Homemade Lemonade Recipe
This Lemonade recipe is so refreshing and timeless. You won’t believe how easy it is to make with just 2 ingredients! Once you try homemade lemonade, it will spoil you forever.
If you’re wondering what to do with lemons, making lemonade is our favorite way to use freshly-squeezed lemon juice along with our Lemon Bars and Easy Lemon Curd.
![Our Lemonade recipe is so refreshing and easy with just 2 ingredients! Once you try homemade lemonade, it will spoil you forever. homemade lemonade in mason jars with lemon slices](https://natashaskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Lemonade-Recipe.jpg)
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Perfect Lemonade
This lemonade recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. We’re sharing our favorite proportions of sugar to lemon juice, but you can add more sugar or more lemon juice to taste.
This is the perfect base recipe to use for so many lemonade varieties. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the variations below. Our favorite is pink lemonade, which is actually Strawberry Lemonade.
Simple Syrup Makes the Best Lemonade
Simple syrup is a thick and sweet syrup used to sweeten a variety of different drinks. Why is this important for lemonade? If you just stir the sugar into cold water, it will sink to the bottom and won’t dissolve. We promise it’s quick and so worth it!
The simple syrup really is the secret to the perfect lemonade recipe, and it allows you to adjust the sweetness of the mixture to your liking. Just add the syrup slowly to the freshly squeezed lemon juice, and then taste test to find the right balance.
![Our Lemonade recipe is so refreshing and easy with just 2 ingredients! Once you try homemade lemonade, it will spoil you forever. a pitcher of lemonade made with fresh squeezed lemons](https://natashaskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Lemonade-Recipe-2.jpg)
Ingredients
This simple recipe perfectly balances the sour and sweet flavors of freshly squeezed lemon juice and sugar. After one sip, you’ll see why homemade lemonade is better than store-bought every time.
- Sugar – we prefer using organic sugar to make the simple syrup and sweeten the lemonade. If you want to substitute for a different sweetener, see the variations below.
- Lemon Juice – freshly squeezed lemon juice is ideal, and you’ll need 6-8 lemons depending on the size, but store-bought lemon juice could work in a pinch
![Our Lemonade recipe is so refreshing and easy with just 2 ingredients! Once you try homemade lemonade, it will spoil you forever. Lemons, sugar and water combine to make this iconic and refreshing summer drink](https://natashaskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Lemonade-Recipe.jpg)
Pro Tip: Use room-temperature lemons to make juicing easier. Then, roll the lemon firmly on the counter before cutting to help release juices.
How to Buy Lemons
When you’re shopping for lemons, here is what to look for to ensure you are getting the juiciest lemons:
- Size – look for smaller to medium-sized fruit.
- Color – a bright yellow color is a good indicator of ripeness.
- Texture – the skin should be wrinkle-free and firm but with a slight give. Then, when you pick it up, the lemon will feel heavy for its size.
The Best Lemons for Lemonade
Plain lemons which are known as Lisbon lemons are the best for homemade lemonade and are easy to find year-round in the grocery store and give a more traditional sour flavor to the drink.
Note: Meyer Lemons are sweeter than other varieties, so cut back on how much simple syrup you use in the mixture so the lemonade has a balanced sour and sweet flavor.
Pro Tip: Store lemons on the counter for up to 10 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a month. You can also juice the lemons immediately and store the juice in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freezer for 3-4 months.
How to Make Lemonade
All you need to make this recipe is a great lemon juicer, a saucepan, and a pitcher. If you don’t have a lemon juicer, use a fork to break up the membrane and release more juice.
- Make Simple Syrup – simmer 1 cup water and 1 1/2 cups sugar to dissolve the sugar. Cool to room temperature and chill.
- Squeeze 1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice and refrigerate.
- To serve – combine 7 cups cold water, chilled sugar syrup, and chilled lemon juice. Serve over glasses filled with ice and garnish with lemon slices.
![Our Lemonade recipe is so refreshing and easy with just 2 ingredients! Once you try homemade lemonade, it will spoil you forever. Step by step instructions for making simple syrup with just water and sugar](https://natashaskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/lemonade-recipe.jpg)
Pro Tip: Get even more lemon flavor by adding the zest of a lemon to the sugar and water when creating the simple syrup. Avoid the white pith of the lemon skins which can make it bitter and remember to strain the zest out before adding to the lemon juice.
