Homemade Lemonade Recipe made with freshly squeezed lemon juice! This is the taste of summer, right here! It is so refreshing with just the right amounts of lemon juice, water, and sugar.

If I were to think of the perfect drink that defined refreshing, homemade lemonade would definitely be on the short list. While you can obviously get lemonade from a restaurant or buy it from the store, I prefer lemonade made right at home—the kind with only fresh squeezed lemon juice, sugar, and water.

If you’ve ever found yourself craving a thirst-quenching glass of sunshine, look no further. Let’s dive into the delightful world of homemade lemonade. Forget store-bought versions loaded with who-knows-what; we’re talking about the real deal – zesty lemons, a sprinkle of sweetness, and a splash of magic that comes from making it in your own kitchen. Get ready for a refreshing journey as we uncover the simple steps and secret tips to create the perfect homemade lemonade with lemon jucie that’ll have you sipping summer in every gulp!

Homemade Lemonade Ingredients

The key to perfect homemade lemonade is getting the right ratio of lemon juice to water and sugar. After some serious taste-testing, I’ve discovered just the right amount of each of those ingredients that are needed to make the most refreshing homemade lemonade. It’s not too sweet, and it’s not too tart. It’s just right. To see how much of each ingredient is needed, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Lemons: Juice from fresh lemons is key for the best and freshest flavor. Skip the bottled lemon juice and grab about 5-6 bright yellow lemons that are firm and not wrinkly. See my tips below for getting the most juice from your lemons.
• Sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemons. We make a simple syrup by dissolving sugar in water on the stove which melds into liquids better rather than just sinking to the bottom of the glass or pitcher like plain granulated sugar would. Simple syrup is often used in cocktails because it mixes better with cold liquids.
• Water: Combined with the sugar to create a simple syrup and used to make the bulk of the lemonade while letting the other ingredients shine.

How to Make Lemonade From Scratch

Homemade Lemonade is perfect for summer BBQs, or any ole day of the week, especially on hot summer days. Here is a brief overview of how this recipe for homemade lemonade comes together. For the full recipe including all measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

1. Make a simple syrup. Combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and allow the sugar to dissolve. Allow to cool and then refrigerate.
2. Juice your lemons. Pour the lemon juice through a fine mesh strainer to remove any pulp and seeds.
3. Make the lemonade. Stir together the cooled simple syrup, lemon juice, and about 4 cups of water. Serve over ice, garnish with lemon slices, and enjoy!

Getting the Most Juice From Your Lemons

For one cup of lemon juice, you will need 5-6 lemons. To get the most juice from your lemons, start by rolling the lemon on a countertop with gentle pressure using the palm of your hand. This helps to break down the cell walls inside and makes the lemon juicier. Next, you can microwave the lemon for about 10-15 seconds to further loosen the juice. Alternatively, you can place the lemon in hot water for a few minutes.

Cut the lemon in half and use a citrus juicer to squeeze out the juice. If you don’t have a juicer, simply squeeze them by hand. These methods should help you get the most juice from your lemons. Be sure to pour the lemon juice through a strainer to catch any seeds or pulp before adding it to the lemonade.

Serving and Storing Homemade Lemonade

This easy lemonade recipe makes six cups of lemonade. It can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. I recommend not adding ice to the pitcher when keeping in the fridge so that it doesn’t get watered down.

I like to fill the glass up with lots of ice before pouring a glass of lemonade. And of course, don’t forget to garnish each glass with a lemon slice. 

Lemonade Variations

While I am absolutely in love with this Homemade Lemonade recipe, don’t forget to try my Frozen Strawberry Lemonade, another ultra-refreshing drink that is calling your name!

• Strawberry Lemonade Sweet Tea
• Frozen Strawberry Lemonade
• Strawberry Lemonade

If you try this perfect homemade lemonade recipe or any of my other recipes, please let me know by leaving a comment!