This Lemonade Concentrate recipe is sweet, tangy, and super simple to make! Made with just two ingredients, it will be ready to pop in the fridge or freezer in under 10 minutes. When you're ready to serve, simply add water and enjoy! After making this dozens of times for birthdays, baby showers, BBQs, and dinner parties over the years, we are confident it is the perfect drink recipe to add to your arsenal.
If you love this, check out our whole collection of 40+ lemon recipes for everything from sweet treats to savory entrees.
My favorite treat to make over the summer is homemade lemonade. It's extra tangy and has that fresh lemon flavor that you just can't buy. But even better is this homemade lemonade concentrate recipe!
Making concentrate is a must if you have lemons going bad or want to prep ahead for a special occasion. Just pop it out of the fridge or freezer, add water, and voila! It's an amazing choice for all kinds of parties, including as part of your Game Day Recipes.
While you're at it, make this iced tea concentrate for a tasty Arnold Palmer or use the concentrate for this Easy Frozen Lemonade Recipe - you've already done the hard work, might as well!
Skip to:
Why this recipe made the cut
Every recipe on Borrowed Bites gets tested, re-tested, and tasted by multiple groups to ensure it's something you can be proud to serve! Here's why this one earned its spot:
- Only 2 ingredients
- Done in under 10 minutes
- Amazing flavor - way better than Minute Maid!
- Refrigerate or freeze
I love how simple it is with only two ingredients. Such a refreshing treat for hot summer days, just like a Sonic drink. Thanks for sharing!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Mai
Ingredients for lemonade concentrate
- Lemons: Whatever type of lemon from your grocery store is fine (likely Meyer, Lisbon, or Eureka). You will need both lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. Don't skip the zest! The lemon peel is a powerhouse of flavor.
- Sugar: Just regular granulated sugar. You can also substitute pure cane sugar.
Helpful kitchen tools
How to make lemonade concentrate
Start by zesting the lemons with a microplane. Then juice the lemons. I use an electric citrus juicer, but you can also use a hand juicer.
Combine sugar, juice, and zest in a medium saucepan on the stove. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is translucent. You are essentially making a lemon simple syrup with equal parts juice and sugar.
Do not overheat or it will change the flavor of the lemon juice. It should not simmer or boil. Once translucent, remove from the heat and cool to room temperature. If you don't like zest, you can strain it out.
Refrigerate or freeze the concentrate. When ready to use, mix 1 part concentrate to 3 parts water (preferably filtered water).
Variations
To add flavors to your prepared lemonade, try using an immersion blender to zoom in fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. You can also mix lemonade with fruit juices - use cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, or other favorite fresh juices. Top it off with a sprig of fresh mint.
What to serve with.....
This concentrate makes a fabulous drink that is easy to serve most any lunch or dinner! Here are a few of our favorites.
FAQs
Look for fresh lemons that are bright yellow (no green spots) and slightly heavy for their size. They should be firm, but give slightly when you squeeze them. If there is no give, it likely has an extra thick rind and less juice.
Store the concentrate in mason jars or an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
For frozen lemonade concentrate, store in an airtight freezer-safe plastic container or airtight zipper bags in the freezer (freezer bags are best). You can freeze the whole recipe for a larger batch, or freeze in 1 cup measurements for 3 smaller batches. Frozen lemonade concentrate will last for 2-3 months in the freezer.
When you're ready to serve, combine 1 part of concentrate with 3 parts of water. For a whole recipe, that means 3 cups of concentrate and 9 cups of water. Pour in a serving glass with ice.
Recipes using lemonade concentrate
Tips & tricks
- Use fresh, real lemons. You should not substitute store-bought lemon juice concentrate in this recipe.
- Don't overheat while cooking. If the mixture gets too hot, it changes the flavor of the lemon juice. It should not simmer or boil while cooking.
More recipes
Looking for other recipes? Try these:
Recipe
Easy Lemonade Concentrate
Equipment
- Electric juicer optional
- Hand juicer optional
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon lemon zest about 2 large lemons
- 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice about 8 large lemons
- 2 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
Lemonade Concentrate
- Zest the lemons. Squeeze the lemon juice.2 tablespoon lemon zest, 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
- In a medium saucepan, combine the zest, juice, and sugar. Cook on medium heat, stirring often, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is transparent. Do not overheat - If it simmers or boils, turn down immediately.2 tablespoon lemon zest, 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 cups granulated sugar
- Once sugar is dissolved, remove from the heat and cool. If desired, strain out the zest. Store concentrate in the fridge or freezer until ready to use (see notes for more details on storing).
Making the Lemonade
- To make the lemonade, combine 1 part concentrate with 3 parts water. For this full recipe, that will be 3 cups of concentrate and 9 cups of water.
Notes
- Use fresh, real lemons. You should not substitute store-bought lemon juice concentrate in this recipe.
- Don't overheat while cooking. If the mixture gets too hot, it changes the flavor of the lemon juice. It should not simmer or boil while cooking.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.
Please note that all nutrition and daily value information is an estimate only. This recipe has all natural ingredients and natural flavors. It is not a good source of dietary fiber as there is not much pulp.
Mai lily says
I love how simple it is with only two ingredients. Such a refreshing treat for hot summer days, just like a Sonic drink. Thanks for sharing!
Ella jack says
This lemonade concentrate sounds perfect — sweet, tangy, and so easy to make! Love that it only takes two ingredients and less than 10 minutes. Such a refreshing treat for hot summer days, just like a Sonic drink! Thanks for sharing.
Charlotte Ellender says
Love it
Misty says
Thank you for sharing!