There’s nothing quite like a tall glass of fresh lemonade on a warm day. This classic homemade lemonade recipe combines the bright tartness of fresh lemons with just the right amount of sweetness to create the perfect balance of flavors. Unlike store-bought versions packed with artificial ingredients, this simple three-ingredient recipe delivers pure, refreshing taste that will quench your thirst and brighten your mood. With just lemons, sugar, and water, you can create a pitcher of golden sunshine that serves 4 to 6 people and takes less than 15 minutes to prepare.
What You’ll Need
- 6 large fresh lemons
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh lemon slices for garnish (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Getting Your Lemons Ready
Start by choosing lemons that feel heavy for their size and have bright yellow skin. Roll each lemon on your counter while pressing down gently with your palm. This helps break down the internal membranes and makes the lemons easier to juice. Cut each lemon in half crosswise and remove any visible seeds with the tip of a knife or fork.
Making the Simple Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water with the sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture becomes clear. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes. This sweetened water mixture will blend much better with the lemon juice than granulated sugar would.
Extracting the Lemon Juice
Squeeze the lemon halves by hand over a fine-mesh strainer positioned above a large bowl. Press and twist each half to get as much juice as possible. You should end up with about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. The strainer will catch any pulp or seeds you might have missed.
Bringing It All Together
Pour the fresh lemon juice into a large pitcher. Add the cooled sugar syrup and stir well. Slowly add the remaining 5 cups of cold water, stirring as you pour. Taste your lemonade and adjust if needed. If it’s too tart, add a bit more sugar syrup. If it’s too sweet, squeeze in another half lemon.
Serving Your Lemonade
Fill tall glasses with ice cubes and pour the lemonade over the ice. Garnish each glass with a fresh lemon slice on the rim and a sprig of mint if you like. Give each glass a gentle stir before drinking to make sure all the flavors are well mixed.
Storage Tips
Your homemade lemonade will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week when stored in a covered pitcher. The flavors actually improve after a few hours as they have time to blend together. Always stir before serving since natural separation is normal. For the best taste, consume within 3 days.
Making It Your Own
This basic recipe serves as a perfect foundation for variations. Try adding fresh berries for color and extra flavor, or substitute honey for sugar to create a different sweetness profile. You can also make it sparkly by replacing half the water with club soda, added just before serving
