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Fresh Lemonade

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I’ll admit it, before I started making my own Fresh Lemonade at home, I used to buy it. But never again! Because my recipe is so much better. It’s so lemony and perfectly sweet that you can’t help but smile when you drink it. Sorry, but you can’t get that from a bottle.

Mason jar of lemonade with ice and mint, lemon slice nearby on light surface.

So, what makes ours so much better? First, we tested it to make sure it’s balanced. You don’t want it too sweet or too sour. We used freshly squeezed lemons, zest, and a pinch of salt to really bring out the flavor.

Trust me, this recipe will become your go-to as soon as warm weather arrives. And if you’re a lemon fanatic like yours truly, you’ll want to make it all year long (nothing wrong with that). But it’s a must-have for backyard cookouts, pool parties, and any sunny afternoon when you’re just taking it easy.

Looking for something with even more chill? You have to try our Frozen Lemonade and our Frozen Strawberry Lemonade. They’re slushy, bright, refreshing, and fun so you can’t really go wrong.

Jump to:
  • ❱❱ PIN IT OR FORGET IT ❰❰
  • Why You’ll Love This Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
  • Ingredients
  • How to make Fresh Lemonade
  • Storage
  • Other Summer Drinks You May Like
  • FAQ
  • Fresh Lemonade Recipe

❱❱ PIN IT OR FORGET IT ❰❰

Fresh squeezed lemonade in glass pitcher with lemons and mint, pin text reads how to make fresh squeezed lemonade.

Why You’ll Love This Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

  • Our homemade lemonade only has 4 ingredients which makes it super easy, and near impossible to mess it up. Just squeeze the lemons, make the simple syrup, and mix. If it’s too sweet for you, add some water. Simple.
  • To make a great pitcher of lemonade, all you need are a few simple ingredients including lemons, water, sugar, and a pinch of salt. I know it might sound weird but a pinch of salt actually makes a big difference. It makes the lemon flavor more…lemony.
  • Our homemade lemonade has real, fresh ingredients. No preservatives, no additives. Sure, there’s sugar, but it’s still better and better tasting than the bottled stuff at the grocery store.
  • Lemonade is one of those drinks that everyone loves. It’s better for you than soda and it’s pretty much a safe bet that everyone will like it. Make it ahead by a day or two and it’s one less thing you have to worry about.

Ingredients

Ingredients for fresh lemonade: lemons, sugar, water, and salt on neutral surface.
  • Lemon Juice
  • Sugar
  • Cold water
  • Ice
  • Pinch of salt

See the recipe card for quantities.

How to make Fresh Lemonade

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar. 1 cup of water, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar and salt completely dissolve. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Pouring water into saucepan to make simple syrup for homemade lemonade.

In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice and the cooled syrup.

Pouring simple syrup into pitcher with lemon juice to make fresh lemonade.

Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water. Taste and adjust as needed. Add a splash more water if it’s too strong or a bit more lemon juice if you like it tangy.

Hand stirring fresh lemonade in glass pitcher with lemon slices and mint leaves.

Serve immediately over ice, or chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Storage

Keep fresh lemonade in a covered pitcher or container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Other Summer Drinks You May Like

  • Strawberry Agua Fresca
  • Cucumber Agua Fresca
  • 20+ Easy Lemonade Recipes You’ll Keep Making All Summer
  • Brazilian Lemonade

FAQ

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

You could, but it’s so much better with fresh lemons. That’s how you get that bright citrusy flavor that keeps you wanting another glass.

Can I make fresh lemonade ahead of time?

Yes. In fact, it’s a great way to get ahead of the game. You can make it up to 3 days before a celebration.

Why use simple syrup instead of sugar?

Simple syrup is just sugar dissolved in water, which is perfect for adding to cold drinks. Otherwise you can end up with sugar settling at the bottom of the pitcher.

Glass jar of fresh lemonade with ice and striped straw, pitcher blurred in background.

Fresh Lemonade Recipe

Sarah
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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Servings 6
Calories 137 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Cup Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
  • 1 Cup Sugar
  • 5 Cups Cold Water Divided
  • Pinch of Salt
  • Ice for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a small saucepan, combine the sugar. 1 cup of water, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar and salt completely dissolve. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  • In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice and the cooled syrup.
  • Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water. Taste and adjust as needed. Add a splash more water if it’s too strong or a bit more lemon juice if you like it tangy.
  • Serve immediately over ice, or chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • You can make the simple syrup in advance and refrigerate it until needed. 
  • Store in the fridge for up to 7 days. 

Nutrition

Calories: 137kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.002gSodium: 11mgPotassium: 43mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 0.1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Mason jar of fresh squeezed lemonade with ice and straw, pin text reads fresh squeezed lemonade.
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