Food and Drink-Easy Homemade Lemonade Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a tall glass of homemade lemonade to brighten up a hot summer day. Its perfect balance of tartness and sweetness not only quenches your thirst but also brings a little sunshine to your taste buds. Lemonade has long been a beloved staple of summer gatherings, from backyard barbecues to nostalgic lemonade stands. So, let’s celebrate this classic, refreshing drink and dive into a delicious recipe that will keep you cool and smiling all season long!

This homemade lemonade recipe is simple and refreshing—a perfect summer staple that I realize I don’t make nearly as often as I should. It only requires fresh lemons, ice cubes, simple syrup, and cold water. The recipe calls for one cup of lemon juice, which you can use fresh or bottled, though I prefer fresh. After some research, I found that the number of lemons needed for a cup of juice varies depending on their size. Some sources suggest 3–4 large lemons, while others say 6–8 smaller ones. I bought 8 average-sized lemons and ended up using 7 for the juice, saving the last one for garnish.

The tool I use to juice the lemons is a lemon squeezer. This is a simple and easy way to extract my cup of lemon juice.

This recipe calls for simple syrup, which is a mixture of sugar and water and is very easy to make.

How to make Simple Syrup

Some folks prefer making simple syrup on the stove, but I find using the microwave faster and easier. Simple syrup is just sugar and water mixed together, usually in equal parts. I use a 2-cup glass measuring cup, combining one cup of sugar with one cup of water. After stirring, I microwave the mixture on high for two minutes, then stir again. I microwave it for another minute—or until the sugar dissolves completely—stir once more, let it cool, and then it’s ready to use. I even use this method when making my iced tea.

Check out the printable Recipe below…

Refreshing Homemade Lemonade

KathieyV

A Quick and Easy Lemonade Recipe for a Hot Summer Day

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 6 Cups Water-divided
• 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 Cup Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice, seeds removed

Instructions

 

• Make the Simple Syrup-Combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar in a 2-cup microwavable glass measuring cup and stir.
• Microwave water and sugar on high for 2 minutes, remove and stir, and microwave again on high for 1 minute or until sugar is dissolved. Stir and set aside to cool.
• While the simple syrup cools, juice your lemons.
• Combine simple syrup and lemon juice. Add this mixture to the 5 remaining cups of water and stir.
• Pour over ice and serve or place in the refrigerator until cold and serve.

Notes

Jane and I made this in the summer of 2022. She loved it, and now every time she comes over, she asks for lemonade:-). I give this recipe a 10/10 on my recipe scale!