You only need three ingredients to make this classic homemade Lemonade Recipe. It’s so simple and refreshing–perfect for a summer day! Recipe includes a how-to video.
The Easiest, Most Refreshing Lemonade Recipe
I know some of you are going to see this and think, “Do we really need a lemonade recipe?”. Sure lemonade is one of those things that can be thrown together and still taste great (like mac and cheese or French toast); however, having a reliable recipe is still important.
Lemonade is easy to make, but getting the ratios right is critical. Too much lemon and it’s too tart and undrinkable, and too much water and it’s, well, watered down. What I’m sharing today is a perfectly balanced lemonade recipe that everyone is going to love.
Why You’ll Love My Lemonade Recipe:
- Super smooth and evenly sweetened, thanks to simple syrup.
- Can easily be doubled or tripled–perfect for lemonade stands!
- Not too tart and not too sweet; the balance of lemon and sugar is just right.
- Pairs well with iced tea to make an Arnold Palmer.
What You Need
You only need three simple ingredients to make this lemonade recipe (or two, if you don’t count water!):
- Lemons. It probably won’t come as a surprise to you that I recommend using freshly squeezed lemons for this recipe (as I do with my lemon cheesecake). You’ll only need 3-4 nice sized lemons to get one cup of juice.
- Sugar. Plain granulated sugar works just fine, you could also substitute caster sugar!
- Water. I use tap water because mine doesn’t have a flavor, but if yours has a chlorinated taste use bottled or filtered water.
SAM’S TIP: This isn’t totally necessary, but I like to garnish my homemade lemonade with additional sliced lemons for a bright and sunny look.
Remember, this is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe please scroll down to the bottom of the post!
How to Make Lemonade
- Combine 1 cup each of sugar and water and cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Set the syrup aside to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Combine the cooled syrup and freshly-squeezed lemon juice in a pitcher.
- Add the remaining water and stir, then pour over ice and enjoy!
SAM’S TIP: I like to use this tool to juice my lemons; it makes the job so much easier!
Frequently Asked Questions
You could, but keep in mind the honey will impart a different flavor. I’d start with about ½ cup of honey and taste test before adding any more.
Yes, you can make this lemonade recipe using bottled lemon juice. My brother does this all the time, and the lemonade is still excellent.
Fresh mint, rosemary, and lavender are all delicious pairings with homemade lemonade! Or, you could always make my easy strawberry lemonade.
You can find me sipping a glass of this on my front porch all summer long 😎
More Summer Recipes:
Enjoy!
Let’s bake together! I’ll be walking you through all the steps in my written recipe and video below! If you try this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram, and you can also find me on YouTube and Facebook
Homemade Lemonade Recipe
This recipe makes ½ gallon of lemonade but can successfully be doubled!
Ingredients
- 6 cups (1.4 L) water divided
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (236 ml) fresh-squeezed lemon juice¹ seeds removed, pulp may remain
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Combine 1 cup (236ml) water and 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan. Place over medium-low heat and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside, allow to cool for 10 minutes.6 cups (1.4 L) water, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- Pour 1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice into a pitcher. Add sugar/water mixture (simple syrup).1 cup (236 ml) fresh-squeezed lemon juice¹
- Add remaining 5 cups (1180ml) water and stir well. Pour over ice and serve, or transfer to refrigerator and allow to chill several hours before serving.
Notes
¹Lemon Juice
I really recommend fresh squeezed, but my brother often makes this recipe using bottled lemon juice with success.Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Monica Simmons
I’m really glad I took the time to learn this recipe! I was going to just “wing it” with water/sugar/lemons! Thanks!
Hazel Yarnevich
Just made this delicious Lemonade. I added just a splash of some Kentucky bourbon along with a cherry. Wow what a great drink for a hot summer evening. Yum.
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
That sounds fabulous, Hazel! Enjoy 😊
Annelle
This lemonade recipe is the best! Tastes just like my grandma’s! Very refreshing!
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
So glad it was a hit for you, Annelle! 🥰
Adele
I love it so much. It makes amazing lemonade. Even when it’s doubled! I’m making some for the Fourth of July 2025. This is an amazing recipe! I love the way my lemonade turned out. I can’t get enough of this lemonade I use fresh lemons evry time . Thank you so much
Alexis Oliveira
I absolutely loved your lemonade recipe it was nice and refreshing and sweet. A and absolutely a 10/10 I would have this every day with my breakfast, and can’t t to see your next recipe. And how long can it be in the fridge for?
Sam Merritt
I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Alexis! It will be good in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 🙂
Victoria P
Refreshing and easy. We smashed the peels in the jar to add their zesty flavor.
Russell Shouse
It was very easy to make toke like 15-20 minutes and it tastes so good
Jim
I was so pleased with your delightful recipe turned out perfect
Carolyn Chambers
Not that it’s ghoing to last long (just made some and had a sip before chilling as my jug wouldn’t have held all the lemonade! Delicious even so!) How long can it be safely stored for in the fridge?
Sam Merritt
Hi Carolyn! It should be good up to 5 days in the refrigerator. I would stir it briefly before serving each time. 🙂
Marie
I absolutely love this recipe. I was looking for a great lemonade recipe and I got one. Other recipes in the past didn’t not turn out as I hoped they would and I really happy that this turned out how I wanted it to.
Joy Collier
Absolutely delicious. This will be my go to recipe for fresh lemonade.
Elianna
It’s so good
Kendall
We had some leftover lemons from Costco after making lemon bars and lemon cupcakes per my kids’ request. This lemonade is really hitting the spot right now as I take a break from a busy day of housework. I added some lemon zest to the simple syrup for enhanced lemony flavor. I would appreciate the addition of lavender to this lemonade recipe as well. It’s perfect for late spring/early summer heat. Thanks!
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
We’re so happy you’re enjoying it, Kendall! Love the idea of adding lavender 😍
JennieAnne
Best lemonade recipe! Highly recommend! I do add juice from one orange. My kids go straight to the fridge to see if we’ve got fresh lemonade to drink.
Kaito
I used this in a lemonade stand and It was greatly effective
THANKS
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Wonderful! Thanks for using our recipe, Kaito 🥰