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Homemade Lemonade is easy to prepare and makes all the difference in the heat of summer. This freshly squeezed lemonade recipe is simple and pure, with only 3 ingredients! I love to serve it on hot days, at summer parties, or any time I need a quick refresher!

Easy Homemade Lemonadeย Recipe
I honestly think this homemade lemonade recipe is the BEST! Itโs so fresh, so simple, and it only takes three ingredients to whip up a pitcher. I usually squeeze the lemons myself because nothing beats that bright, tangy flavor, but if Iโm in a pinch, Iโll grab unsweetened bottled lemon juice and it still turns out great.
On a hot summer day, thereโs nothing I love more than pouring myself a glass of ice-cold lemonadeโitโs the ultimate refresher. I make it all the time for potlucks, BBQs, or just to keep in the fridge for those afternoons when I need something cool and satisfying. And when Iโm in the mood to switch things up, Iโll even make lavender lemonade for a fun little twist.
Homemade Lemonade Recipe

Ingredientsย
- 1ยผ cups granulated sugar (if using ultrafine sugar, see note)
- 4ยฝ cups water divided
- 1ยผ cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice from 5-7 lemons
Video
Instructionsย
- In a small saucepan, over medium heat, whisk together sugar and 1ยฝ cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and stir often until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and cool.1ยผ cups granulated sugar, 4ยฝ cups water
- Strain the lemon juice through a fine-mesh sieve into a 2-quart pitcher.1ยผ cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- Add 3 more cups of water and the sugar/water simple syrup. Stir well and adjust to taste, if needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.4ยฝ cups water
- Serve in glasses filled with ice and garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves. Enjoy!
Beckyโs Tips
- If you use ultra-fine sugar instead of granulated sugar, you donโt need to make a syrup first. You can just mix everything.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Homemade Lemonade Step by Step
Make the simple syrup: Whisk 1ยผ cups granulated sugar and 4ยฝ cups water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring often until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and cool.

Strain the juice: Strain 1ยผ cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice through a fine-mesh sieve into a 2-quart pitcher.

Add water: Add 3 more cups of water and the sugar/water simple syrup to the lemon juice and stir well. Adjust to taste, if needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serve: Serve in glasses filled with ice and garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves. Enjoy!
How to Store
Store leftover lemonade in an airtight container or glass jar in the fridge for 5-7 days. Give it a good stir before serving in case the sugar has fallen to the bottom.

Serving Suggestions
Nothing pairs better with a cold, refreshing glass of lemonade than a batch of gooey sโmores cookies or sweet chocolate sugar cookies. For a savory twist, I also love serving it with corn fritters or a hearty steak sandwich!












If making that 800 ml jug I would add a small teaspoon of salt and no more than a tablespoon of sugar. The salt takes the bitterness of the lemons away and you can then adjust the sugar to your taste
Great tip!!