentrate and some raspberry lemonade concentrate. Used 5 bags of lemons, but so worth it. Now I am going to make this recipe for sipping on while I rest.
My niece could never say mayonnaise she would call it “man daze”, kids really say the cutest things.
Man daze! Ha! I’d love to hear more about this concentrate, too!
I love all things lemon but I’ve never made homemade lemonade. But I’m going to now!
My baby sister, who is 5 years younger than me said some funny things but my favorite is “underbrella” for umbrella. It kinda makes sense though! 😆
So cute! Hope you’ll enjoy it, Lori!
Yum! Can’t wait to make this! My sister used to say can pakes for pancakes and pasketti for spaghetti. And my son used to love “preckles” (pretzels)!
So cute!
My favorite is of course Lemonade! I love it in the Summertime
Lemonade looks so good! Sometimes I add a few slices of fresh ginger to lemonade – just a change of pace
I went to Amazon and did the .99 cent ckbk and there it is now on my tablet. That was a great deal. Thanks
Yes! Hope you’ll enjoy it!
I loved your story about your son’s pronounciation of lemonaid. Our daughter said tellibutton for belly button until her kindergarten teacher made her say it right. And for some crazy reason our son said “oma -dugga” for motorcycle! Your lemonaide recipe looks yummy!
How funny! Thanks, Rita!
I love lemonade but I’m especially in love with sweet tea! I do appreciate all your recipes…have made quite a few and have like them all.
Thanks, Deena! So great to hear!
I’ll try this. We like Splenda
Love lemonade!
My mom always made the best lemonade. It was delicious and she would show up with
a gallon at the time we needed it the most.
Thanks for the recipe, Stacy. I love your recipes and hearing about your precious son, Jack.
Thanks so much, Judy!!
I love blackberry lemonade! My oldest son (also a Jack) used to say “straw-daddies” for strawberries. Love those memories!
Yum! Precious!
Love your recipes.
Thanks, Betty!
My favorite would have to be lemon tea… It is so refreshing!
Seriously, homemade lemonade is the best!!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
🙂