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This Homemade Lemonade recipe is the only one you'll ever need; made with just 3 simple ingredients and ready in minutes. Fresh-squeezed lemons and a quick simple syrup make it not too sweet and way better than anything from a store or mix.
Homemade Lemonade Happening All Summer Long!
Homemade lemonade has been a staple in our house every summer for years, and once you taste how good the real thing is, there's no going back. Fresh lemons, sugar, and water – that's genuinely all it takes to make a drink that's bright, refreshing, and perfectly sweet. I started making this because I wanted something better than the powdered stuff, and it's now the most-requested drink at every BBQ and pool day we host. It's one of those recipes that sounds too simple to be special, but that's exactly what makes it so good.
Bonus, if you make a double or triple batch, you can freeze the extra (before adding water) and have fresh lemonade anytime you want without any work!
Don't miss my other drink recipes, like Homemade Chocolate Milk, Boba Smoothie, Frozen Hot Chocolate, Oreo Milkshake, or Orange Julius!
How to make Lemonade:
Make Simple Syrup: Combine sugar and 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. (Simple syrup can be made well in advance!)
Juice Lemons: Make sure the lemons are at room temperature before juicing (they will squeeze better). I try to choose juicy ones at the store, but if they are hard I like to press and roll them on the counter for a few seconds to allow some juices to release. After juicing the lemons, strain the lemon juice through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher.
Combine: Pour the syrup with the lemon juice and add water to taste, until you reach your desired lemonade sweetness. Serve cold, over ice. If you love this lemonade, try my Strawberry Lemonade too!
Pro Tips:
- How to Choose Juicy Lemons: When choosing lemons from the grocery store, look for lemons that are tender to the touch, indicating they are juicy. If you pick up two lemons that are about the same size, the one that is heavier will be juicier.
- How to Juice Lemons: Make sure the lemons are at room temperature before you try and squeeze the juice from them. If using a handheld juicer, like this one, or this, place the lemon inside with the cut-side facing down. You may also use a fork to juice lemons. The tines of the fork and the bent edge of the fork can be used to work your way around the inner flesh of the fruit to get all of the juice out.
Homemade Lemonade Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice, , about 6-8 lemons
- 4 ½ – 5 cups water, , divided
Instructions
- Combine sugar and 2 cups water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.2 cups granulated sugar
- Strain the lemon juice through a fine-mesh sieve into a 2-quart pitcher. Add simple syrup and stir to combine. Refrigerate until cold.1 ½ cups fresh lemon juice
- When ready to serve, add 2 ½ cups of cold water and stir. Taste, and add more water if it's too sweet. Serve over ice, if desired.4 ½ – 5 cups water
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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*I originally shared this recipe May 2015. Updated April 2019, May 2022 and June 2026.
Delicious!!!
I will never buy store brought lemonade again absolutely love this recipe will give it to all my family and friends thank you
This is absolutely delicious! I have a new summer favorite!
Recipe was a big hit with my family. The only thing I minded was the sugar. I made it as is for my grandson and his family. As a diabetic I used 1/2 C sugar and 1 C sugar substitute at my house. No one knew I made the switch. It was just as good.
This is good, but wayyyyy more sweet than tart. If you’re looking for a tarter lemonade or just less sugar in general, consider lessening the sugar by a lot! I feel like you can hardly taste the lemon it’s so sweet.
I made this last night, but instead of regular sugar I use sugar in the raw, I must say, this is delicious and yes I probably will make my own and my granddaughter likes it. Thanks for sharing.
Hi,
I would love to make this. Question, if I am doing the double one, is it minimum 2 cups of water for the heated pan? I like a sweeter lemonade, so will I necessarily need to add any more water at some point? Thank you.
The best I’ve ever tasted! Thanks for the recipe
What if I like the pulp in the lemonade…or at least some proportion left in? And what about using the old style glass manual juicers?
After you strain the pulp use the cold water use have to use to put the right amount you want. I like the pulp as well. Basically you are rincing the pulp back in.
Robert, my grandmother always did hers this way so yes, you can too. As a matter of fact, I have her glass juicer and use it to this day.
I made this lemonade and it is so good. I add just a little extra sugar cause I like mine really sweet. Will make this some more this summer. Perfect drink for a lazy afternoon.