Variations
This base lemonade recipe is delicious and versatile! Here are a few ideas on how to put your own spin on the recipe:
- Fruit Purees– raspberry, strawberry, and peach would be delicious
- Agave or honey – these will work as a substitute for sugar with a slightly different taste
- Herbs – add mint, lavender, or even rosemary to the final mixture
- Soda water – get a bubbly twist on lemonade using sparkling water
- Iced Tea – mix equal parts lemonade and unsweetened iced tea for an Arnold Palmer
Pro Tip: Add lemon juice ice cubes along with regular ice cubes when serving to keep the lemonade from being diluted when the ice melts.
Common Questions
Homemade lemonade is a sweet drink, but it’s certainly better than store-bought concentrate. You can add less of the simple sugar to cut down on calories and carbs. This lemonade is also high in Vitamin C as each glass has about the equivalent of 1 juiced lemon. Read the nutrition label below to get a full calorie count per serving.
Sugar is difficult to dissolve in cold water. While you can make lemonade without a simple syrup, you may have crunchy sugar crystals in your drink. The Syrup isn’t hard to make, and it’s so worth it.
Of course! This is the perfect recipe for a lemonade stand or even a summer barbecue.
![Our Lemonade recipe is so refreshing and easy with just 2 ingredients! Once you try homemade lemonade, it will spoil you forever. Homemade Lemonade recipe over ice with lemon rounds and mason jars](https://natashaskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Lemonade-Recipe-3.jpg)
What to Serve with Lemonade
Lemonade is delicious on its own, but also compliments these delicious recipes:
- Grilled Hamburgers
- Cheeseburger Sliders
- Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Pulled Pork Recipe
- Avocado Corn Salad
- Blueberry Pie Recipe
Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week. The simple syrup and lemon juice will also keep separately refrigerated for the same time.
- Freezing: Freeze the simple syrup and lemon juice separately, or mix them together before freezing as a substitute for store-bought lemonade concentrate.
- Thaw: allow frozen lemonade to defrost in the refrigerator and serve over ice.
![Our Lemonade recipe is so refreshing and easy with just 2 ingredients! Once you try homemade lemonade, it will spoil you forever. Lemonade in pitcher with lemon slices](https://natashaskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Lemonade-Recipe-5.jpg)
Homemade lemonade will never go out of style. It’s a real treat in summer. Next step? Stock up on lemons and satisfy that craving.
Refreshing Summer Drinks
As temperatures climb, we stay hydrated and keep cool with these crisp, bubbly, and flavorful summer drink recipes:
- Iced Tea Recipe
- Cherry Lemonade
- Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade
- Cranberry Pineapple Punch
- Brazilian Lemonade
- Raspberry Sherbet Party Punch
Lemonade Recipe
![Lemonade served in a carafe with yellow towel and lemon rounds](https://natashaskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Lemonade-Recipe-4-150x150.jpg)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water, (cold), plus 7 cups to serve
- 1 1/2 cups Lemon Juice , (from 8 medium or 6 large lemons)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water with 1 1/2 cups sugar. Place over medium heat and bring just to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. Transfer to a mason jar, cover and refrigerate until ready serving.
- Squeeze 1 1/2 cups lemon juice. Transfer to a mason jar and refrigerate up to 2 weeks until ready to make lemonade.
I have read the recipe, and re-read it two more times. I only see the initial 1/2 c. sugar added to the water to make the syrup. The recipe calls for 1 1/2 c. sugar. Am I missing something?
Hi Kim, You can check this part of the recipe “Make Simple Syrup – simmer 1 cup water and 1 1/2 cups sugar to dissolve the sugar. Cool to room temperature and chill.”
Ah! The “1” was displayed on the previous line on my phone so I missed it. Thanks!!
I followed and made some of your recipes and found it so amazing. I’m retired and have more time in the kitchen now. My husband loves to eat. Only the two of us live in our big 2 stormy house since all the kids (5) have their own houses and family. I’m so grateful and thankful for sharing your knowledge and expertise in cooking. Not too complicated, easy to follow and most of all super delicious 😋
More blessings and power to you Natasha !
Hi Cynthia! That makes me so happy to hear. Thank you so much.
Wow! I cannot get over how delicious this lemonade is! I have never made homemade lemonade. It was super easy and will definitely make again and again! Thank you for sharing your amazing recipe!
I’m so glad you loved it, Nikki!
Made it for my Son’s Birthday Fantastic recipe! So easy to make! I also added sliced strawberries for prettiness! Tastes great not too tart and not too sweet! Will definitely make this again! Thanks Natasha
Lovely to hear that you enjoyed it! Adding strawberries I’m sure made it prettier and more yummy!
This recipe looks great. When I was young we made homemade lemonade with lemons and oranges. I love the pulp so I would try to get as much of that in as possible. I am 80 but still do a lot of cooking for our large family. Thanks for all your wonderful recipes and your fun spirit.
