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    Home » Recipes » Beverages

    Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

    Published: Jul 23, 2019 · Modified: Jun 20, 2023 · by Renée B. · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe   Print Recipe
    Glass of lemonade with a straw on a table with summery plates. Pin text overlay reads: Homemade Lemonade

    Make perfect Fresh Squeezed Lemonade just like grandma used to make! You only need three ingredients to stir up a pitcher of cool, refreshing lemonade. Enjoy one of life's simple pleasures today! 

    Hibiscus pitcher filled with lemonade next to a glass of lemonade and some lemons on a checked tablecloth.

    Homemade lemonade requires just three simple ingredients - lemon juice, sugar, and water. Stirred together in the correct proportions, they create a potion worthy of Professor Slughorn (or Snape; your choice).

    Fresh squeezed lemonade is smoother, brighter, and more vibrant than anything you can get from a mix or concentrate. It has more kick and less astringency, and it requires less sugar to achieve the same level of sweetness. Plus, when you make your own, you can be assured that the lemon juice is made from clean, organic sources.

    For me, a cool glass of this magical concoction can conjure memories decades old: of brightly colored lemonade stands, beating summer sun, and my mother's red hibiscus pitcher.

    Jump to:
    • Simple Syrup or No Stove?
    • What Goes into this Homemade Lemonade Recipe
    • How to Make Lemonade with Fresh Lemons
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Top Tip
    • FAQ
    • Pairing
    • More Summer Recipes
    • Homemade Lemonade from Fresh Lemons

    Simple Syrup or No Stove?

    There are two schools of thought when it comes to making homemade lemonade: the "Simple Syrup" school, and the "No Stoves in Summer" school. As with most things in life, I live on middle ground: when it comes to making fresh lemonade - just do what you gotta do. 

    If I have time, I'll make the simple syrup because, after some experimenting, I have found that making a simple syrup first results in a smoother infusion with more body to it. In other words, a simple syrup will yield the best homemade lemonade. Period. 

    Nevertheless, if it is just too dang hot out to turn on the stove, then go with it: you can make a fine pitcher of lemonade by simply stirring the three ingredients together. If you choose to skip the simple syrup step, consider making the lemonade at least two hours before serving to allow the sugar to completely dissolve and blend.

    What Goes into this Homemade Lemonade Recipe

    Fresh squeezed lemonade requires just three simple ingredients: water, sugar, and lemons.

    Overhead shot of lemonade and squeezed lemons.
    • Water: The water you use matters. Be aware, if your water is treated and has an overpowering taste because of it (i.e, municipally added chlorine, chloramine, etc.), that flavor may taint your chicken stock, which will in turn negatively flavor whatever you make with it.
    • Sugar: Use plain, granulated sugar.
    • Lemons: If possible, use fresh lemon juice from real lemons.

    See recipe card for quantities.

    How to Make Lemonade with Fresh Lemons

    Combine sugar and 1 cup of water in small saucepan. Bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved. Cool to room temperature. (You can speed up the process by putting it in the freezer for 15 minutes.)

    In a large pitcher, combine fresh lemon juice, cooled simple syrup, and the remaining 7 cups of water.

    Serve cold, over ice.

    Hibiscus pitcher filled with lemonade next to a glass of lemonade and some lemons.

    Incorporate some zest into your lemonade. Lemon zest will always add a little extra brightness and bite to anything you add it to; and that includes lemonade. You can do this by adding zest to your simple syrup, or by adding it directly to the lemonade as it is being mixed. 

    Adjust the water:lemon-sugar ratio to your own tastes. Add half to three-quarters of the suggested water, and then taste the lemonade before adding more.

    Variations

    Sparkling Lemonade: Use club soda in place of the water.

    Strawberry Lemonade: Blend a cup of fresh strawberries into the fresh lemon juice before mixing the lemonade.

    Raspberry Lemonade: Blend a cup of fresh raspberries into the fresh lemon juice before mixing the lemonade.

    Mint Lemonade: Blend a cup of loosely packed fresh mint leaves into the fresh lemon juice before mixing the lemonade.

    Cherry Lemonade: Stir ½ cup of maraschino cherry juice into the prepared lemonade.

    Ginger Lemonade: Blend 3 ounces of grated ginger into the fresh lemon juice before mixing the lemonade.

    Equipment

    I’ve owned a number of citrus juicers over the years – both manual and electric, and the citrus juicer I have now is by far my favorite. It really does the job; plus, you can make nifty little towers from the empty peels!

    Lemon squeezer showing seeds.

    Storage

    This homemade lemonade recipe can be refrigerated for up to a week (probably longer). Add ice to the lemonade immediately before serving.

    Top Tip

    When it comes to juicing lemons, there are a few easy tricks for getting the most juice possible.

    Stack of empty lemon rinds next to a lemon squeezer.

    (Normally, I would zest the lemons before juicing, and use the zest in the lemonade or freeze it for later use; however, in this case, I had a lemon-peel tower to photograph, so...)

    • Roll lemons firmly for one minute on the countertop before juicing. This action breaks down the membranes in the lemon that encapsulates the juice.
    • Microwave lemons for 10-15 seconds before juicing.  
    • Use a good, solid citrus juicer.

    HINT: These tricks will work with any citrus fruit!

    FAQ

    Can you use bottled lemon juice to make lemonade?

    You can use bottled lemon juice (i.e., Real Lemon®, etc.), but it is more astringent than fresh lemon juice, so your lemonade won't be quite as smooth as when you use real lemons. If you used bottled juice, add ¼ cup more sugar to the simple syrup. 

    Overhead shot directly downinto a glass of lemonade, with a blue polka-dot straw coming up toward the viewer.

