This lemonade recipe is easy to make and combines lemon juice, and homemade simple syrup for a refreshingly sweet flavor that perfect for hot summer days!
This traditional-style lemonade recipe is made with freshly squeezed lemon juice and an easy homemade simple syrup. It tastes delicious served with lots of ice and mint leaves and is the ultimate refresher on a hot day. I’ve also included some colorful recipe adaptations if you’re looking for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
Ingredients for Lemonade Recipe
Lemons
This lemonade recipe is made with fresh-squeezed lemon juice from between 5-6 lemons. If the lemons you use are particularly small or lacking in juice then you might want to use more. I used a citrus press juicer to ensure that all the pulp was removed, but you could also use a citrus reamer. Make sure all the seeds are removed, as these have a super bitter taste. If you can find them, Meyer lemons are fantastic in lemonade, because they have a naturally sweet taste and lots of juice. Feel free to use less cane sugar if using this variety.
This will form the base of our simple syrup. Organic cane sugar is less processed than white sugar and has a more full-bodied taste too. You’ll need one cup.
Water – Still or Sparkling
We’ll be using still water in our simple syrup mixture, but sparkling water is a great option for topping up your lemonade concentrate. I find the bubbles make it even more refreshing!
How to Make Lemonade Recipe (Simple!)
- Begin by making your lemonade concentrate with lemon juice and simple syrup. Tip the sugar and water into a small pot and place over medium heat. Keep stirring the mixture until the sugar granules have completely dissolved. Take off the heat and set it aside for around an hour to cool. Then, stir in the lemon juice.
- Complete the lemonade recipe by combining the base with either sparkling or still water. You will need between 3-4 cups of ice cold water. I made mine in a two liter pitcher and it was perfect. Simply tip in the base then top up with water.
Serving Suggestion
Lemonade tastes best super cold, so make sure you allow to chill before serving, then load up your glass with lots of ice and a few lemon slices.
Lemonade Recipe Easy Variations
If you’re looking for a fun twist on this classic variation then try some of these simple adaptations!
Blue Lemonade
Add 1/8 tsp of blue spirulina per glass and whisk thoroughly until its combined.
Rose Lemonade
Add 1/4 tsp of rose water per glass and stir to combine. If you’re feeling extra fancy then add a couple of culinary rose petals to the pitcher before serving.
Lemon + Mint
Add a pinch of freshly torn mint leaves to each glass or a couple of sprigs to the pitcher, then muddle to release the flavor. Stir to combine.
Storage Instructions
You can store your lemonade concentrate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to mix it up ahead of time then make sure you use still water and consume within three days.
Thirsty for More Drinks Recipes?
If you enjoyed this lemonade recipe then check out some of my readers’ favorite drinks recipes. Perfect for staying hydrated!
Simple Cold Brew Coffee
Cucumber Water 5 Ways
Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
No-Juicer Green Juice
Thanks for checking out this simple Lemonade Recipe. If you try it, please let me know what you think with a comment and rating. Every bit of feedback helps make the blog even better!
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Easy Lemonade Recipe with Lemon Juice & Simple Syrup
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Description
This tasty lemonade recipe is easy to make and perfect for a hot summer day! A traditional lemonade recipe with lemon juice and simple syrup.
Ingredients
Lemonade base
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup organic cane sugar
- 1 cup lemon juice with pulp removed (5–6 medium lemons)
Two serve
- 3–4 cups cold water, still or sparkling
- Lemon slices
- Ice
Instructions
- Make lemonade base: Into a small pot over medium heat, add cane sugar and water, stir until sugar has dissolved. Set aside to cool for an hour, then stir in the lemon juice.
- Make lemonade: Into a 64oz (2 liter) pitcher, add lemonade base then top off with cold still or sparkling water, lemon slices and, stir to combine.
- Serve: Serve immediately while cold and refreshing.
- Store: The lemonade base can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. Lemonade (base and still water only) can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Before serving, add lemon slices and ice.
Notes
- Lemons: This recipe will taste best if made with freshly squeezed lemon juice. You’ll need 5-6 medium lemons to get 1 cup of juice, after the pulp has been removed. If you’re lemons are small or not very juicy you may need to squeeze more lemons. Use any lemons you have access to. Meyer lemons are partially sweet and would be delicious for this recipe. If you’re using Meyer lemons, feel free to reduce the cane sugar to 3/4 cup.
- Sugar: Organic cane sugar is used as organic sugar is processed without bone char in the USA.
- Water: If drinking straight away, I recommend sparking water as the bubbles will make this drink feel even more refreshing!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooling: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
Keywords: lemonade recipe, lemonade recipe easy, lemonade recipe with lemon juice, lemonade recipe with simple syrup
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