Does anything scream summer more than an ice-cold glass of homemade lemonade? While we love adding fruity twists to this warm-weather drink, this recipe is our go-to when we’re looking for simple, classic, and ridiculously refreshing. If you usually go for picking up a container of Minute Maid, then you may be surprised by just how easy (and delicious) classic lemonade is to make at home. All you need is the perfect ratio of 3 simple, staple ingredients—plus water—to create this sweet-tart summer favorite, exactly how you like it.
How to make homemade lemonade:
— Make your simple syrup. The best way to make sure your sugar fully dissolves in your lemon and water mixture? Make a simple syrup! All you’ll need to do is bring water to a boil, add equal parts sugar, then stir until dissolved. Let it cool completely before adding to your lemonade, then sweeten to taste. Tip: Simple syrup can be made 1 week ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
— Nail the ratio. Our perfect lemonade combines 8 cups cold water, 1 cup fresh lemon juice, and 1 cup simple syrup. But depending on how you like your lemonade, feel free to taste and adjust. Prefer it sweeter? Add more simple syrup. Like it on the tart side? Add more lemon juice.
Variations:
If you’re craving an extra-sweet lemonade, you can’t go wrong with adding in a fruity flavor boost. Our strawberry lemonade is a classic, but you can really experiment with any fruit! Leave out the alcohol in our spiked watermelon lemonade to make use of the summer fruit, add in the blueberry syrup from our blueberry lemonade margaritas, or go crazy mixing in your favorite pureed fruit (mangos, raspberries… whatever you like!).
Looking to go boozy? Our spiked sparkling basil lemonade, vodka pink lemonade slushies, or lemonade mimosas are the perfect way to turn this refreshing staple into a party-worthy summer cocktail.
Storage:
Any leftover lemonade can be stored in the fridge in the fridge for around 5 to 7 days. Because ice will dilute the mixture, avoid adding it until you’re ready to serve!
Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
Does anything scream summer more than an ice-cold glass of homemade lemonade? While we love adding fruity twists to this warm-weather drink, this recipe is our go-to when we’re looking for simple, classic, and ridiculously refreshing. If you usually go for picking up a container of Minute Maid, then you may be surprised by just how easy (and delicious) classic lemonade is to make at home. All you need is the perfect ratio of 3 simple, staple ingredients—plus water—to create this sweet-tart summer favorite, exactly how you like it.
How to make homemade lemonade:
— Make your simple syrup. The best way to make sure your sugar fully dissolves in your lemon and water mixture? Make a simple syrup! All you’ll need to do is bring water to a boil, add equal parts sugar, then stir until dissolved. Let it cool completely before adding to your lemonade, then sweeten to taste. Tip: Simple syrup can be made 1 week ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
— Nail the ratio. Our perfect lemonade combines 8 cups cold water, 1 cup fresh lemon juice, and 1 cup simple syrup. But depending on how you like your lemonade, feel free to taste and adjust. Prefer it sweeter? Add more simple syrup. Like it on the tart side? Add more lemon juice.
Variations:
If you’re craving an extra-sweet lemonade, you can’t go wrong with adding in a fruity flavor boost. Our strawberry lemonade is a classic, but you can really experiment with any fruit! Leave out the alcohol in our spiked watermelon lemonade to make use of the summer fruit, add in the blueberry syrup from our blueberry lemonade margaritas, or go crazy mixing in your favorite pureed fruit (mangos, raspberries… whatever you like!).
Looking to go boozy? Our spiked sparkling basil lemonade, vodka pink lemonade slushies, or lemonade mimosas are the perfect way to turn this refreshing staple into a party-worthy summer cocktail.
Storage:
Any leftover lemonade can be stored in the fridge in the fridge for around 5 to 7 days. Because ice will dilute the mixture, avoid adding it until you’re ready to serve!
Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
- Yields:
-
10
serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 5 mins
- Total Time:
- 45 mins
- Cal/Serv:
- 46
Directions
-
- Step 1
In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring 1 cup water to a boil. Stir in granulated sugar until dissolved. Let cool.
- Step 2In a large pitcher, stir lemon juice, cooled simple syrup, and 8 cups cold water. Serve over ice with lemon slices.
- Step 3Make Ahead: Simple syrup can be made 1 week ahead. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate.
- Step 1
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