Hi Carol! You’re very welcome.
Hi Natasha,
Oh My Gosh, this lemonade recipe is to die for!!!! This is my most Favorite Lemonade Recipe and I will make this Forever:)
You Are The Greatest!!!!!
Thank You Once Again!!!!!
Hi Melinda! You’re very welcome. I’m so glad you love it. Thank you for the feedback.
Made your lemonade today. It is delicious and so simple to make.
Thank you for sharing, Mark!
My kids love making homemade lemonade & having a lemonade stand! Love our lemon trees for this very recipe! It’s so refreshing!
Can i make simple syrup with stevia or truvia? Love lemonade but don’t like a lot of sugar in my diet. Thanks!
Hi Lisa! I think that would work fine. I haven’t tested it myself to advise.
One of my readers shared they’ve used Monk Fruit sweetener (1 for 1) and it comes out good.
Thanks Nat…that Lemonade looks so refreshing! I have a sun Lemonade recipe I use that is very good and easy…I will try this tho’ . Thanks for sharing !
Have a nice weekend!
You’re very welcome, Lydia!
I am writing a review but is more about you and the incredible crispy chicken sandwich recipe. I made it following instructions (which I never do). Your remark from the video “mmm it’s so good” is 💯 accurate. So why do I write a review of the chicken in this column?
Because I got friends and family hooked on the “mmm it’s so good” crispy chicken recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen that we can’t wait to follow your instructions to taste all your recipes to be able with the trend “mmm it’s so good”🏆👏👏👏💪❤️
Thank you so much, Gloria! I appreciate it.
THE BEST recipe!!! I made 3 pitchers of this recipe for a lemonade stand this weekend and it was a HIT! Literally everyone who tried it was in awe at how good it was. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome, Miranda! I’m so glad it was a hit. Thank you for the feedback.
I think this might be the best lemonade recipe I have tried. And living in SoCal, I have tried a lot.
Hi Sandy! That’s amazing. I’m so glad you loved it. Thank you for sharing.
Hey Natasha why does the lemon juice and the syrup need to be in the fridge for two weeks?
Hi Milana, you do not need to keep it in the fridge for two weeks. The mixture keeps well for two weeks. It’s best to use it within two weeks. I hope that helps!
Hi Natasha. My question is how much ice cubes do you use to make a pitcher of lemonade, realizing that I will have adjust the sugar and lemon. Also, I am a diabetic, which artificial sugar do you recommend. Thank you.
Hi Janet. I don’t measure it out. Typically I like to fill the pitcher about 1/3 with ice. As for an artificial sweetener, you can use anyone you’d like.
Natasha
I love lemonade! My favorite. Over the years I’ve learned to tweak recipes here and there, but I wanted to share with you that I add a teaspoon of vanilla and a little salt. My nieces and guest will go thru a gallon before our cookouts even begin.
Thank you for those great recipes. I really like Greek middle eastern recipes. Do you have a great Tahini or Tabouli recipe you coul post. Thanks Karen Patterson
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you all enjoyed this recipe, Karen!
Can you use stevia in place of the sugar to make the sugar water for the lemonade?
Hi Judy, that should be fine. The stevia to sugar ratio is lower. You generally don’t need to use as much stevia so I would add it based on your preference of sweetness level.
Hi Natasha. I have been following to you for over 10 years now, first discovering your blog when looking for a Sparta Cake. I still impress family and friends with this wonderful treat. The lemonade recipe has popped up on my news feed just at the right time with everyone in our home complaining of coughs and colds. Thank you, you are delightful to follow.
Hi Angela! I’m so glad to hear that, Thank you!
Hi Natasha, Love, love all of your recipes, and love watching your videos!
Do you have a similar recipe for Lemon Pound Cake similar to :
https://2guysthatsellcake.com/collections/cakes/products/iced-lemon-pound-cake-two-pounds?fbclid=IwAR0h60FAShMjzxOzKFKC5TYxcIqnS6r86UIbx2zvC7jm1lTopxVvtDGXWZU
Hi Shirey. I do not have a recipe like this but I have a few others you may enjoy. My blueberry lemon cake HERE, and my blueberry lemon muffins with glaze.
Very good,for a healthier version I like to substitute sugar with local honey very well mixed in the vitamix with fresh peppermint and a pinch of pink salt.
Thanks for sharing that with us!
How do I make a single glass of lemonade using your recipe. I’d like to make 1 glass at a time
Hi Rhoda, you may change the serving size to 1 and the ingredients should change as well.
