Easy Lemonade
When the heat is on, nothing beats a refreshing glass of homemade lemonade. With just three simple ingredients: fresh lemons, sugar, and water, you can whip up a bright, citrusy and refreshing drink that’s perfect for cooling down on warm days. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or just craving something fresh, this classic lemonade is a must.
This recipe is easy to make, perfectly balanced between tart and sweet, and far better than anything store-bought. The homemade simple syrup ensures the sugar blends smoothly, creating a crisp, refreshing drink. You can also mix things up by adding herbs like mint or lavender, fresh fruit, or a splash of sparkling water for a fun twist.
Ingredients
- White granulated sugar
- Water
- Lemons – Plus 1 extra garnish thinly sliced for a garnish.
- Ice cubes – For serving.
How To Make Easy Lemonade
- Combine ⅔ cup water and the sugar. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Remove from heat and let the simple syrup cool in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Juice the lemons until you have 1 cup of fresh lemon juice.
- Strain the lemon juice through a fine mesh sieve to remove pulp and seeds.
- Mix 4 cups of cold water with the lemon juice and the cooled syrup.
- Stir in lemon slices for extra flavor.
- Serve over ice right away or refrigerate for at least 4 hours for a bolder citrus taste.
Step-By-Step Process
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Pick lemons that feel heavy for their size and yield slightly when squeezed; these will have the most juice.
- Before juicing, roll lemons on the counter while applying pressure to get the most juice out.
- Want an extra juice boost? Microwave the lemons for 10–15 seconds before squeezing.
Serving Suggestions
Homemade lemonade pairs perfectly with summer meals, from sandwiches and salads to grilled favorites. Serve it at picnics, barbecues, or alongside light lunches for a refreshing touch.
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Storage
Keep leftover lemonade in a covered pitcher in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before serving, as some natural separation may occur. You can also freeze it into ice cubes or popsicles for a cool, citrusy treat!
Easy Lemonade
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup white granulated sugar
- 4 ⅔ cups water
- 8 lemons plus 1 extra garnish thinly sliced for a garnish
- ice cubes for serving
Instructions
- Combine ⅔ cup water and the sugar. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Remove from heat and let the simple syrup cool in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Juice the lemons until you have 1 cup of fresh lemon juice.
- Strain the lemon juice through a fine mesh sieve to remove pulp and seeds.
- Mix 4 cups of cold water with the lemon juice and the cooled syrup.
- Stir in lemon slices for extra flavor.
- Serve over ice right away or refrigerate for at least 4 hours for a bolder citrus taste.
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Pick lemons that feel heavy for their size and yield slightly when squeezed—these have the most juice.
- Before juicing, roll lemons on the counter while applying pressure to get the most juice out.
- Want an extra juice boost? Microwave the lemons for 10–15 seconds before squeezing.
