Robyn Stone
Refreshing homemade Fresh Lemonade recipe made with fresh lemons! It’s a classic delicious drink perfect for any occasion! Makes the perfect cold drink and is such a family favorite!
Homemade lemonade is one of the most refreshing and easiest drinks to make and this recipe gives you that perfect sweet, yet tart drink we all love!
There are just a few simple tricks to make sure that your lemonade is absolutely perfect every time!
Fresh Lemonade Recipe
How to Make Perfect Fresh Homemade Lemonade
This homemade lemonade recipe is so simple to make and have on hand. It only takes a few minutes to have a gallon of it made and ready for serving.
It is perfect for serving anytime, but especially delicious for picnics, parties, and get togethers. And thankfully, it couldn’t get much easier and you know exactly what is in it! No powdery mixes used! 🙂
To make your lemonade, start by adding your sugar to a large, gallon-size pitcher. If you do not have a gallon-size pitcher, you can easily cut this recipe in half or even double it for larger quantities.
Then, pour in the hot water and stir to dissolve the sugar. This basically creates a simple syrup and prevents your lemonade from being grainy or with sugar that sinks to the bottom of the pitcher.
Stir in your fresh lemon juice and cold water. I also like to add fresh lemon zest to my lemonade recipe, it increases the lemon flavor even more!
Now you are ready to serve it! I love to serve with lemon slices and over ice.
Can You Make This Recipe Ahead?
For best results, keep your lemonade refrigerated between servings. Not only does this make it more refreshing on a hot day, it keeps it fresher longer.
I’ve found that my lemonade stays fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. If making in advance for a party, simply wait about adding the fresh lemon slices to the pitcher until right before serving.
Here’s my Lemonade Recipe. I hope you enjoy it!
Fresh Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 cups fresh lemon juice
- 1 gallon cold water
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 lemon sliced
Instructions
- Add sugar to a gallon pitcher and pour hot water over sugar, stirring to dissolve. Add fresh lemon juice, cold water and lemon zest. Stir until well-combined. Serve with ice and fresh lemon slices, if desired.
- Keep refrigerated
Nutrition Information
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
mmmm… I <3 fresh lemonade!!!
Simple but classic lemonade recipe, I love it.
You cannot even compare this to store bought! Fabulous!
Beautiful. Gorgeous! I LOVE homemade lemonade, but have never tried this recipe. You know I will this summer!
Just made this with my little guy. He took his first sip and said, “I think you rocked it out with this lemonade mommy!” lol Thanks for making my 4 year old think I’m a rock star! ;0)
Well I just guess I’ll have to make another batch of lemoncello so I can get some fresh lemon juice. This looks so refreshing
I have extra lemons after a party, this is perfect! Thank you.
Could this recipe be made with a sugar substitute such as Splenda?
Absolutely! Just use the package directions for substitutions and it should work great!
Absolutely delicious. Changing anything would be an injustice.
Thanks so much, Shannon!
Robyn, this sounds so good! How many lemons would I need for 2 cups of juice? I love your recipes & have lots in my recipe app.
Thanks!
Hi Debbie,
I’m so glad you are enjoying the recipes! Thank you so much for using them! It means more than you’ll ever know! So, for lemons, it will definitely depend on the size of the lemon and some produce more juice than others. I like to place a lemon in the microwave for 8 to 10 seconds and then roll it on the countertop with the palm of my hand to release as much juice as possible. Then, once I cut it open, I use a citrus reamer or juicer to extract as much juice possible. With all that said, I estimate about 1/4 cup per lemon on average. Therefore, you’d need approximately 8 lemons, maybe 10 if they aren’t particularly juicy! 🙂 I hope that helps!
Thanks Robyn, this definately helps!!! Going to the store today!
I love lemonade especially when it is so hot out.
Can’t buy the frozen stuff any more because I just can’t stand all that high fructose corn syrup. If I need something quick I buy it from Trader Joe’s. Usually I just make my own.
One of my favourite summer drinks!! 🙂
Just the way my grandmother made it for me 75 years ago Great memories.
Great refreshing summer drink.
This is the only lemon drink during summer time in India people make it and drink multiple times everyday.
Nice to see the same recipe.
Robyn,
Wow, Home Run!! I was looking for a fresh lemonade recipe and yous popped up on my search. This is just like my grandma used to make, brought back so many happy memories. Now I am able to have fresh lemonade ‘tea parties’ with my own granddaughter and continue the tradition. Thanks!! ❤
I love this, Susan! Such special memories! xo
Robyn I love most all of your recipes. I can’t wait to try the lemonade.
I have a Meyer’s lemon tree and was wondering if this recipe would work. In the past I tried to make lemonade with just sugar and water and lemon juice but it was pretty bitter no matter how much sugar we added. Of course my granddaughter thought it was great cause she made it. So precious. Great memories.
How lucky you are to have a Meyer’s lemon tree, Dolores! You certainly can use Meyer’s lemons for this recipe. Hope you and your granddaughter like it! xo
Old school lemonade! I used to make this as a kid and sell it on the roadside. Brilliant recipe, the zest is what makes it even stronger. When I have an excess off my lemon tree i just throw the whole lemon in the freezer then microwave for eight seconds then roll.
Thank you for yr recipes, I use often.
Hi Debby,
You are so lucky to have your own lemon trees! I envy you. I bet the lemonade is even better made with fresh lemons off your tree! Thanks! xo
This looks yummy, and I’ll definitely make it! I’m also looking for an orangeade recipe, which is my husband’s favorite. Do you have one you can share?
Very nice easy recipe. Family loves it!
Thank you. So glad your family loves it. It’s a favorite with my family, too.