Lemonade Recipe
This classic lemonade recipe is bright, refreshing, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, making it an ideal drink for warm days. Made with freshly squeezed lemons and a smooth simple syrup, it avoids gritty sugar and delivers clean, fresh flavor in every sip. Whether you want the best homemade lemonade recipe, a family-friendly summer drink, or an easy lemonade made from real lemons, this version is simple, reliable, and always refreshing.
Ingredients
1¾ cups white sugar
1 cup water
9 medium fresh lemons (or as needed)
7 cups cold water
Ice cubes, as needed
Directions
- Make the simple syrup by adding the sugar and 1 cup water to a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture just begins to boil, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the lemons by rolling them on the counter to release the juices, cutting them in half, and squeezing until you get about 1½ cups of fresh lemon juice. Remove any seeds, but keep some pulp for added flavor if desired.
- Combine the base by pouring the cold water into a large pitcher, then adding the fresh lemon juice and pulp. Stir well to mix.
- Sweeten the lemonade by slowly stirring in the cooled simple syrup, tasting as you go, until the sweetness and tartness are balanced to your preference.
- Serve cold by adding ice just before serving, and garnish with lemon slices or fresh mint if desired.
Preparation Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 10