How to Make Lemonade: Classic 3-Ingredient Recipe
Make fresh homemade lemonade in 15 mins with just 3 ingredients. Perfectly balanced sweet-tart flavor. Plus 8 variations like Strawberry & Mint!
Ingredients
- 6-8 Fresh Lemons (Yields 1.5 cups fresh lemon juice)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 6 cups Cold Water (divided)
- Ice Cubes
- Fresh Mint (Optional garnish)
Alternatives
Gear Needed
- Small Saucepan (for syrup)
- Lemon Juicer/Reamer
- Large Pitcher (2-quart)
- Wooden Spoon
How to Make Lemonade: Classic Homemade Recipe
There is nothing quite like a glass of homemade lemonade on a hot summer day. While powdered mixes are convenient, learning how to make lemonade from scratch is a game-changer. It’s fresher, healthier, and gives you complete control over the sweetness.
This classic recipe hits the perfect balance of sweet and tart, using a simple syrup method to ensure you never have grainy sugar at the bottom of your glass. In just 15 minutes, you can have a pitcher of fresh lemonade ready to serve.
Why Make Homemade Lemonade?
- Fresher Taste: No preservatives, just pure lemon juice flavor.
- Control Sweetness: Adjust the sugar to your preference.
- No Artificial Ingredients: You know exactly what’s going into your drink.
What You Need to Make Lemonade
You don’t need fancy tools to make lemonade, but using the right ingredients matters (especially the lemons!).
Ingredients (3 Only!)
- Fresh Lemons: The star of the show. You will need about 6-8 medium lemons to yield 1.5 cups of fresh lemon juice.
- Granulated Sugar: White sugar creates a clear, neutral sweet base.
- Water: You’ll need water for both the simple syrup and for diluting the concentrate.
Equipment
- Lemon Juicer: A hand press or reamer works best to extract maximum juice.
- Saucepan: Essential for dissolving the sugar properly.
- Pitcher: A 2-quart pitcher to hold your fresh lemonade.
How to Make Lemonade: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create the best homemade lemonade you’ve ever tasted.
Step 1: Make Simple Syrup
The secret to smooth lemonade is dissolving the sugar first. Combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan. Heat gently and stir until the liquid is completely clear.
Pro Tip: This simple syrup prevents gritty sugar texture. Let it cool slightly before mixing.
Step 2: Juice the Lemons
Roll your lemons on the counter to break the juice sacs inside. Cut them in half and simple squeeze. You are aiming for 1.5 cups of lemon juice.
Tip: Strain the juice if you prefer a silky smooth texture without pulp.
Step 3: Mix and Chill
In your large pitcher, combine the cooled simple syrup, the fresh lemon juice, and the remaining 5 cups of cold water. Stir well to combine. Taste test now—if it’s too tart, add a splash more water.
Step 4: Serve Over Ice
Fill glasses with plenty of ice. Pour the fresh lemonade over the ice and garnish with lemon slices or mint.
Note: Don’t add ice to the main pitcher if storing, as it will water down your classic recipe.
Tips for the Best Lemonade
- Fresh vs. Bottled Juice: Always use fresh lemons. Bottled concentrate lacks the essential oils from the fresh peel and often tastes metallic.
- Get More Juice: Microwave lemons for 10-15 seconds before rolling them to release easier juice flow.
- Storage: This homemade lemonade stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before serving as pulp may settle.
8 Lemonade Variations to Try
Once you know how to make lemonade, you can get creative! Here are 8 popular twists:
- Strawberry Lemonade: Blend 1 cup of fresh strawberries with your lemon juice for a fruity pink version.
- Mint Lemonade: Muddle fresh mint leaves in the bottom of the pitcher before adding liquids.
- Lavender Lemonade: Infuse your simple syrup with 1 tbsp dried lavender buds, then strain.
- Sparkling Lemonade: Swap the 5 cups of flat water for sparkling water or club soda.
- Pink Lemonade: Add a splash of cranberry juice or grenadine for that classic pink hue.
- Honey Lemonade: Swap the sugar for heat-dissolved honey for a richer, floral taste.
- Ginger Lemonade: Simmer fresh ginger slices in your syrup for a spicy kick.
- Arnold Palmer: Mix your fresh lemonade 50/50 with iced tea.
How to Make Lemonade for a Crowd
Hosting a party or setting up a lemonade stand? This recipe scales easily.
- For 1 Gallon (16 servings): Double the ingredients. You’ll need roughly 12-16 lemons (3 cups juice) and 2 cups sugar.
- Lemonade Stand Tip: Pre-mix your lemon juice and simple syrup into a “concentrate.” When serving, just pour 1 part concentrate to 2 parts water over ice. This saves fridge space!
Quick Recap
- Syrup: Dissolve sugar in water.
- Juice: Squeeze fresh lemons.
- Mix: Combine everything in a pitcher.
- Enjoy: Serve cold!