    Pairing

    Here are a few dishes that are even better with a cold glass of lemonade.

    • Whole caprese sandwich on a small cutting board. Cut sandwich on a plate in the background.
      Grilled Caprese Sandwich
    • Two avocado halves filled with shrimp salad and a small bowl of shrimp salad arranged on a square glass platter.
      Shrimp Salad with Lemony Mustard Vinaigrette
    • Classic Coney Island Hotdog Sauce
    • Classic Bay Shrimp Louie

    More Summer Recipes

    • Peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream in a dessert bowl, with a pan of cobbler in the background.
      Easy Southern Peach Cobbler
    • 9-panel collage of various ice creams, scooped for serving.
      15 Homemade Ice Cream Recipes for Ice Cream Makers
    • Italian Grilled Eggplant Panini
    • Vanilla ice cream in a waffle cone bowl. Ice cream freezer in the background.
      Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (Custard Style)

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    Hibiscus pitcher filled with lemonade next to a glass of lemonade and some lemons on a checked tablecloth.
    5 from 6 votes

    Homemade Lemonade from Fresh Lemons

    You only need three ingredients to stir up a pitcher of cool, refreshing lemonade. Enjoy one of life's simple pleasures today! 
    Print Pin Add to Shopping List Go to Shopping List
    Course: Beverage
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time:15 minutes minutes
    Total Time:15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 155kcal
    Author: Renee
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Citrus Juicer

    Ingredients

    US Customary - Metric
    • 8 cups cold water
    • 1 ½ cup white sugar
    • 1 ½ cup fresh lemon juice

    Instructions

    • Combine sugar and 1 cup of water in small saucepan. Bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved. Cool to room temperature. (You can speed up the process by putting it in the freezer for 15 minutes.)
    • In a large pitcher, combine fresh lemon juice, cooled simple syrup, and remaining 7 cups of water.
    • Serve cold over ice.

    Notes

    This recipe was created using FRESH lemons. If you choose to use bottled lemon juice from concentrate (i.e., Real Lemon®, etc.) instead, add ¼ cup more sugar to the simple syrup. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 155kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 48mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg
    This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
    Have you tried this recipe?Mention @TheGoodHeartedWoman or tag #thegoodheartedwoman!

    Thank you for visiting the Good Hearted Woman. Remember to bookmark this site, and come back soon!

    Glass of lemonade with a straw on a table with summery plates.
    Paper straws are a fun way to add a little color and be kind to the environment to the same time. #noplasticstraws

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    About Renée B.

    Renée is self-taught home chef with a penchant for creating healthy(ish) comfort food recipes, and adapting vintage recipes for the 21st century cook. In her spare time, she writes unfinished novels and songs about cowboys.

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      5 from 6 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    1. ra says

      July 25, 2019 at 5:55 pm

      5 stars
      This sounds incredibly refreshing! Can't wait to give it a try!

      Reply
    2. Tamara says

      July 23, 2019 at 7:23 pm

      I make this before and it was terrible. I see now that I had the wrong number of cups.

      Reply
      • Renée ♥ says

        July 23, 2019 at 7:31 pm

        Getting the proportions right really makes a difference!

        Reply
    3. Heather says

      July 23, 2019 at 6:38 pm

      I have to try this! I've tried to make lemonade before but it never comes out right.

      Reply
      • Renée ♥ says

        July 23, 2019 at 6:45 pm

        I think the biggest issue people have with homemade lemonade is adding too much sugar. This recipe leans toward less sugar, which allows that fresh lemon flavor to shine.

        Reply
    4. Emese @ My Pure Plants says

      July 23, 2019 at 5:50 pm

      This is definitely a summer must-have. I always add some mint from my garden to my lemonade. And congrats for the paperstraw! Go Plastic-Free July!!!

      Reply
      • Renée ♥ says

        July 23, 2019 at 6:24 pm

        Mint adds a nice finish, doesn't it! And yes, we are slowly but surely getting rid of the disposable plastics in our lives.

        Reply
    5. Vicky says

      July 23, 2019 at 5:24 pm

      5 stars
      We have a lemon tree in our yard and my kids just love to pick lemons for fresh lemonade. You can't go wrong with this yummy recipe.

      Reply
      • Renée ♥ says

        July 23, 2019 at 6:23 pm

        Oh my gosh! Having been a resident of the PNW all my life, the idea of making lemonade from fresh lemons in your own yard sounds like a delicious fairy tale.

        Reply
    6. Catherine @ To & Fro Fam says

      July 23, 2019 at 4:23 pm

      5 stars
      I love homemade lemonade! I actually have a wonderful memory of waking up suuuuuuper early on my younger sister's 16th birthday to make her homemade kiwi lemonade. The delight on her sleepy face was magic. I bet I'd get a similar reaction making this lemonade recipe for my kids!

      Reply
      • Renée ♥ says

        July 23, 2019 at 6:20 pm

        Kiwi Lemonade sounds delicious!

        Reply
    7. cheflolaskitchen says

      July 23, 2019 at 1:34 pm

      5 stars
      Perfect to beat the summer heat!

      Reply
    8. Raia says

      July 23, 2019 at 1:33 pm

      So easy and delicious! Great recipe for the summer!

      Reply
    9. Beth Pierce says

      July 23, 2019 at 12:37 pm

      5 stars
      What a cool and refreshing drink perfect for summer! This was just what I needed on a hot day!

      Reply
    10. Sharon says

      July 23, 2019 at 11:46 am

      A big glass of freshly squeezed lemonade sounds so good on hot days! Skip the powder, I'm trying this recipe asap.

      Reply

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