Description
This classic lemon lemonade combines fresh citrus tang with just the right touch of sweetness, making it the ultimate summer refreshment. Whether for barbecues, picnics, or a relaxing afternoon, it’s easy to make, customizable, and irresistibly refreshing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 medium fresh lemons (for zest and juice)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups water, divided (2 cups for syrup, 2 cups cold water)
- Optional: Fresh mint leaves, sliced strawberries, sparkling water
- Optional sweetener substitutes: Honey, maple syrup, or stevia
Instructions
- Zest and juice the lemons; set zest aside if desired for garnish.
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and 2 cups water over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves to make a simple syrup. Let cool.
- Strain the lemon juice to remove seeds and pulp.
- In a pitcher, mix cooled syrup, lemon juice, and remaining 2 cups cold water.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving over ice.
Notes
- Roll lemons on the countertop before juicing to increase yield.
- Microwave lemons for 10–15 seconds to release more juice.
- Add herbs like mint or basil for an herbal twist.
- For sparkling lemonade, replace some water with carbonated water.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-bake / Stovetop (for syrup)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
- Calories: ~100 kcal
- Sugar: ~25g
- Sodium: ~2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~26g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Protein: ~0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg