This quick and easy homemade Lemonade Recipe is super refreshing, using just three simple ingredients: fresh lemons, sugar, and water. With a secret (easy!) tip to ensure it is filled with zesty, fresh lemon flavor! In just minutes, you can create a delicious sweet and tangy beverage that will quench your thirst all year long!
The bright citrus fruit is an all-time favorite over here. We compiled a list of all our lemon recipes with everything from scones to pasta to pie.
When our neighbor's lemon trees are overflowing with fruit, it's fantastic to have a go-to idea for using up all that juicy goodness. Over the years we have developed the perfect lemonade recipe. It is extra special because it is:
- Simple recipe: No complicated steps or ingredients, but we do have a couple tips for making sure it is infused with bright citrus flavor.
- Perfectly balanced: Simple sugar syrup is the perfect solution to a final drink that isn't too sweet or too tart.
- Refreshing: All summer long you can find this in the refrigerator just waiting to be poured over a tall glass of ice.
- Quick: In less time than it takes to get to the grocery store, this can be ready to drink.
If you can't get enough or if you want to make ahead for a large party, try this lemonade concentrate. We highly suggest making either as a part of your next Game Day Recipes!
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Lemonade recipe ingredients
This recipe only requires a couple ingredients! Quantities are in the recipe card below, but here are a few noteworthy tips.
- Sugar: This classic lemonade recipe needs granulated sugar. Using honey or maple syrup changes the final flavor.
- Lemons: This recipe used both the zest and the juice. Choose large, blemish free fruit for the best results. Do not use store-bought lemon juice. It does not have the same flavor and will not be delicious!
- Water: With so any ingredients it is important to make them all high quality. Filtered water will have the best flavor.
How to make zesty homemade lemonade
This recipe is super easy, but does include a couple easy tips for ensuring that the fresh lemon flavor comes through loud and strong without being too sour.
The first tip is to make a lemon-infused syrup. In a small saucepan or medium saucepan, combine the cup of sugar, lemon zest and 1 cup of water. The easiest way to remove the zest is a microplane. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Do not allow the simple syrup mixture to get too hot. If it begins to simmer or boil turn the heat down immediately. Once the sugar dissolves, remove from heat and allow to cool for about 10 minutes.
The second tip is to stir in fresh-squeezed lemon juice that has not been heated which keeps the flavor intact.
While the lemon simple syrup is cooling - juice the lemons. The quickest method is to use an electric juicer.
Once mostly cool, strain the simple syrup into a pitcher, if you don't want the texture of the zest in the final drink. Add in 4 cups of cold water and the fresh lemon juice and stir until thoroughly combined.
Variations
- Add your favorite flavored vodka to make this a tasty spiked drink. We are partial to huckleberry and prickly pear flavors.
- Layer in lemon slices to the serving pitcher for a beautiful presentation. I love to do this for parties.
- Add in fresh mint for a fun new twist on for a refreshing drink during the summer heat.
- Mix equal parts with black tea for a delicious Arnold Palmer. We have a delicious Iced Tea Concentrate!
How long does homemade lemonade last in the refrigerator?
Homemade lemonade will last for 5-7 days in a covered container. A pitcher like this fits nicely into the main compartment or the door of the fridge.
FAQ
Bitterness in lemons is from the pith, or the white part that is in between the zest and the flesh. To prevent bitterness, be sure to leave the white part on the fruit.
Tips and tricks
- Use fresh lemons because old lemons can loose their bright and zesty flavor. Also, store-bought lemon juice does not have the same flavor as fresh.
- Be sure the sugar is completely dissolved before moving on with the recipe to ensure that it isn't grainy.
- If you don't have a zester, use a paring knife to carefully remove the colored skin. Leave behind the white pith since it is bitter.
- Do not allow the lemon juice to get hot. If the freshly squeezed juice gets hot it will change the flavor.
More drink recipes
Looking for more beverages made for hot days? Try these:
- Cherry lemonade recipe - Best lemonade on hot summer day!
- Strawberry lemonade recipe - Fresh fruit infused!
- Raspberry lemonade recipe - Pretty pink lemonade!
- Blackberry lemonade recipe - Beautiful color and amazing flavor!
- Frozen lemonade - Best lemon flavor!
Recipe
Easy Homemade Lemonade Recipe - 3 Ingredients!
Equipment
- Strainer optional
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest about 1 large lemon
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 4 large lemons
- 1 cup cold water
- 4 cups cold water
Instructions
- In a small saucepan combine the sugar, lemon zest and 1 cup of water. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not allow to boil or simmer. Remove from heat and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes.1 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1 cup cold water
- While the syrup is cooling, juice the lemons.
- In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice, cooled sugar mixture, and remaining water. If you don't want the texture of the zest, strain it out in a wire mesh strainer.
- Chill and serve over ice.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons because old lemons can loose their bright and zesty flavor. Also, store-bought lemon juice does not have the same flavor as fresh.
- Be sure the sugar is completely dissolved before moving on with the recipe to ensure that it isn't grainy.
- If you don't have a zester, use a paring knife to carefully remove the colored skin. Leave behind the white pith since it is bitter.
- Do not allow the lemon juice to get hot. If the freshly squeezed juice gets hot it will change the flavor.
Variations
- Add your favorite flavored vodka to make this a tasty spiked drink. We are partial to huckleberry and prickly pear flavors.
- Layer in lemon slices to the serving pitcher for a beautiful presentation. I love to do this for parties.
- Add in fresh mint for a fun new twist on for a refreshing drink during the summer heat.
- Mix equal parts with black tea for a delicious Arnold Palmer.
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.
Misty says
So refreshing! Perfect for the summer.