Can you use a sugar substitute like Stevia, Splenda or other to make this? I love lemonade but I have diabetes and can’t have sugar.
Hi Barb, you can use honey as an alternative or stevia but I haven’t personally tried that to advise of the measurements. If you try that, please share with us how it goes.
Try monkfruit sweetener (such as Lakanto brand). It’s a 1:1 sweetener that’s zero glycemic and zero carbs.
This is the way I’ve made lemonade for years now! Initially it was just a tad too sweet for me. I’ve adjusted the sugar down abit to 1 1/4 cups and that is just perfect for us!
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Doug! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
The best lemonade I’ve ever had!! It’s so refreshing and delicious! Thank you!
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Mary!
This is our family go to recipe.
I agree whole heartedly the simple syrup is what makes this so delicious. It sounds like a hassle but it’s really not and totally worth it. Enjoy ☺️
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Shannon!
I love her recipes she is a very beautiful young lady she just acts so silly you just get it for you don’t wanna see all that silly stuff just want to see your cook
the silly part is fine that what makes us feel good when cook I dance in my kitchen you have to be different sometimes.
Try peeling the zests off the lemons and putting the sugar on the zests and letting that sit for 30 mins and then pour hot water over it all to melt the sugar, strain and then add ice…
Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
Thank you for these measurements! I love lemonade but whenever I make it it’s either too lemony or too sweet. This time it worked great! I just have to mention though, sugar does dissolve in cold water! It just takes longer and you have to stir the life out of it. I’ve stirred in sugar to ice cold beverages and it works every time, just takes patience. Not trying to be rude I just thought it would be a good tip for people who don’t have the time to do the simple syrup (though I’m sure it doesn’t take long)
Thanks again for the recipe!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the homemade lemonade!
hi,Natasha i like your recipes
Thank you, glad you’re enjoying them!
Beautiful! 1 cup of sugar was perfect. Maybe next time I will do this recipe again!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Hi,
If I’m in a hurry, could I add the warm simple syrup straight to the lemon juice or does chilling it make a difference? Thanks again for all the wonderful recipes!!!
That should work just fine too. Share with us how it goes if you give that a try!
I made this lemonade for my husbands 83rd Birthday gathering! It was a fabulous hit! Will definitely make this again! Thank you for such a easy and very tasty recipe!
You’re welcome, Judy! I’m so happy you enjoyed that!
Can the lemon syrup be preserved ?
Hi Simone, I haven’t tested that to advise but it may be possible. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.
This sounds great! Going to make for my husbands 83rd birthday on April 1st, he loves lemonade and enjoys watching you as much as I do! Your recipes are always so good and easy to prepare. Love your sense of humor and the tapping of hands before you prepare food!
Sounds like a great plan, Judy. I’m sure he will appreciate and love it! Thank you for your kind words and support too.
This looks wonderful but as a diabetic can you recommend a particular sugar substitute and would you heat it like the sugar? Thanks!
Hi Karen, you can use honey as an alternative or stevia but I haven’t personally tried that to advise of the measurements. If you try that, please share with us how it goes.
Hi Natasha,
Thank you for sharing with us your beautiful recipes.
Which type of Basil should I use
to make the Strawberry-Basil- Lemonade?
Have a lovely weekend.
Aloha,
Leny Kam.
Hi Leny, we used fresh basil. We have a photo of it in the recipe post.
Hi Natasha,
I don’t have an ice cube tray, so can I not add any ice in my drink? Thanks!
Hi Vivian, you definitely can add ice, but keep in mind it will dilute it more as the ice melts.
Love lemons, can’t wait to make this today.
I hope you love this recipe Cheryl!
Hi Natasha, this lemonade recipe was absolutely amazing (no kidding)! I tried this recipe today and it tasted better than the store-bought ones. I definitely will be making it again–it’s so simple!
Love it, that is awesome! Thanks for sharing that with us, Vivian.
hi Natasha! pls can this work with limes? i would like to make it as my go-to drink to enjoy whenever i need to be refreshed with a healthy treat! hmmmmmm…………!
Hi Annah, I have not tested this with lime. It would be more of a limeade then. If you experiment though I would love to know how you like that.
Wish you had a book Natasha
Hi Barbara, we are working on one! Stay tuned!
I bought some lemons a couple weeks ago and I wanted to make a nice fresh homemade lemonade – not the stuff from concentrate. I love anything lemon – so when I found this recipe it sounded easy enough. The only change I made was to use a vegetable peeler and peeled the rind from two -lemons and added it to the hot syrup to let the oils out. It amped up the flavor a lot. Just made my second jug in less than a week lol. It’s so good!
