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    Home » Recipes » Cocktails + Smoothies Recipes » Easy Homemade Lemonade

    Published: Apr 1, 2025 by Kristen Massad · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Easy Homemade Lemonade

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    Easy Homemade Lemonade is the most refreshing drink for spring gatherings or summer time Lemonade Stands. Made with only three ingredients and in under 10 minutes, Homemade Lemonade is a crowd pleaser for both kids and adults. Serve it over ice with fresh lemon slices and a sprig of mint for an extra touch.

    A white plate under three clear glasses with lemons on them, filled with light yellow liquid and green fresh mint leaves.

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    There is nothing more refreshing than a glass of homemade lemonade on a warm day. This simple classic recipe is super easy to make with just a few ingredients and far better than any store-bought lemonade. Whether you are making it for a spring gathering, a summer picnic, backyard bbq or a weekend lemonade stand, this Homemade Lemonade is the perfect balance of tart and sweet.

    As the season changes and we start to gather outside more and more, I love all things lemon. There are so many delicious variations of lemonade, adding a little greens with a delicious Sparkling Kale Lemonade or make it a cocktail enjoying our Blackberry Tequila Lemonade or end the night with the perfect Lemon Shortbread Cookie.

    Ingredient Notes

    Lemons halved, lemon juice, sugar, water, fresh raspberries and fresh green mint.

    Fresh Lemons: Only use fresh lemons for the best flavor. Meyer lemons will give you a sweeter flavor, while regular lemons give you a traditional tart flavor.

    Sugar: Granulated sugar dissolves best, but you can substitute honey or another sugar alternative.

    How to Make The Best and Easiest Homemade Lemonade

    Lemon halves sitting next to a silver saucepan filled with granulated sugar and water.

    Step 1: Make the Simple Syrup
    In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from the heat and allow the syrup to cool completely.

    Step 2: Juice the Lemons
    Cut the lemons in half and squeeze the juice by hand or using a juicer until you get 1 cup of lemon juice.

    Step 3: Mix the Lemonade
    In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lemon juice, cooled simple syrup and the remaining 5 cups of cold water. Stir well!

    Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
    Fill the glasses with ice and pour the lemonade over. Garnish each glass with a piece of fresh mint! Enjoy!

    A white plate under three clear glasses with lemons on them, filled with light yellow liquid and green fresh mint leaves.

    Tips for the Best Homemade Lemonade

    Sweetness: If you like a sweeter lemonade, increase the amount of simple syrup. If you prefer it more tart, add more lemon juice.

    Add Fresh Flavors: Add fresh berries, basil or other fruits or herbs for fun flavors.

    Make It In Advance: Homemade lemonade can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

    A white plate under three clear glasses with lemons on them, filled with light yellow liquid and green fresh mint leaves.

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    Thank you for visiting Joy + Oliver. If you tried this recipe, please leave a 5 Star Review in the recipe card and save all your favorite recipes to Pinterest!

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    A white plate under three clear glasses with lemons on them, filled with light yellow liquid and green fresh mint leaves.

    Easy Homemade Lemonade

    Easy Homemade Lemonade is the most refreshing drink for spring gatherings or summer time Lemonade Stands. Made with only three ingredients and in under 10 minutes, Homemade Lemonade is a crowd pleaser for both kids and adults. Serve it over ice with fresh lemon slices and a sprig of mint for an extra touch.
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: sips
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8 Servings
    Calories: 103kcal
    Author: Kristen Massad

    Ingredients

    • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
    • 1 Cup Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
    • 6 Cups Water Divided

    Instructions

    Make the Simple Syrup

    • In a small saucepan combine 1 cups of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from the heat and allow the syrup to cool.

    Juice the Lemons

    • Cut the lemons in half and squeeze out the juice by hand or a juicer. Juice each lemon until you get 1 cup.

    Mix the Lemonade

    • In a large pitcher, combined the fresh lemon juice, cooled simple syrup and the additional 5 cups of water; stir well

    Serve and Enjoy!

    • Fill each glass with ice, pour the lemonade over the ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1Glass | Calories: 103kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.04mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @JoyandOliver or tag #JoyandOliver!

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