Fresh Lemonade Recipe
This Fresh Lemonade Recipe is bright, refreshing, and has just the right balance of sweet and tart. Made in minutes with fresh lemons and simple syrup, it’s the ultimate homemade lemonade for summer parties, picnics, and sipping at family gatherings.
Servings: 12
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 the sugar, stirring to dissolve.
- Add fresh lemon juice, 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 one week.
- To serve lemonade from the concentrate: 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 you wish.
Notes
Sugar-Free Lemonade: Use your favorite sugar substitute in place of the sugar called for in this recipe.
See my "Lemon Guide" for tips about juicing and zesting lemons and more.
Recipe Success Tips:
- Roll Lemons First: Helps release the most juice.
- Use Fresh Lemons: Gives the best flavor. Bottled juice works, but won’t taste as bright.
- Make Ahead: Prepare in advance and store in the fridge.
- Store: Refrigerate in a pitcher or sealed jar up to 5 days.
- Do Not Freeze: The texture changes when frozen.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Consider using my lemonade concentrate recipe. Can also juice lemons ahead for fast recipe prep. Add fresh lemon slices to the pitcher just before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 138kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 42mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin C: 16.4mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 0.1mg