I’m so happy you liked this recipe Jane! Thank you for that great review!
How many serving would I have to make for a gallon?
Hi Estela, this recipe could make about 8 servings. You can click on the number of servings on the recipe to change the ingredients too.
Have you had anyone use Swerve (granular) and/or stevia in place of the sugar for a sugar-free version? I saw someone asked about Splenda, but just wanted to inquire about a more natural sweetener alternative…and if you have heard of someone using Swerve and/or stevia, how much to use versus sugar?
Hello Marni, I personally haven’t tried using Swerve to advise. Sorry wish I could help you more!
I’ve made lemonade with Monk Fruit sweetener (1 for 1) and it comes out good.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
Can this be made with Splenda? If so do you know how to use?
Hi Elaine, I haven’t tested that through since we don’t use Splenda but if you experiment, please let me know how it goes.
You don’t need any sweetener or sugar at all. In Austria we drink it as lemon soda. just fresh cold soda water + freshly squeezed lemons! Really refreshing! Zero calories!
Yes, it works well with Splenda.
I have been chasing after the perfect lemonade recipe for years and I finally found it!!
That’s so great! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe!
Presentation is great. We like lemonade very much. We consume it summer to winter every time. Also, we share our homemade lemonade (in Turkish limonata) on our blog site
That’s so great! Thank you for sharing that with us!
i love this! this was so helpful for my party! it was so tasty!!!!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the wonderful review!
Wow! Really simple to make and tastes great on a hot day. Really energizing & refreshing.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the wonderful review!
This recipe is fool-proof! It came out great using lemons from a friend’s tree. So refreshing on a hot summer day, and especially soothing for a sore throat. Thank you for sharing the recipe. 🙂
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Andie! Thank you for the wonderful review!
This was so good! I made it with homegrown lemons, organic cane sugar, and added a few mint leaves from our garden! Perfect!! Thanks!
Homemade is the best!
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
After cooling the syrup to room temperature can I proceed with the whole batch of lemonade? Do you recommend refrigerating it for a period of time?
Hi Lisa, we like to drink it cold so we make it ahead of time and chill it in the fridge.
Such a simple recipe, yet so delicious! 😋 it’s so perfect for summer. I’m a huge lemonade fan and so are my kids (surprising right lol). My kids eat lemons with touch of sugar but when they saw lemonade, it was gone in minutes. Thank you! Here are my July 4th goals😋😋
I’m so happy you enjoyed that, Olga. Thank you for sharing that with us!
We love lemonade!! Thanks for all the tips! This is such a perfect drink this summer!
You’re so welcome Toni! I’m so happy you enjoyed that!
Nothing like homemade lemonade, incredibly delicious!
Isn’t it the best! Thank you for that awesome review!
Nothing beats a pitcher of homemade lemonade!
I couldn’t agree more! Thank you for that awesome review!
We drink this all summer long! great lemonade recipe!
So refreshing and perfect for summer! Thank you Cheryl!
My son is coming home from college for summer to see me for two weeks before he has to go back. I was wanting homemade lemonade for him and poof! The perfect recipe just showed up! Thank you!!!
You’re so welcome! I bet you’re so happy to him home for the summer! That’s so great!
Love the ice cube tip!
I’m so happy to hear that!
Lemonade is also prescribed by doctors to those who suffer from kidney stones. There is something in the lemon that dissolves existing stones and prevents new ones from forming. It works too. Ask me how I know.
One suggestion: Use only organic sugar to prevent acid indigestion and heartburn.
Thank you for sharing that with us!
Does this taste like chick fil a lemonade!? Their lemonade is sooo good haha
That’s a good question Ruby! Sounds like a taste test is in order!
1.5 cups of sugar is NOT healthy. Sugar contributes to obesity, diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, cancer, and even Alzheimer’s.
Hi Mark, keep in mind it is divided by 8 servings. Also, I didn’t claim it was healthy to consume alot of sugar, but I do think it is a better alternative to concentrate lemonade and restaurant lemonade which often has more sugar.
Could you freeze prior to adding the 7 cups of water
Hi Diana, I haven’t tested that to advise. If you experiment, I would love to know how it goes.
Absolutely amazing recipe! I love the fact that it is naturally healthy and without any concentrates.
Another hit recipe. Thank you Natasha!
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it Lesya!
Here is a tip for healthier version of lemonade. Use honey instead of sugar (mix honey with room temperature water). Also, I add a few stems of fresh mint before chilling lemonade in the fridge. My kids love it and it’s very popular at family gatherings.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me!
how much honey would you use?