Fresh Lemonade Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Refreshing homemade Fresh Lemonade recipe made with fresh lemons! It’s a classic delicious drink perfect for any occasion! Includes how to make lemonade concentrate!
For more delicious and refreshing drinks, I think you’ll love my Southern Sweet Tea, Limeade, and Strawberry Lemonade.
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! It is perfect for serving throughout the year but especially refreshing during warmer months. We love it with everything from BBQ pulled pork sandwiches to hamburgers and grilled chicken. A definite favorite!
There are just a few simple tricks to make sure that your lemonade is absolutely perfect every time!
Fresh Lemonade Recipe
How to Make the Best 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 are used! ♡
Ingredients
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
- sugar
- hot water
- fresh lemon juice
- cold water
- lemon zest
- lemon slices
Step-by-Step Instructions
Add sugar. 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.
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 it with lemon slices and over ice.
How Long Does Lemonade Keep in the Refrigerator?
For best results, keep your lemonade refrigerated between servings. Not only does this make it more refreshing on a hot day, but it also keeps it fresher for longer.
I’ve found that my lemonade stays fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. If making in advance for a party, consider using my concentrate recipe or simply wait to add the fresh lemon slices to the pitcher until right before serving.
Can I Make Sugar-Free Lemonade?
Yes! I love to make this recipe sugar-free! Use your favorite sugar-free replacement that you would use in drinks such as tea or coffee.
How to Make Lemonade Concentrate
Similar to my sweet tea concentrate, I love to make this as a concentrate as well! The concentrate requires less room in my refrigerator, is easier to transport when traveling, and is great to make ahead and keep on hand!
To make lemonade concentrate, simply proceed through the recipe without adding the cold water and lemon slices.
Mix sugar and water. Add your sugar to a large pitcher and pour the hot water over the sugar and stir to combine.
Add lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir well.
Pour into an airtight bottle.
Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How to Serve from Lemonade Concentrate
To serve, simply add equal parts lemonade concentrate and cold water to a glass (for single servings) or a pitcher (for larger service).
Other Favorite Drinks
Here’s my Lemonade Recipe. I hope you enjoy it!
Fresh Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 cups lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- cold water
- 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions
- Add sugar to a gallon pitcher and pour hot water over sugar, stirring to dissolve. Add fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and enough cold water to fill the pitcher. Stir until well-combined. Serve with ice and fresh lemon slices, if desired.
- Keep refrigerated
Lemonade Concentrate
- Add sugar to a pitcher and pour hot water over sugar, stirring to dissolve. Add fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir until well-combined. Pour into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator up to a week.
- To serve, pour equal amounts of lemonade concentrate and water into a glass (single serving) or into a pitcher (for larger service). Serve with ice and fresh lemon slices, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
How many lemons for a pitcher
Mimi, you’d need approximately 8 lemons, maybe 10 if they aren’t particularly juicy! It all depends on the size and the amount of juice in each lemon.
Very nice easy recipe. Family loves it!
Thank you. So glad your family loves it. It’s a favorite with my family, too.
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?
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
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
Robyn I love most all of your recipes. I can’t wait to try the lemonade.
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
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.
Just the way my grandmother made it for me 75 years ago Great memories.
One of my favourite summer drinks!! 🙂